80 Matthew Thomson     (NEW)
Thomson Litho
Why Being chief executive of Scotland's largest remaining print group makes Thomson's inclusion long overdue. The oldest of the four Thomson brothers that own the 40-year-old firm, his management style is jokingly described as "cotton mill owner", although direct and focused is perhaps a kinder and more accurate summary. While the glory days of having the UK computer manual sector all to itself may have gone, the company goes from strength-to-strength. Described by some as the "Victor Kiam of print", after it bought the rights to manufacture and service the Variquik web presses it uses, the entrepreneurial credentials of the company are beyond reproach.

79 Andrew Jones     (74)
Stephens & George
Why According to one customer, Stephens & George, under group managing director Jones's stewardship, has taken the sheetfed magazine printer model to "another level - they're always pushing the boundaries". Described as a "party animal, very keen sportsman and avid Welshman", who interestingly adores the very English sport of cricket, he's said to know every facet of his business inside out - to the extent that he could technically do any job in the £20m turnover firm. It's been a busy year for "single-minded" Jones, which included a substantial investment in a new 10-colour Heidelberg Speedmaster XL105, its second XL in two years.

78 Brian Filler    (86)
Screen
Why Screen UK's managing director is well-regarded throughout the industry for his grace under pressure and ever-cheery demeanour, which must have come in handy this year. The firm is undergoing a huge transition as it switches from CTP to inkjet presses in the wide-format and high-speed continuous-feed colour markets. That's meant learning about new customers and dealing with new competitors. Filler has managed to mix business with pleasure, combining his photographic skills with his firm's wide-format technology to personalise his house with artwork. In the next year, Screen's B2 inkjet press comes to the market, which will give Filler the chance to exploit his new digital print expertise.

77 Terry Watts     (72)
Proskills
Why After a long battle and months of negotiations, Proskills has finally been given the go-ahead to establish an employer-led National Skills Academy. Printers can use the academy as a means of accessing the government's £62m training fund through the Learning and Skills Council. And Watts's hard work hasn't stopped there; Proskills is continuing to build up its Sector Skills Council (SSC) by concentrating on its role of research and training standards development. On a personal level, Watts is a family man who enjoys running.

76 Ray Hillhouse     (66)
Presstek
Why A grafter who gets the job done is the description that befits Presstek Europe's sales and marketing director. The rugged Scot has got a new boss in Europe, former Kodak GCG stalwart Guy Sasson, allowing him to focus fully on his sales and marketing role. During these tough times, he has set his sights on getting his sales force ready to take advantage when the upturn comes. A small consolation has been buoyant DI plate sales on the back of a switch to shorter print runs. Planning for Ipex 2010, a new product launch and rolling out more European subsidiaries will keep him busy in the next year, giving him plenty of Air Miles, but leaving little time for him to redeem them.

75 Nicky Mason     (33)
IIR Exhibitions
Why A fall reflects the tough times IIR's print events have faced this year. The economic situation took the shine off Northprint, but some of Mason's fall is due to the ascendancy of colleague Trevor Crawford in the run up to Ipex 2010. Managing director Mason's attention has been focused on other IIR events in the pharmaceutical and maritime sectors and she's seen as a rising star within parent Informa. Praised for being very quick to pick things up and to see what needs to be done, she's also adept at juggling lots of issues and is always prepared to roll her sleeves up and get stuck in when needed.

74 Graham Griffiths     (82)
Premier Group
Why Managing director Griffiths is known as much for his charisma as his hardcore business strategy, a reputation one voter says has helped him maintain company morale while ruthlessly cutting costs. Just over a year since the purchase of Premier Paper, Griffiths has brought the two organisations together with all functions fully integrated and a logistics operation now disengaged from GM2 Logistics, which was part of Premier when it was a subsidiary of Antalis. When he's got any spare time on his hands, Griffiths throws in the odd 60-mile sponsored bike ride for charity, skis down the steepest off-piste slopes and pilots RIBs (rigid inflatable boats) at speeds of over 50 knots.    

73 Tony Chard     (79)
MPG Books Group
Why A new entry last year, managing director Chard has edged a few places further up the rankings in 2009, partly due to the group's acquisition of Biddles last November, a deal that helped to safeguard nearly 100 jobs. "Tony is just fine to work with and has a vision that is rarely matched", says MPG's sales director, Andy Simpson. One voter also commented on his tireless work in building MPG at Bodmin to one of the leaders in its field. When not managing the helm of one of the largest independent book manufacturers in the UK, Chard is a Rembrandt in the making enjoying a spot of oil painting.

72 Trevor Crawford     (NEW)
Ipex
Why With Ipex 2010 opening its doors in 326 days, it's exhibition director Crawford's time to make his mark and, in doing so, ensure that the show is a success. Ipex 2010 is being billed as the most important show to date, with some suggesting the timing could be a catalyst for recovery in the industry. Despite his drive, everyone describes Crawford as a true gentleman. As he enters the home straight to the show's opening, Crawford's stubbornness and determination should see him in good stead for the year ahead.

71 Julian Baust     (65)
Kodak
Why One year into his role as general manager of Kodak GCG UK (Baust is also chairman of Kodak UK), and rivals still scoff, asking "Julian who?". Despite such jibes it looks as if this keen hunter has been taking his time stalking his print industry prey - and they may eventually have to eat their words. Having spent the last year occupied with Kodak's integration, he's starting to get out and about more, which hopefully means that we will all get the chance to see if his reputation as a dry wit is deserved. Baust, a Kodak lifer, is described as an excellent delegator, and staff love his steady, calm style, with one describing him as a dream to work with.

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