GI Solutions founder Ron Welch passes away

Welch enjoyed an illustrious career in print; one that spanned 65 years after he became an apprentice at the age of 15.

Born in 1931 in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, Welch moved to England at the age of 26 in a bid to further his career within the sector.

He joined CAPS Printing in 1961, becoming works director before moving to Leicester in 1967 to take on the same position at Jay Print.

Five years later, Welch founded Colorgraphic, a company he took public in 1987.

Welch sold the business in 1992 and shortly after he founded Graphic Inline, which is now known as GI Solutions Group.

Despite retiring in 1999, Welch continued to win new work for the group on a consultancy basis from Scotland until he reached the age of 80. His son Robin is now managing director of the £29m turnover business

Away from his love of print, Welch had a passion for horses and sailing, completing part of the Clipper Round The World race aged 68.

He leaves his wife June, two children and two grandchildren. A private cremation and a celebration of his life will be held at the Handbury Centre, Church Langton on 11 April at 2pm.

Ian Cooper, founder of Cooper Clegg, said Ron was "a great friend," particularly when he was setting up his business.