100 (2014: 87)

Gerald White, Berforts/BPIF

Why Two years ago White was head of what was arguably the UK’s third-largest book printer. But with the administrators called in to BT&D in 2014 and the same fate befalling Berforts Information Press earlier this year, White’s print empire now consists of £2m-turnover Berforts. Ordinarily that would have been exit stage left in the Power 100, were it not for his appointment as BPIF president last December. While the two administrations have been humbling, White uses his experience to positive effect. “It means he can talk from personal experience about the importance of taking action before it’s too late,” said one peer.

99 (New)

Michael Jaques, Apcom (Leicestershire County Council)

Why New to the list this year, Jaques succeeded Graham Lowe as Apcom president in September. With more than three decades in the print industry under his belt, from running his own companies to working in local authorities, Jaques is expected to use his “knowledge of the industry that is second to none” to promote and drive print procurement within the public sector. One peer says: “It is a big responsibility and it’ll be a tough job in the years ahead but with his talent and experience, Jaques is the right person to be attacking it.”

98 (New)

Paul Manning, Rapidity

Why Few newbies to the Power 100 deserve a debut this year more than the Rapidity managing director, insists a colleague: “Paul’s focus on capital investments and automating systems and processes paid off handsomely.” Check out Rapidity’s first move into flatbed wide-format work with new kit from Canon and Esko this summer. “And next year we hope to make £8.5m from around 40 staff, which in turnover-per-staff terms is possibly unsurpassed,” adds the London-based colleague. “Historically Paul was a rock star, currently he supports Charlton Athletic, and he is always fun at staff and client events – they rarely pass without incident!”

97 (New)

Bryan Shirley, Bluetree Design & Print

Why Bluetree has recently trebled the size of its factory after experiencing rapid growth through its trade wed-to-print arm, Route One. Group managing director Shirley demands high standards of his colleagues, according to one, and “has a dedication to people that helps individuals around him progress and succeed”. Straight-talking Shirley is focused on new developments, be it in technology or best management practice, and is the person that helps balance out the risk takers, says one. “A big character”, “always the joker” and “usually bouncing around the office”, are a few comments colleagues use to describe working around Shirley.

96 (New)

Dave Hatton, Gask & Hawley

Why A new entry this year, managing director Hatton is praised by associates for looking ahead despite having to make tough decisions in very difficult trading conditions. “He always has a strategy to move forward and had the confidence to invest when the outlook wasn’t very bright,” says one peer, referring to the firm’s purchase of the UK’s first hybrid Goss 16pp M600 web with Kodak Prosper S20 printheads. Not one to be in the limelight, Hatton is described as a great leader, with a down-to-earth and hands-on approach. Somewhat of a “fashion guru” Hatton is known to take at least four pairs of shoes on any trip.

95 (2014: 96)

Jeff Richards, NPower

Why A print services manager with a wide remit and in charge of a seven-figure print budget Richards needs his well-known ability to think strategically as he orders and directs print campaigns. These could be brochures, direct mail or POS and everything in between. He enjoys spending time with his four daughters and has a love of football, being an ardent supporter of Wolverhampton Wanderers. 

94 (2014: 82)

Martyn Eustace, Two Sides

Why In or out of the water, Eustace runs a tight ship. When the managing director of paper pressure group Two Sides isn’t promoting the industry he loves, he’s indulging another love, sailing. Back on land, this year saw him oversee not only the launch of European fact sheets to combat false eco-nonsense on print and paper, but publication of stellar research proving just how high Joe Public still regards good old print on paper. “We are driven very hard,” insists a colleague, “by someone who is dynamic, passionate and focused on promoting and protecting the print industry.”

93 (New)

Mark Sears, Heritage Envelopes

Why “Mark is forward-thinking, hands-on, involved in all aspects of the business and leads by example,” says one colleague about Heritage Envelopes’ chief executive, a devoted family man who supports Blackburn Rovers and is a keen foodie. Over the past year Sears has focused the business on developing and launching new products to help its customers including Autoflat, an envelope that increases customers’ efficiency during mail production, and PackMail, which reduces handling, transportation and packaging waste. He has also led investment in new litho overprint machines and envelope machines while a Tharstern MIS is currently being implemented.

92 (2014: 98)

Jacky Sidebottom-Every, Glossop Cartons

Why It’s up six places this year for Glossop Cartons sales director Jacky Sidebottom-Every, who is riding high after the company’s acquisition of rival firm Contact Print & Packaging last month, doubling the firm’s turnover, from £5.2m to £10.2m and staff from 56 to 110, overnight. Sidebottom-Every started Glossop Cartons in 1982 aged 20 with her father and her then boyfriend, now husband, Brian. Since her father’s sudden death in 1984, Jacky and Brian have run the business together. Listed last month in The Manufacturer’s Top 100, Sidebottom-Every was one of only 20 individuals given exemplar status in the list for their unique contribution to the manufacturing industry. 

91 (New)

Marian Stefani, Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA)

Why This was a big year for the IPIA, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in late October with a swishy gala dinner. And it’s a big year for Marian Stefani. Not only was she made IPIA interim chief executive officer this spring, but 2015 marked the first time she made the Printweek Power 100. Nevertheless, Stefani is a seasoned print campaigner, best known as founder of RedTie W2P software before she spun her industry magic as a consultant. “I love the industry,” said Stefani on taking up her post at the IPIA this March, and few would dispute her passion for print.