90 Peter Alderson (84)
Alderson Print Group
Why His colleagues tell us his blood group is print. At 65, he's still the driving force behind the Alderson Print Group and, while it's true that last year saw the Alderson brothers hand over the reins to new managing directors, the term "being put out to graze" is far from relevant in this instance. In fact, colleagues tell us it's proving difficult to keep Alderson out of the office and he remains a very visible presence. He may have slipped a couple of places down the ranks, but his company has made some significant forward moves thanks to a series of investments to keep more work in-house and the creation of a PoS division. It's testimony to his drive that Alderson is as interested in the latest estimating software and management systems as he is devoted to his collection of arcane vintage printing kit.
89 David Taylor (80)
Lightning Source
Why Since joining Lightning Source UK as business development director in June 2003, Taylor has enjoyed a rapid ascent up the ranks, culminating in him being crowned president of the company last year. The company printed more than 2m books in 2008 at its UK print on demand facility; a significant increase on the previous year. He will look to build on this in 2009 with the pioneering Espresso Book Machine distribution channel available to Lightning Source's 8,000 publishing company clients.
88 Chris Dew (78)
CPC Packaging
Why CPC managing director and BPIF Cartons chairman Dew has had a busy year pushing his company forward. He's also done sterling work in his leadership of BPIF Cartons with membership continuing to grow in 2009. An ex-Oxford rugby Blue, Dew's other passion is following his son's rugby progress, which culminated in his side, Lancashire, recently winning the county championship final at Twickenham. He also manages to fit in the odd round of golf to ensure that he delivers a respectable Stableford score in the CPC team challenge.
87 George Thompson (90)
Harrison Scott
Why The fact that Thompson, joint managing director of recruitment specialist Harrison Scott, secured the number-three slot in the public vote proves at the very least the quality of his contacts book. Or perhaps his popularity is more down to him being dubbed the "people's champion" by Scotland's Sunday Mail this year, for his bid to sue to Sir Fred Goodwin on behalf of the nation's taxpayers? A definite Anglophile - a rare thing north of the border - Thompson's passion, energy and enthusiasm for the industry are truly legendary, as illustrated by the many comments supporting his inclusion. "He lives, breathes, sleeps and eats print. God knows why, but he does," gushed one anonymous fan, presumably not ‘Fred the Shred'.
86 Dani Novick (81)
Mercury Search & Selection
Why Always a favourite in the public vote, new mum Novick's passion for better training and skills within the industry has won much praise. "Dani is a key influence in shaping the future of our industry by bringing in the best talent through her recruitment company," says one supporter. As managing director of recruitment firm Mercury, she is also commended for being switched on to everything that's going on within the industry. One colleague describes her as an "absolutely determined lady" whose star quality means there is "never a dull moment - always a thriller".
85 James Portsmouth (NEW)
Hobs 4DM
Why Portsmouth's first placing in the Power 100 is a reflection of the success of the firm's succession plan, according to chairman Charles Grant-Salmon. His role as managing director of Hobs 4DM puts him at the helm of the young management team that took over the group in 2007. Described as the natural choice by those around him, Portsmouth is a rare example of the boss's son proving up to the task of taking the top spot (his father Arthur founded the Transcom division). In a shrinking market the firm has gained share. Over the past year it has bedded in marketing agency Direct Link, expanded business development and moved further into digital.
84 Andy Seal (69)
Office of Government Commerce
Why The head of print, publishing and distribution at the Department for Transport has suffered a significant fall down the ranks as his government framework for paper comes to an end, and the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) waters down the environmental credentials by adding virgin fibre products. Next year may well see him fall from the power ranks entirely. If that happens, many in the print industry are grateful for his efforts.
83 Felix Dennis (NEW)
Butler Tanner & Dennis
Why His white knight move to right the capsized Butler and Tanner has no doubt made Dennis the saviour of Frome, but he deserves a spot in our Top 100 for his broader role of keeping colour book production alive in the UK. Despite moving Maxim online and closing Computer Buyer, Dennis continues to print an armada of magazines and launched the Dennis Communications customer publishing arm last year. Colleagues describe Dennis as "passionate about print" and interestingly they say he thinks it is currently undervalued.
82 Andreas Schillinger (68)
Muller Martini
Why While it may have been a quiet year professionally, keen aviator Schillinger has a licence to thrill - he's probably the only person in our Power 100 list to have a pilot's license. When the Swiss post-press kit manufacturer's UK managing director is not taking to the skies or hiking with the family, he is described as a very team-orientated businessman. "He has a way of drawing the strength and ability of the people around him for the benefit of the company," says one colleague. He also draws praise from his staff for being "open to feedback which makes him a great person to work for".
81 Basil Bannayi (NEW)
Close Print Finance
Why Another new entry from the world of finance, which reflects the increased importance of attracting funds in the current climate. Bannayi heads up Close Print Finance, one of the most prominent lenders in the industry this year. He has overseen the merging of the Surrey Asset and Close Print brands, a move that has consolidated Close's position in the market, as well as giving him final say in tens of millions of pounds of lending. He is described by colleagues as "an intuitive and tenacious leader with an aptitude for deal making".
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