A special thank you to all the judges for taking the time to share their expertise. And thanks too to all the sponsors, both our headline sponsor and the individual category sponsors for their support.
Barney Cox
Editor, Printing World and chairman of the judges
Headline sponsor
Antalis
HUMAN RESOURCES
Winner
GI Solutions Group
Congratulations to GI Solutions Group, which has proved that a firm doesn't need to have a dedicated human resources team to provide excellent staff resources. The Leicester-based firm, currently celebrating 15 years in business, has an outstanding record of homegrown talent among its 180 employees. HR is pivotal to the company's success: employees are valued by the company and their contribution to the firm is recognised. Even without a dedicated HR professional, the firm has been able to form and maintain strong policies in line with employment legislation. These include family-friendly schemes, flexible working hours and a strong commitment to training. GI Solutions Group has also recently developed a comprehensive introduction programme for new starters, which operates over the first three weeks of employment.
Such attention to detail has paid off for the firm, which now has a waiting list of potential employees. It aims to attract, and keep, the best employees by encouraging them to improve their own performance and the performance of other team members. The company has a highly trained management team and holds weekly and monthly meetings to keep communication flowing throughout the whole organisation. It also publishes a monthly newsletter featuring health and safety issues, environmental policies and employee news. All these factors have rewarded the firm with an extremely low labour turnover, and, even more importantly with a motivated, devoted and happy workforce.
Finalists
Oxuniprint
White Horse Press (Newbury)
Sponsored by
The Private Health Partnership
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Winner
Oxuniprint
Customer service is at the core of the modern industry and Oxford-based Oxuniprint is at the heart of the drive to maximise client satisfaction. The judges admired the sheetfed specialist's commitment to getting customer feedback. They were also impressed by its promise to measure and analyse its own performance and follow up on the results through staff training. The customer service team has undertaken extensive training to better satisfy the needs of its client, and all staff with customer contact have attended development sessions. In total, the firm's four-strong customer service team has more than 60 years experience in print and continues to research, assess and meet all its clients' requirements.
The customer service staff are supported by the firm's sales and marketing teams. Working closely together to collect daily and monthly management data, they strive to eliminate client issues and make sure the firm is able to offer better value for money.
Oxuniprint is determined to identify potential areas of improvement and ensure that strategies are put in place to meet changing customer needs. Regular meetings are held to keep communications channels open between the different departments of the company and new ideas are encouraged in order to provide solutions to any problems identified.
Finalists
Lick
PhotoBox
ProCo
Sponsored by
Stehlin Hostag Ink UK
NATIONAL TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT APPRENTICE AWARD
Winner
Deborah Aldridge
Newsquest (Sussex)
A vision to follow her long-term goal of being a graphic designer led 23-year old Deborah to study the technicalities of print production at newspaper publisher Newsquest Sussex. With an eye to the future, she has taken on web design too and has an additonal part-time design job at a local printer in addition to her own freeleance work. One judge commented "her commitment and vision blew me away".
Her endeavours to ensure work experience students had a positive experience of print was highlighted as "a great way of promoting print for people considering the industry".
Highly commended
Jayne Atkinson
Horner Brothers Print Group
Administration apprentice Jayne Atkinson's confidence has spiralled since joining the Horner Brothers Print Group apprenticeship programme in November 2005, turning her into a driven team member with a desire to succeed. The 24-year old began her career as a data entry clerk before realising her passion for print. She now works in the firm's customer service department. Jayne has worked hard to develop her skills to become a highly-valued and customer-focused team player.
Highly commended
Jay Nash
Clays
After starting his career in screen print, Jay won an apprenticeship at Clays in Bungay. From a family of printers, Jay has proved to be a versatile and flexible employee with the ability to multi-task, a "thirst for knowledge" and a passion to learn to use new kit. He impressed the judges by proving capable of helping staff twice his age. They also commented that "he has a spark," with one adding "the big thing with Jay is he adds value".
Finalists
Mark Hudson
Polestar Chromoworks
Matthew Levitt
Polestar Chromoworks
Robert Heighway
NB Colour Print
Sponsored by
Canon
NATIONAL TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT EMPLOYERS AWARD
Winner
Oxuniprint
Oxuniprint has won with an unbeatable entry in this category. The firm has placed staff training at the core of its business to turn its fortunes around and make it one of the most successful in its field. Oxuniprint has taken a holistic approach across its entire business; not only has training proved itself in the firm's bottom-line results, but it has also become self-perpetuating. The firm has achieved sales growth as a direct result of its training schemes, leading to it moving into new premises. The firm ensures it offers the training that its employees both need and want through skills assessment and employee feedback so that staff get the most out of their jobs. Over the last year the firm has run 99 training days and 72 training events. It also provides all staff with individual coaching. Oxuniprint encourages its staff to feel part of a growing challenge, which has so far helped it to achieve increased capacity and customer satisfaction, as well as the IS0 9001:2000 quality accreditation. Good practice has also been extended to the community, where staff work with a local school to give them an experience in print.
Finalists
DSTi Output
Trinity Mirror Print (Newcastle)
EXPORT
Winner
Charterhouse
Charterhouse stormed to the top of the export pile this year for its astounding approach to European business. The panel were impressed by the firm's range of innovative and creative solutions for its pan-European clients.
Over the last 18 months Charterhouse has expanded on its UK success to become one of the most respected print management companies in Europe. During this period, the firm's European business accounted for 60% of its turnover, which grew by £24m.
Charterhouse has built relationships with over 450 companies across Europe and has focused on the latest technological developments that allow clients, from a host of European countries, access to a wealth of information. In the past 18 months it has also opened new offices in Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden and Poland and has been awarded contracts with companies including Sony, Shell Nordics, Nissan and Renault. Its European strategy is centred on a local approach to account management, which involves employing local people who understand the indigenous market. In addition, Charterhouse encourages its staff to integrate across all of its offices whenever possible. The firm re-branded in November 2006, to show that people sit at the heart of the organisation. For Charterhouse, it was vital to develop a flexible brand that could be adapted, and translated for different audiences on a worldwide platform.
Finalists
Carton Edge Systems
Fix-A-Form International
ENVIRONMENTAL
Winner
CW Print
CW Print has won this award for its long-term commitment to the environment. The firm has pushed the boundaries of environmental accreditation by consistently striving to meet new regulations and requirements.
Not only has CW Print already obtained ISO 14001, but it has also been accredited by the European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). To achieve this, CW Print has worked hard to ensure its environmental policies are deeply embedded within the group's development plans. The firm has gone out of its way to encourage its staff to become committed to the cause and all employees have taken an active interest in new policies, ensuring they are involved in their implementation. Through CW Print's clear guidance, every team member is prepared to make changes in order to execute environmental objectives. It is this combined effort that has helped the firm boost its green credentials and reduce its environmental impact.
Highly commended
Cambrian Printers
Like winner CW Print, Cambrian Printers knows that a long-term committment is necessary to make a difference, which is why it has been recognised for its environmental achievements. This family-owned business, employing 90 staff, prides itself on providing a high-quality service, while being committed to reducing waste and limiting environmental impact. The firm uses monitoring and evaluation to ensure that it makes improvements wherever possible. In addition, Cambrian Printers has invested in technology that will help it reduce waste and promote savings on materials, resources and time.
Finalists
APS Group
MPG Books
Trinity Mirror Printing (Oldham)
Sponsored by
Fujifilm
APPLICATION OF DIGITAL PRINT TECHNOLOGY
Winners
Howitt Digital
With 10 years' experience in delivering quality digital communications, Howitt Digital knew how to win over the judges. Specialising in the creation of customised, data-driven marketing, the firm has used digital print to produce targeted communications through a range of techniques including personalised print and cross-media integrated marketing. It has developed Howitt d-Print, a web enabled solution that lets clients publish high-quality materials on demand. The system was developed to meet individual clients' needs and ensure that marketing costs and turnaround times were noticeably reduced.
Howitt Digital worked closely with client Everest to develop a successful marketing campaign using the system. By doing so, the firm turned a simple, direct mail piece into an eye-catching, personalised piece that contains all the relevant information. Howitt Digital aims to create printed campaigns that match its clients' evolving marketing plans and this job was no exception. The fully-personalised A5, 12pp booklet, which features guarantee and maintenance information as well as a series of cross-sell adverts targeted at the recipient, was achieved using digital print and a sophisticated data analysis system. The finished product was then enclosed in a bespoke outer envelope branded to highlight the value of the document inside.
Finalists
DSTi Output
Howard Hunt Group
Sponsored by
Konica Minolta
UK COMPANY OF THE YEAR (MORE THAN 100 EMPLOYEES)
Winner
Pindar
Pindar has proved itself a remarkable entrant through its enlightened and progressive policies in every aspect of it business. This forward-thinking firm's foremost objective is to invest in the future, representing a true 21st century print company; willing to adapt and eager to add value to its services. Not only has the firm invested heavily in its facilities, research and marketing but it is also deeply involved in education, community, health and cultural activities, typified by its advanced corporate social responsibility scheme. Most importantly, it is always improving both the working and social lives of its employees. For a large, multinational organisation this is a highly ambitious task. The firm provides focused data management for its clients and has a host of alternative solutions to deliver customer satisfaction. Yet, while improving its offerings the firm's methods still remain environmentally friendly and since signing up to the BPIF energy saving targets in 2001 it has demonstrated 37% energy savings.
Highly Commended
TJ International
TJ International warrants a place in the top two for its rigorous growth strategy. It invested another £3.5m in other kit to boost its capacity by 50% and make it one of the first UK book manufacturers capable of producing 64 pages per sheet at high speed. By the end 2007 it expects its print capacity to have more than doubled. Due to a host of excellent training schemes the firm's staff retention figures keep on improving, hitting 95% in 2006. It also runs an Access to Skills scheme in collaboration with Plymouth College of Art and Design.
The firm prides itself on its close customer relationships, with about 80% of its work coming from just 10 key accounts. It does not employ a sales team, opting instead to consult directly with customers during annual contact reviews. And as proof of its practice, TJ International has been working with its longest standing customer for more than 30 years.
Finalists
HH Associates
Howard Hunt Group
Park Communications
Sponsored by
CIT
UK COMPANY OF THE YEAR (LESS THAN 100 EMPLOYEES)
Winner
Precision Printing
Life really does begin at 40 for Precision Printing, which has been awarded UK Company of the Year as it enters its 41st year of trading. The firm has 78 employees and bases its business around a set of personal and business relationships that it has built and maintained over its years of trading. Creativity, innovation and originality are at the centre of the company's ethos, which is led by a strong service culture promoted by the actions of every employee. The firm focuses on areas for improvement as much as its strengths, and is currently in the process of re-branding to better serve its clients.
Precision Printing continuously assesses emerging technology to select options that are most suited to its clients. As a result, it has witnessed a 50% sales growth in the past two years, leading to the firm's successful relocation in 2005.
Precision Printing has introduced online ordering, which has helped cut waste, slash lead times and encourage its clients to get involved. An investment in digital printing has also opened up new markets, with the firm placing a strong focus on colour management; Precision Printing prides itself on its standards. The firm has adopted lean manufacturing techniques and has obtained FSC accreditation. It also provides career advancement for all of its employees by focusing on individual development and a 'promote from within policy'. This has resulted in many of the senior staff emerging from technical and production roles, and a staff turnover rate of less that 3%.
Finalists
Fox Print Services
White Horse Press (Newbury)
E-BUSINESS
Winner
Avalon Print
Avalon Print stood out with an e-business system that eliminated administration as well as having a visible affect on the business's bottom line. Its fully automated web-based estimation system, for internal and customer use, allows even non-specialists to accurately quote for the most complex of jobs. The firm supported its employees through all steps of implementation to ensure the whole team understood the changes involved and could adapt to new working methods. Using the system, sales staff can quickly produce quotes, which are automatically emailed to customers as PDFs to provide an immediate response to queries. Through this highly-secure site customers can view quotes online and place orders for specific quantities as well as producing their own quotes without any intervention whatsoever. This has strengthened Avalon Print's customer relationships. Importantly, the system has given the firm greater flexibility as it has allowed it to mobilise staff. And due to the system's efficiency, Avalon Print will not need to employ additional estimating staff as the business grows.
Highly Commended
Alphagraphics
Alphagraphics' e-commerce solution MOJO is one of the most reliable in the industry. Developed specifically for its key corporate clients, the system can receive, process, print and track orders cost effectively, to produce and deliver a large number of orders in minimal time. Integrated at its client's point of dispatch, MOJO can handle a diverse range of jobs; processing them from start to finish in as little as two days. The system can also be used to provide e-billing, which slashes administration costs. All job information is easily accessible and the system provides users with detailed data on job progression. As a result, Alphagraphics can process large order numbers for a single customer without neglecting the rest of its customer base.
Finalists
Corniche Fine Arts
Harlow Printing
ENTREPRENEUR
Kevin Stanton, managing director of Fox Print
Kevin Stanton won the race to the top for his exceptional entrepreneurial achievements. Within five years of selling his house to set up Fox Print, Kevin proved himself a leading industry mogul.
It is his self-discipline and willpower that won the judges over. Previously employed by a large print company, where he personally generated over £3m turnover in six years, Kevin decided it was time to start his own firm. By doing this, he was determined to provide a fresh offering and outlook that he believed the industry was lacking.
Firm in his decision, Kevin sold his house and invested all his finances into Fox Print. His passion for print, loyalty to customers and staff and his continual investment in both people and machinery has made his dream a reality. Fox Print was founded in November 2001 with a 325sqm factory and five staff, but, after careful research and investment, the firm generated £1m turnover in its first year of business.
By June 2002, the firmhad already outgrown its premises and moved to a 464sqm facility, and by the end of 2003 it had more than doubled its turnover. Kevin invested an extensive amount of time and money into creating one of the best sales and customer service teams around. This paid off and, by March 2005, the firm had relocated to a facility nearly three-times its original size, again doubled its turnover and employed 30 more staff. Just five years after its establishment, the firm has become a market leader in its sector and its 2005 turnover of £3.1m won it a spot in the lower reaches of Printing World's sister title PrintWeek's Top 500, ranked at 467.
However, when it comes to the numbers that really matter, it has punched way above its weight, coming in at 36 for operating profit, with an impressive 12.5%, and an even better number 8 spot in return on capital employed, with a figure of 129%.
Finalists
John Knight, Anton Group
Linden Kitson, Lick
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Winner
Roy Bailie, chief executive of The Baird Group
Roy Bailie is an exceptional individual who has had many distinguished accomplishments and this award reflects his outstanding service to the print industry. It considers all of his hard work to form W&G Baird, which at its height employed over 550 people and generated more than £55m in turnover, as well as his support for the Northern Ireland community.
Roy's track record within The Baird Group is worthy of a nomination in its own right. However, this award jointly celebrates the vast amounts of energy, enthusiasm and support that he has offered to a host of organisations including the Court of the Bank of England and Ireland, Ulster Television, Vision in Print and the Northern Ireland Council of Higher Education and Industrial Development. He also stood as chairman for both the CBI and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. In addition, the judges have described him as the architect of the modern day BPIF for his ongoing and influential contribution to the printing organisation. Throughout his working life Roy has been a very active member of the BPIF and served with distinction at various levels including that of president in 1999.
Highly Commended
Vin Almond of Pindar
It is people like Vin Almond who have made the UK printing industry into the force that it remains today. Modest and self-effacing, Vin's worth has never attained the public recognition and thanks it deserves, until now. Described as a technical goliath, his talent for stripping back sales jargon to identify what will, or will not work, has created extremely valuable production advantages for his employer. Tom Pindar, lifetime president of Pindar, describes him as "utterly honourable and reliable. Without him a whole generation of craft and administrative people would not have had the fine training and personal development that has made them so valued and respected." For all-round contribution, Vin is unparalleled. His merits are well due recognition.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Winner
Apple Web Offset
Warrington-based Apple Web Offset prides itself on its continuous improvement in every aspect of its business – and health and safety is no exception. The company has already secured the ISO 9002:2000 quality, Investors in People and the BSI 18001 for health and safety accreditations. Yet it still strives to achieve an even better working environment for its employees. Apple Web Offset, part of the Trade Media Group, employs over 220 staff in three factories. To manage this, the firm runs regular training programmes and uses innovative communication strategies to ensure high health and safety standards.
Every member of the management team is responsible for the implementation of health and safety strategies, which includes identifying and removing hazards and risks from the workplace. In addition, all job descriptions give a detailed account of the standards that the firm expects to meet. Apple Web Offset has issued a variety of task sheets in order to convey its precise health and safety messages to staff. These contain clear and detailed instructions as well as photographs and pictograms to ensure that they are easily understood by everyone in the company. The firm is determined to provide a clean and safe working environment, which can be enjoyed by every single member of its staff.
Highly commended
TJ International
TJ International has once again shown that the welfare of its staff is its number one priority. Over the past ten years, the Cornish company has employed a range of health and safety procedures that go far beyond standard legal requirements. Health and safety can be found on the agenda of every team, management and board meeting. And a variety of training programmes have been introduced to address any issues raised. TJ International sets clear goals to help it achieve success, and the firm's key task for 2007 is to lower accidents and related absences. It is specific targets like these that have generated such impressive results for the company.
Finalist
Oxuniprint
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Winner
Pindar
Pindar's outstanding level of engagement with its staff and local community has made it the clear winner of this category. The judges were impressed by the firm's depth of involvement in its projects. By training staff members as mentors and encouraging them to get involved, its corporate social responsibility scheme has involved every employee. Throughout the Scarborough-based firm's 170-year history, both management and employees have been heavily involved with the local community in economic, social and environmental projects. This mentality is second nature to the company, which has instilled a core value of respect in the organisation: corporate social responsibility provides the framework in which it operates.
Pindar encourages and supports its employees to get involved in a range of activities from volunteering for the Naval Reserve to undertaking local environmental impact initiatives and mentoring. The firm makes sure it considers both local and national charities. It has provided significant donations towards the heritage of Scarborough as well as setting up a junior rugby club. It has also carried out work in America and Australia and always tailors its approach to ensure that differences between communities are considered.
Highly commended
Bovince
Bovince recently undertook to embed a long-term sustainability policy into the roots of the organisation. It has reviewed its environmental policy continuously over the past 12 years, has gained accreditations to prove its commitment to the cause and has made a large reduction to its carbon footprint. Driven by an integrated management system, the scheme plays an active role in daily operations, which is supported by its ISO 14001, ISO 9001, EMAS and Investor in People accreditations. Bovince has given itself long-term goals to ensure it runs a progressive project. Its internally funded social reasonability programmes include providing guided company tours and presentations to students and teachers.
Finalist
Taws Printers
LEAN MANUFACTURER
Winner
DSTi Output
It isn't surprising that DSTi Output is the winner of this year's lean manufacturing award. DSTI Output understands that success with lean depends on senior management, and the firm has worked its lean approach into every area of the organisation. In an extremely short time it has implemented a lean programme, which has created significant business benefits as well as achieving improvements in quality, cost and delivery. DSTi Output recognises the importance of introducing and sustaining a culture of continuous improvement through lean management techniques as a route to raising margins and profitability. This firm takes a systematic approach to the elimination of waste. Most notable is the way the organisation has created an environment where lean endeavours support customers as well as the business. The firm has given substantial management attention to the project and injected a considerable investment.
Highly Commended
The Sherwood Press
This Nottingham-based family-owned business won the judges admiration for its committed approach to the lean process. The panel was impressed by the way lean projects formed part of the business planning process and how its message is communicated throughout the organisation. The firm's customer-focused mentality has encouraged it to create a leaner manufacturing culture in the business. Its message is to work smarter, not harder, which has lead to continuous improvements and a change in management. The firm worked with Vision in Print to learn more about its operations. It took part in business training to maximise the benefits from the approach, set clear objectives and collected a pool of data to create one of the best lean programmes in the business.
Finalists
Oxuniprint
MY Healthcare
Sponsored by
Vision in Print
MARKETING
Winner
Hillprint
It is both the courage and the thoroughness of Hillprint's marketing strategies that have caused the firm to be the winner of this category. Hillprint was determined to re-position itself in the industry, rather than simply re-brand. The judges were impressed by the firm's original ideas, well-researched plans and carefully implemented strategies. These helped Hillprint to turn its business around through a selection of modern marketing methods. The firm dedicated time to conducting detailed analysis of its marketplace, which in turn allowed it to ensure that it had identified the exact ways to respond to needs within its sector. This industry study was followed by a detailed implementation of its plans over a three-year schedule.
Hillprint's attentive and sensitive treatment of its marketing venture only added to its success. Hillprint made sure it analysed all possible staff training requirements and was quick to implement the necessary guidance. This realistic planning means that the whole team is always prepared to deliver exactly what the firm is positioning itself to do. And, as employees are trained, it ensures they can execute their offerings and that the firm stands out among the competition.
Finalists
HH Associates
Lick
The Lettershop Group
TURNAROUND
Winner
Redlin Print
Redlin Print has proved itself a winner in times of overcapacity and tight margins in the industry. It has overcome a climate that has driven down market prices to become more competitive in its sector. Judges were impressed at the speed of which the firm dealt with the fast changing nature of the industry. Such changeable trading times required Redlin to rethink and realign its services as well as completing a full revision of its corporate strategy. The firm set out to develop new markets, update strategies and reduce waste. After undertaking the review of the company, a decision was made to seek an acquisition with an allied business that could offer four-colour print. The change in company performance was swift and Redlin was able to stabilise the business within five months of the takeover. Since the initial acquisition it has also introduced another two new business ventures. Through this strategy the firm trebled its turnover. This money was reinvested wisely to upgrade its MIS. The firm also understood the importance of management structure and sought external management consultancy in order to prepare for future challenges.
Finalists
Clear Packaging
Lick
Patersons
