It’s been an interesting, some might say tumultuous, year for magazine printers, but the Derbyshire-based company has managed to keep itself clear of the fray to go its own way – and it has paid dividends: turnover was up 15%, pre-tax profit broke a 71-year company record, the workforce expanded and a substantial investment programme was completed. With the latter, the company showed itself unafraid to spend money when it is needed and to put itself into uncharted territory. For example, its £1.2m pre-press spend on dual platesetting lines and the latest Fujifilm XMF remote workflow systems created the largest Fujifilm pre-press suite in Europe. It is similarly trend-setting in the environmental arena, a prime example being its plan to install low-energy lighting throughout the factory, saving 71,000kg of CO2 per annum. Clearly, this is a company that leads from the front and, with plans to begin a substantial press-replacement process next year and with new contracts coming in all the time, it’s determined to stay there.
Commended – Real Digital International
Real Digital has managed to excel in a number of areas this year, so deservedly picks up a commendation. Its growth is continuing apace, with turnover increasing significantly and it has earned ISOs 9001, 14001 and 27001. It has also added significant contracts to its work roster, as well as expanding the work existing clients place. Finally, it has a rather utopian approach to employee benefits – every staff member has access to the on-site gym with a personal trainer, private health and other insurance benefits, a generous profit-share scheme and "freshly ground coffee" – the company’s HR team had better prepare for an influx of enquiries!
Finalists
- Buxton Press
- Dialogue Solutions (a Lateral Group company)
- Geoff Neal Litho
- GI Solutions Group
- Pureprint Group
- Real Digital International
- Stephens & George
Print Group
