The business was originally established as family-owned Penrith print firm Reeds back in 1878.

The company became part of H&H Group plc 14 years ago, with H&H Reeds subsequently expanding its offering with the acquisition of local rival Print Graphic in 2019, and then into web development during the pandemic with the purchase of Dotcom Associates.

The firm has reverted to the Reeds name as part of the change of ownership.

A three-strong management team: Anthony Donnelly, Gareth Rylands and Jonathan Nagle took over the business on Tuesday (4 November), following a strategic realignment at its parent company.

Rylands has worked at the company for 29 years, Donnelly for more than nine years, and Nagle joined four years ago.

Nagle becomes sales and marketing director, Donnelly is commercial director, and Rylands print and production director.

The firm's former managing director Andy Jackson retired in June.

H&H Group CEO Richard Rankin commented: “This decision has been made with the future of H&H Reeds and its exceptional team in mind.

“While H&H Reeds has been a proud part of our diversified business, it no longer aligns with our future focus on Agri and rural enterprises.”

He said the management team had approached the group with a clear vision, and HH Group was “excited to support them as they take the business forward”.

“Like Harrison & Hetherington, H&H Reeds is deeply rooted in Cumbrian heritage, and its contribution to our group has been invaluable. Reeds’ potential is stronger than ever, thanks to solid investment and diversification in recent years. The new owners possess the talent, technology, and expertise to take the business to new heights,” he added.

The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Nagle told Printweek that Reeds had agreed a long-term strategic partnership with H&H Group as part of the deal.

“We’ve had a really good response from the team and from customers. Everyone is being very supportive. It’s business as normal other than the fact we’re not part of a PLC anymore,” he explained.

Nagle said the firm’s diversified offering spanning design, litho and digital print, signage, websites and digital marketing had found favour with clients, with the business also increasing the amount of direct mail work it handled, too.

“By offering more creative solutions we can really become a genuine partner with our customers, and we understand their challenges,” he added.

“We have grown consistently year-on-year since Covid with steady, solid growth.”

Reeds employs 35 and had sales of £2.4m in the most recent accounts to June 2023, under its former parent.

The Reeds print and signage operation is located at its 1,600sqm factory in Penrith, with its digital agency based in Carlisle.

Clients span the public sector, charities and a wide range of businesses.