A degree in English and Politics followed by a stint on Audi's graduate training scheme isn't the average CV for the boss of a large commercial printer, but Gareth Roberts, managing director of Portsmouth-based Bishops Printers, doesn't see it as a problem.

"I had no background in print and I don't know all the technicalities of it," he admits. "I am interested in how much we pay for equipment, what it does and what it will bring to us, but it's not hugely relevant to me how it works."

What Roberts does know is how to run a successful business. In one of the toughest years in print, the company's turnover is expected to grow by £1m to £13m. Roberts' leadership is a major reason for that, though some misguidedly believe his rise from sales rep in 1994 to managing director in 2002 has more to do with the fact his father-in-law, Martin Murphy, owns the business than his own ability.

"There is always the element that some people will think I am here through nepotism, but I like to think I have earned it," he says.

When you look at Roberts' record, you are inclined to agree with him. The company he joined in 1994 was a £1m-turnover printer based in the cramped streets of central Portsmouth. It is now one of the South Coast's largest commercial operators, with a £12m turnover and a huge site on the edge of the city. It is also one of the most modern operations around.

The plant list includes three 10-colour B2 Heidelberg Speedmasters, two B2 five-colour Speedmasters, two Screen B2 platesetters and a Bobst SP78-E die-cutters. Roberts likes to replace the firm's equipment regularly and he doesn't do secondhand. As a result, the oldest press is six years old and the newest will be an additional 10-colour Speedmaster being installed in January.

While running a modern kit line-up 24/7 provides the efficiency that is a major factor in the company's success, Roberts also credits the company's diverse client base - an important part of the company's schedule is the busy Friday night shift printing football programmes for clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Fulham.

"We have around 1,500 spending clients and our biggest represents less than 4% of our turnover. That means if someone goes bust or we lose one of our bigger contracts, it won't affect cashflow and we won't have to lay people off."

Changing times
But with digital media encroaching ever further into traditional print markets, there is a threat that there will be less work to go around. Yet Roberts remains optimistic. "In 10 years' time, it is likely a huge percentage of football programmes will be downloaded to a PDA as the fan swipes their season ticket through the turnstile. But I think there will be enough print for us, not just to survive, but to grow as well.

"Print will remain part of the marketing mix. We have sent two newsletters to clients this year, to complement our email shots. The newsletters have been well received because people receive less post these days, so it's more likely to be read, whereas people receive hundreds of emails."

Newsletters may not fit the modern pre-occupation with the environment, but the company is aware of its responsibilities and is FSC accreditated. Roberts believes FSC will be compulsory for any printer wanting to do commercial work on a serious level in the next two years. He realises, however, that for many clients it is just a nice badge to have, rather than an environmental choice. "It is sometimes a marketing gimmick," he concedes.

And gimmicks are not part of Roberts' agenda. He believes in honesty and transparency, especially with his staff. It is the solid foundations of motivated and committed employees that Roberts says is the most important factor in Bishops' healthy turnover. Regular newsletters and meetings keep the workers up to date with company happenings, while ambitions to rise up the career ladder are actively encouraged.

"If someone wants to come and be a printer, then we respect that, but if they want to come and be a printer and work their way up, then there is the opportunity," he reveals. "Our sales director joined us as a customer service rep and the finishing manager started as a forklift truck driver."

With Roberts confident of continuing the momentum of growth in the future, hinting at a potential site move if the company continues to grow at the same pace, there will be plenty more opportunities for printers to move up the chain. But Roberts will also always have an eye outside of print, as he knows more than most what success an outside perspective can bring.

BISHOPS PRINTERS FACTFILE
Established 1985
Owner Martin Murphy
Managing director Gareth Roberts
Turnover £12m
Key clients Chelsea Football Club, Arsenal Football Club, Specsavers and Garmin
Kit includes Optimus 2020 MIS, two Screen B2 platesetters, Heidelberg B2 Speedmaster XL75 10-colour 5/5 perfector, two 5/5 Heidelberg Speedmasters, a SM74 and a CD74, Bobst SP76-E die-cutter, Stahl T66 folder, Longford CF100 mini card folder