Q&A: Jon Lancaster, managing director, Falkland Press

Hatfield-based Falkland Press was established 35 years ago, so it’s been around for five years longer than Jon himself. He joined the family-owned printing company eight years ago, a process that enabled him to morph his childhood obsession with “pipes and wires” into a new hobby “work” that’s all about print and profit.

Why did you get into printing? 

Through my parents

What would be your dream job?

I enjoy what I do so I feel that I have, for now, achieved my dream job

What is your dream bit of kit?

At the moment, it’s an HP 10000 press, which I hope we will have installed very soon. Although we have to move premises first to get it installed. 

What would you most like to print?

I’d really like to print Silverboard packaging products digitally

What is your favourite film?

The ‘Terminator’ franchise. It’s sci-fi and is about the future

What is your favourite TV programme?

I don’t watch any TV

What was your childhood obsession?

Pipes and wires

Who or what do you hate the most? 

Unsustainable print prices

Who do you admire most in the industry? 

Anthony Thirlby at ESP Colour. He has been a great help to me over the last four years

What is your favourite saying?

“Netting”, the overall average speed produced per unit of time or ‘net speed’ 

What is your favourite album?

It changes all the time as I get bored of the last one and choose a new favourite

What is the strangest job you’ve
ever done?

Worked as a waiter in a night club

What is your greatest ambition?

To grow the business without losing profitability 

What’s your greatest fear?

The business losing money

What piece of kit would you like to see invented?

Inline double-sided UV/water-based coater with lamination and spot UV for HP Indigo – oh wait Autobond…

Where would you like to be now?

In my new premises!

Which superpower would you like?

Super strength

Where would you go if you could time-travel? 

To the year 3000

What is the worst kind of print?

The non-profitable kind

Life is…?  

Good