Q&A: Jameson Smith, founder and director, Assembly Direct Mail

Jameson, 42, has been in the print business for 24 years. Since 2004 he has built Colchester-based Assembly Direct Mail up to provide a range of services including litho/digital printing and finishing, using a range of kit with the most recent addition to its fleet being a Xerox Nuvera 144 EA.

The company now has one of the largest hand fulfilment floors in the south east. Outside of work, Jameson is kept busy by his 12-year-old son Charley, and his hobbies include running and dog walking. 

Why did you get into printing? 

I came back from a year travelling and met up with a very good friend of mine who introduced me to the industry – Georgina Graham, now at DST

What would be your dream job? 

To work on a farm

Who would play you in a movie about your life? 

Johnny Depp

What is your favourite film? 

Amélie

What is your favourite TV show?

The Great British Bake Off

Who do you admire most in the industry? 

We all deserve medals

What is your favourite saying?

‘The more you moan the longer it takes!’

What is your favourite album?

Pink Floyd’s Delicate Sound of Thunder

What is your greatest luxury in life? 

All my staff

What is the strangest job you’ve ever done? 

Cleaning out dog kennels when I was a kid

Who would you like to be stuck on a desert island with? 

My dog!

What piece of kit would you like to see invented? 

A time machine

Where would you like to be right now?

In France having a nice glass of wine and watching the world go by

What’s your worst fashion disaster? 

My socks!

Which superpower would you like to have? 

The ability to read other people’s minds

What is the worst kind of print? 

None, we should produce more!

What was the best business deal that you’ve pulled off? 

Selling my first business

Life is…? 

What you put into it