Forward Finishing, which was established in August by joint directors Astrid Saunders and Andrzej Stepien, also offers mailing and packaging services.

The firm, which has been self-funded by the directors, operates from 93sqm leased premises in Poole. The business also rents a 465sqm unit based opposite its premises on a weekly basis to help it handle extra capacity. In the near future the company is hoping to move to larger premises of around 232sqm in size to cope with increasing demand.

“We are really excited to launch such a new concept to Dorset. We can’t wait to work with local businesses to improve their production, assembly and mailing projects. It’s been going great so far, we tripled our sales forecast in our third month,” said Saunders.

Prior to launching the business Saunders and Stepien both worked at Wimborne, Dorset-based SPS Group; Saunders as finishing manager and Stepien as senior team leader.

Saunders, who has worked in print for 15 years, has also previously worked for local companies including Allsorts and ACH Colour. Stepien has worked in finishing since 2007 and also has experience in print buying and graphic design.

“When I was finishing manager at the SPS Group, I was trying to place work out and couldn’t find anywhere local that offered these services. And 3D unit building is a niche service nationwide so those were our main two reasons for starting the business” said Saunders.

Forward Finishing, which is aiming for a turnover of around £150,000 to £200,000 in the first year, employs five full-time staff, although the majority of its work is completed by casual workers and homeworkers.

The firm operates two drills, a small guillotine and shrink-wrapping machinery and its hand finishing services include tagging, collation, folders, banding, padding, interleaving, taping and affixing PVC wallets and magnetic strips.

It currently serves trade printers and screen printers but hopes to expand into a range of other markets and industries in due course.