90 (2014: 88)
Jon Olley, Olro Group
Why The continuing success of Olro is, according to one customer, a testament to Olley’s leadership and courageous investment strategy, which has enabled the business to maintain exacting standards. “He is one of the most professional, honest people I have ever met and his levels of integrity are a shining example that should be used as a benchmark for others,” says one contact. That said, it has also been noted that cricket lover Olley often goes missing for long periods over lunch, especially when wine is involved. Olley is also a cruiseship aficionado with one commenting: “If there is a cruise ship that Jon hasn’t been on then it probably hasn’t been built yet.”
89 (2014: 95)
Tim Peppiatt, Paperhat
Why Paperhat started off the year with a bang acquiring two businesses – Bulgaria-based Despark and Manchester-based CTI Digital – before the end of February. Despark appears to be the final item on a list of “must haves” that Paperhat’s group chief executive alluded to in an interview with PrintWeek early this year, although Peppiatt enticingly added that the company is always interested in “anything in the creative services, consulting or spend management space”. In September this year, he celebrated his 20-year anniversary at the firm. Despite reaching this milestone, Peppiatt, who is described by one source as an “outstanding entrepreneur and visionary leader”, shows no signs of slowing down just yet.
88 (2014: 94)
Chris Smith, Halstan
Why Smith has continued Halstan’s international expansion by establishing a New York business in a joint venture with a publisher, and increasing exports to Asia and Germany. His son joined the business in 2015 but chairman Smith is not expected to retire at 65. “I don’t think he’ll ever go. I can imagine him going round here in his wheelchair,” a colleague said. Smith loves classical music and opera and often attends performances. He also became a music publisher this year, after a long-term client bequeathed him the Kahn & Averill music publishing business “because he did such a good job” as printer.
87 (New)
Aron Priest, Solopress
Why When not cycling the mountain stages of the Tour de France, skydiving for charity, or knocking on doors campaigning to become a local councillor, Priest is CEO of the Southend commercial print firm, which he co-founded 16 years ago with business partner Andy Smith. Solopress took on its 200th member of staff this year – quite a feat considering Priest admits having no goals in mind at the start. Impatient to get things done, Priest always gives “110%” no matter what the challenge, according to one colleague.
86 (2014: 92)
Phill Reynolds, Cestrian
Why New to the Power 100 in 2013, the Cestrian managing director moves a further six places up the list this year. In March the business topped the North West Business Insider’s list of most profitable companies in the region, having shown growth of 427% over five years. Priding himself on a company culture of never standing still and continually reinvesting, Reynolds is described by associates as passionate about the print industry and an incredibly hands-on leader who is concerned with every area of the business.
85 (2014: 97)
Richard Gillgrass, Celloglas
Why Celloglas managing director Gillgrass, a keen golfer and cyclist who is married with three children, will celebrate 25 years in print in January. “Passionate about product development, quality and service,” Gillgrass has overseen another eventful year at the print finisher. The firm has continued to invest in people and resources during 2015, repositioning its metallic substrates division Mirri as a ‘direct to mill’ supplier to the POS, sign and display and packaging market, which has brought double-digit growth. The company also launched a new gloss spot trade service after installing a Scodix Ultra digital press in the summer.
84 (2014: 91)
Mark Simpson, Simpson Group
Why Colleagues say the Simpson Group chairman has a keen eye for detail, which has enabled the company to introduce innovative new online printing services such as Shop4pop and PopFit. The key to Simpson’s success is his “passion and commitment to the business”. He’s also a great mentor to colleagues and constantly encourages them to think outside the box – something that Simpson himself has done consistently during his three decades at the company. A source adds he’s “passionate about sharing the knowledge and experience” he’s gained during this period with co-workers. Outside of work Simpson likes to keep fit and enjoys spending time with his family.
83 (New)
Neil Smith, Blue Buffalo
Why In a 30-year-plus career in print Smith has worked in numerous different roles – from estimating and production through to global sourcing and procurement. This first-hand experience has enabled him to build what one colleague describes as an “unrivalled and unbiased view of our industry and how both buyers and suppliers can succeed”. Smith’s passion in life is knowing how things work and how he can make them work better. And that doesn’t just apply to print. It also applies to his love of restoring motorbikes and how to make the perfect pizza – according to one source Smith makes a “world-class pizza”.
82 (2014: 89)
Nigel Toplis, Kall Kwik
Why Last year he said, “We want to return to our dynamic heyday”. This year Kall Kwik is doing just that. Bardon Group managing director Nigel Toplis – responsible for much of that early dynamism – was lured back in 2012 after a 10-year absence to save a company foundering in administration. He honed focus to the nth degree on small B2B firms, builders and finance houses, and it’s paying off. The past chairman of the British Franchise Association is, according to someone in the know, “an all-round good guy; quite laid back, big on charity especially WellChild, and he’s great news for Kall Kwik.”
81 (New)
Alan Purvis, Metromail
Why Starting out as a shipbuilder’s apprentice, Purvis then worked in IT roles before joining Durham-based mailing house Metromail in 1995, where at the age of 35 he was appointed MD. Purvis has driven more than £13m of capital investment over the past eight years with a £6m overhaul of its digital firepower in March this year. Driven by attention to detail with deep technical knowledge, according to one colleague, Purvis is a stickler for time-keeping and has a penchant for a sharp (and skinny) suit. He is also known to dress as Santa (at Christmas of course) and has had the entire leadership team do the same. Purvis’ pet pug Henry is a regular visitor to the office.
