Merge to offer 'good prices', says print group

A Greater London print management company has said that merging print companies has helped it to realise the economies of scale needed to offer stable prices.

Over the past 18 months, Sidcup-based Lefa Print and Allied Services has bought commercial printers Schofield and Parham, Hartley Reproductions and Cadence.

The four businesses have all moved under one roof in Sidcup, with the final machines moving across at the end of last year. All will operate under the Lefa title.

According to managing director Edward Arthur, Lefa had a relationship with the companies before investing, but by bringing them on-board officially, it has meant the company is able to offer better prices and have increased control.

He said: "As a print company we are able to go to our clients and say that we control everything under one roof.

"As a print management company, the printer needs to make profit, and you need to make profit, and that reflects on what you offer the client.

"With everything under one roof it gives us the confidence that we can complete the work and give a good price."

As a combined business, Lefa now employs almost 40 staff and has an annual turnover of around £2.25m.

The group has also invested in new kit as part of the move, including an MBO T530/44 buckle-folding machine from UK distributor Friedheim.

Lefa Print handles general commercial work, but said it is now looking to invest in mailing equipment to increase its offering.

Arthur added: "This move is good for us, we have the opportunity to become a modern forward-thinking print company in a difficult time."