Singh took up his position, and a considerable interest, in the Leeds-based direct mail specialist last month after a period of gardening leave following his departure from Communisis Chorleys as its sales director (PrintWeek, 3 July 2003).

He has already recruited K2 business development director Keith Tyler, who will join John Blackburn in a similar role in March, after a period of gardening leave.

Im looking at a number of changes to the business. Its my responsibility to take this company forward, said Singh.

John Blackburns latest results for the year to March 2003 show a 4% decline in sales compared to the previous years 26.8m. The company also made a pre-tax loss of 5,349, compared to a profit of 141,755 in 2002.

However, a bullish Singh said that he expected this years results to show a return to profit. The year after its down to me, he added.

Singh, who was at Communisis for eight years, is regarded by peers as one of the best salesmen in the DM and commercial web sectors.

Story by John Davies