Why For a man who is known to like his cars it’s fitting that this year Benson Group accelerated ahead of many of its rivals after the UK food and healthcare packaging firm was acquired by US packaging behemoth Graphic Packaging. Since leading a MBO alongside Nick Benson in December 2011, the duo have overseen a strong period of growth for the Group thanks largely to Kerridge’s business mantra of “service, service, service”. His skills were also recognised by the wider business community earlier this year when he was named as a Midlands region EY Entrepreneur of the Year for 2014 in the Manufacturing category. Many people might be tempted to take their foot off the gas, but petrolhead Kerridge is a “driven individual” who shows no sign of hitting the brakes any time soon.
Why The seismic changes at News UK (formerly News International) continue to impact Prinovis UK. Tonnage produced was down again last year, by 11% to 138,000 tonnes. The firm says it is reducing its reliance on News UK as a result, is winning new work and is optimistic about the future. Managing director Gray is a smart cookie – a fact substantiated by a degree in chemistry and management science. He’s a master of delegation rather than the sort of boss who’s regularly seen on the shopfloor, according to one colleague. A keen sailor, it’s fair to say that the past couple of years haven’t been plain sailing.
Why Lapping is a tough player who spent five years in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and competes in ‘iron man’ competitions. Described as “honest, fair and candid” he “lives, breathes and drives the Coveris philosophy, which is rooted in ‘people’”. His leadership skills are going to be in demand if the company continues its recent run of acquisitions. Lapping was chief executive at Paragon Print & Packaging when it was acquired by Coveris. Today he is president of Coveris’ UK food and consumer business, which earlier this year added St Neots and Learoyd Packaging to its portfolio.
Why It’s been very quiet over at Anton Group since the company made a big splash at Drupa 2012 with a £14m kit spend with Heidelberg. Perhaps Knight is mimicking his beloved Spurs by spending some time consolidating after big spends. However, rest assured this staunch family man has not been resting on his laurels. Anton Group remains a powerhouse in the DM sector and was a key printer for Labour during this year’s local elections. With the general election next year, and a resurgent economy expanding marketing budgets, it’s a fair bet that Knight won’t be quiet for much longer.
Why Having co-founded Augustus Martin at the age of 19, Barrow’s drive and focus on innovation and the commercialisation of new ideas have made Augustus Martin and sister company Walkers Instore, two of the best known print production businesses in the UK. Colleagues say his passion is undimmed after all these years, typified by his continuing commitment to Fespa. He has held a seat on the board of the wide-format organisation for more than 20 years. Barrow enjoys spending precious spare time on the golf course, the piste, supporting Spurs and, just occasionally, indulging in a spot of poker.
Why According to people who’ve done business with him Hill is on the one hand a “genuinely nice guy”, but on the other he’s a “tough negotiator”. For evidence on the latter point, look no further than Time Inc UK’s single-supplier deal with Polestar.
Why Whiteside has been chief executive since he led an MBO in March 2006. In the past 12 months, colleagues say his “tenacity and direct leadership style, coupled with his vision” have been instrumental in continued year-on-year growth in sales with 2013 sales increasing to over £160m. This performance looks set to be beaten in 2014 after significant international contract wins with multinational companies. The company now works in more than 32 countries. It has also completed a seven-figure kit upgrade. A fitness fanatic, in his spare time, if he’s not in the gym, he is out cycling.
Why Colleagues say Mahoney has been instrumental in transitioning Charterhouse from a European company to a global business over the past 12 months. Away from work, golf, Arsenal and the kids continue to take up most of his time.
Why To say that BMC’s managing director has a competitive streak would be an understatement. Earlier this year, while talking to this magazine, she hung up halfway though the call only to phone back two minutes later explaining that she was at her son’s sports day and had been dragged into the “mums’ race” and, of course, won it. So with Burke at the helm it’s unsurprising that BMC has picked up a number of big contract wins this year. Although how the change of ownership of BMC’s parent will impact the print management business remains to be seen.
Why Garnish rose through the ranks from his first position as an apprentice when he left school, to chief executive of ASG Europe, a company he has been with for more than 25 years. During the past 12 months he’s driven the innovative packaging company through the strategic acquisition of a business in Poland and continued to push the company to offer even more unique print solutions – his place on this list would be deserved on the boundary-pushing work of his computer game design team alone. On a personal level he enjoys listening to jazz, playing golf and watching his beloved Chelsea play.
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