Vosper joined the business in January 1979, working on the shopfloor. He rose through the ranks with roles in printing, estimating, production control and order processing to become a director and shareholder at the book printer, and helmed an MBO with then-CEO Angus Clark in 2005. 

The firm was the subject of a secondary MBO three years ago. 

TJ International rebranded as TJ Books last year. 

Managing director Andy Watts said: “Andy is the longest-serving employee and still the fastest runner and cyclist!

“He’s done all manner of jobs and seen all manner of changes. He’s had an amazing career in print, but for me it’s more about the man himself.”

Watts said that Vosper had been a “huge support” to him and finance director Andy Adams. 

“He has always shown enthusiasm and has given constructive input into the business strategy. An absolute pleasure to work with and would do anything to help.”

Watts added that the Padstow firm had started the “long search to fill the big shoes left by Andy”.

Longstanding customer Richard Howells, director of international sales and marketing at Harvard University Press, also paid tribute.

He said: “Andy has been a great friend of Harvard UP over the years, and in the days when it was possible a welcome visitor to our office in London as he did his regular tour of the city.

“My team always looked forward to him arriving, because alongside invaluable and calm support –  especially through many Piketty stock moments – we also digressed into shared passions for running, marathons, and lately I've been jealous of his plan to combine his love of bikes with a desire to continue to be of help to the NHS.”

Vosper is a keen motorcyclist and is volunteering as a blood bike in Cornwall. 

“We all wish Andy every happiness in the future, hope to see him when we visit Cornwall, and look forward to working with the next generation at TJ.” Howells added.

Vosper told Printweek: “I’ve enjoyed a great career at TJ, seen lots of change, met and worked with so many good people across the ever-engaging book and print industry; loved the journey and camaraderie. 

“Looking forward now to more home time, family, local volunteering, taking the time to travel and… read books!”

TJ Books provides a range of book printing services spanning litho and digital printing, along with comprehensive in-house finishing facilities.