The security print and electronic payment services specialist is offering young workers the chance to gain NVQ qualifications while gaining on-the-job work experience.

Kieron Acton, 21, was Tall’s first apprentice under the new scheme, specialising in print finishing. Bethany Norwood, 19, joined as a pre-press technician apprentice.

After passing a three-month trial period, Acton joined the team as a full-time apprentice under the guidance of a tutor from the BPIF.

Tall Security Print group production director Phil Long said: “We are really pleased to get our NVQ placement offering up and running.

“Kieron is a pleasure to work with and it's fantastic to see Bethany making strides too. It is very important for companies like ours to invest in our future generations.”

BPIF tutor Martin Dalziel added: “Kieron has learned about all aspects of secure document print finishing from using a guillotine machine to specialist document binding equipment.”

At a more senior level, Lynton Buxton was recently recruited as group marketing manager to help create strategic business opportunities.

In March, Tall spent £500,000 on new printing equipment for its headquarters in Runcorn. The investment included an Imer 115 BF continuous five-colour litho press with UV drying, which was built specifically for Tall. The machine, which cost the lion's share of the total investment, was installed two months ago. 

The kit investment was followed by the acquisition of DLRS (NI) in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, this summer to strengthen Tall’s position in secure printing.

DLRS (NI) is an established Cheque Printer Accreditation Scheme (CPAS)-approved printer with a turnover of around £3m. It produces standard, personalised cheque and credit books for financial institutions.

The acquisition has enabled the Tall Group, which comprises Tall Security Print, DLRS and Hinckley-based Checkprint, to add a range of standard cheque and credit books to its product portfolio.

Group managing director Martin Ruda said: “The addition of DLRS (NI) takes our combined turnover to £12m and staff count to 140. We see a continuing consolidation in our sector of the industry.

“And the acquisition strengthens our position as a supplier of standard cheque and credit books, whereas our sites in Runcorn and Hinckley have focused on more specialised security print.”