Romford-based Lynhurst Press was recognised for the Creative Advertising Solutions brochure, produced for PrintWeek's publisher Haymarket. Its managing director Alec Samuels (pictured centre) attended the event.

Royle Corporate Print, which was represented by sales director Gary Simmonds (pictured left), was awarded for the Shaftesbury Annual Report 2004.

More than 1,200 printers from 35 countries submitted entries for the nine categories. Around 45 firms made it to the shortlist and therefore to the ceremony, held at the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. TJ International managing director Angus Clark was among the judges.

"The importance of the quality of print should never be under-estimated," said Sappi chief executive Jonathan Leslie. "With so much alternative media around, both printers and papermakers must be totally committed to creating the best products they can."

The nine gold award winners will compete in the Sappi International Printer of the Year competition in Shanghai in October.

Visit: www.sappi.com/PrinterOfTheYear

Story by Lauretta Roberts