News

The Mighty wind - 14 November 2008

it is estimated that the man from reading is underwriting this "sustainable " business model to the tune of one million per month, he must be delighted that this is set to continue

A Printbuyer - 14 November 2008

The latest group accounts show a loss of over £9 million and they have a zero credit rating - I wonder how "sustainable" that is?

As a printbuyer i always check the financials of my suppliers but how can I ever get to the truth of knowing I am working with a supplier who has a "sustainable business model"?

Douglas Richardson - 14 November 2008

What a fantastic Bob Caley evangelical sermon it certainly is as good as anything he has woke up believing in the past!!.

I really do hope David and his team have a sustainable business plan to get them through the next two years or so, if they have it can only be good news for the Industry.

With kind regards to all and good luck with this years Xmas double issues

Doug Richardson

PS. the decorating is going well with only one bedroom left to complete next week!!

Adrian Clark - 14 November 2008

I am speechless, and that doesn't happen very often!

Neil Taylor - 14 November 2008

I find Mr Caley's comments a 'lorra lorra fun but not a complete 'surprise surprise' \(sorry John/Cilla)

Rumours of massive losses, zero credit rating and unrealistic pricing. Diversity of client base and product is always advisable but surely not at cut throat, loss making prices. Be interesting to see how this unfolds once the 'parachute' payments from Reading FC have stopped.

BGP are a good company but to claim they are uniquely able to offer sustainable prices is unbelievably arrogant and I am sure a few other web houses are having a quiet chuckle at this.

David Levy - 14 November 2008

Is it April 1st !!! I am with you on this one Adrian - UNBELIEVABLE.

If losses of £1m a month are success, then the world has gone mad. If deiversity means magazines and a few directories, then perhaps Mr Caley needs to consult his dictionary.

Other than the rich backer from Reading with an emotional link to the company, who else would support it - the banks \(Ha ha ha).

If Mr Caley presented his 'sustainable business model' to a financial institution, they would laugh him out the door.

He must think we are all stupid

Andrew Dalton - 14 November 2008

I really must apologise to my shareholders. After reading about Bobs sustainable model which is losing five times the amount we lost when owning Cooper Clegg, I really have done them an injustice by selling.

I have no doubt when Bob has finished his work at BGP the free transfer to Reading FC to be in charge of season ticket sales will have the same result, stands full to 80% capacity with season tickets given away to so called supporters who will switch the following season to anyone elses team who offers free tickets as well, leaving Roy of the Reading Rovers with no money in the till.

I do hope Roy sees through this 'sustainable plan' before too much longer, as it was tried before by Polestar and their investors were left wondering what happened to £800m+

Andrew Dalton , Pindar

Print Spectator - 14 November 2008

I am old, and have seen many things...This industry has been good to me and has some wonderful people in it... To read about this "sustainable business model" is just simply, astonishing.

The losses, [edited], the sheer sillyness all add up to a train smash in waiting.

Just astonishing.

lordof weboffset - 14 November 2008

So Sherriff Bob "Rosco P. Coltrane" Caley, along with his Boss, David "Boss Hogg" Holland, and his deputy, Marcus, "Cletus Hogg" Dobbs, reckon that they have got it right and the rest of us are all doomed, do they? Un-believable. I had heard this first hand but could not comment on it, as I had no evidence and no one would believe me that someone would say such things. Thank the Lord for good old Rosco, never one to let us down, thus enabling me to say my piece. BGP have been telling us for a while that no one understands the master 5 year plan, boy, they got that bit right.

I cannot believe that Bob said these things; it could be called his Gerald Ratner moment.

Boss Hogg and Rosco, were instrumental In Investcorp having to write off Polestars lost millions, watch out Mr. Madejski!

Watch this clip for a sneak preview of how a BGP board meeting might take place. It's all done in the best possible taste.

 http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=NFpORL5t7ks

Print Guru - 14 November 2008

As a true insider of BGP it beggars belief [edited]

Just having 72 page presses with Polich people running them is only a small part of having an efficient factory unit. They are in my opinion unmanageable but then that is of their own making in trying to be a supersite on an area the size of a postage stamp.

The site is a logistical nightmare, the worst I have ever seen [edited].

Jo Francis - 14 November 2008

What an entertaining Friday morning this is turning out to be. Here's my 10p worth

http://community.printweek.com/blogs/printers_devil__its_in_the_detail/archive/2008/11/14/bgp-beyond-belief.aspx

Simon Biltcliffe- Webmart - 14 November 2008

Steady on chaps. He cooks a g-r-e-a-t curry so credit where credit is due.

He also has lost a lot of weight since this picture was taken, so it's not all bad news. The cause of it may be though.

And they say there is no such a thing as bad publicity... case disproven. eeek

Simon Biltcliffe

MD

WEBMART

www.FreePrintSales.com

The Mighty wind - 14 November 2008

Lordofweboffset said

"I had heard this first hand but could not comment on it, as I had no evidence and no one would believe me that someone would say such things"

you must be commended for not laughing out loud, the one bonus of a contracting sector is their will be less places for people of this ilk to "weave there magic".

Brian Simms - 14 November 2008

This really made me chuckle. Nothing to do with a certain John's deep pockets then? It'll be interesting to see how sustainable the business model becomes, once the deep pockets have been completely emptied......can't be long now!

lordof weboffset - 14 November 2008

I and a few others, have been edited, but why. How very dare you, what a liberty! Come on Printweek have you no sense of humour? Bob started it, and all we are doing is giving our opinion.

Made Ready - 14 November 2008

Never mind the edited comments, mine was removed completely for being rude! Reading through the above comments, can I respectively suggest that the most offensive comments are contained within the article itself - and despite the best efforts of the responders - the biggest joke!

Print Guru - 14 November 2008

I'm disappointed that my hard hitting but true comments were edited out and only the tame stuff left in. The whole industry knows that BGP is only going one way and that's BUST! Their business model is only as sustainable as Mr Madejski keeps pumping money into it. Even he will eventually tire of this.

The original plan was to build the company up to sell it off at a large profit but I'm sure he knows deep down that will not be happening for a good few years at best and what is the point in putting endless sums of money because he will never recoup it in an industry that has pressed the self destruct button and will never see the returns necessary to make such a model ever viable.

Now if some bright spark can assure me that prices will rise 50% over the coming few years then maybe...just maybe it's worth throwing good money after bad. So yes technically I take my hat off to Bob Caley as being a brilliant salesman because BGP probably ARE the only people who can sustain these losses......because all the hard working decent printers will simply pull out of the magazine market.

So I apologise about my hard hitting comments and take my hat off to the mighty trio of three. I bet Geoff Hughes is glad he's got such an easy job turning around a company that's in such good shape...should have the job done in a month!

Bye for now and see you down the curry wagon Bob!

Matt Whipp - 14 November 2008

 I know it's frustrating to find your posts edited, regardless of humour value, and we do attempt to leave these forums as open as possible, but we need to take down unsuitable material where necessary or we won't be able to offer these forums in the first place. Humour is fine, facts are great, and there are some very important points being made here, but we will always have to remove anything defamatory. If you can provide all of the former with none of the last, then we'll continue to enjoy reading these posts

Douglas Richardson - 14 November 2008

Matt, the solution is in your hands as I have stated many times before.

I don't believe for one minute Mr Print Guru and his like would vent their views in open forum if their was a requirement to divulge their God given Name.

regards

Doug

Ian T. Cooper - 14 November 2008

I have perhaps been silent too long. I am fortunate to be on holiday in a hot country but perhaps after reading about Bob Caley's business model the sun has affected what little brain I have left after 40+ years in the print industry. Some years ago I conned my way through an MBA where I learned little except that selling below marginal costs was not clever and that my Mother was correct when she said that it was stupid to borrow money for printing presses and that I should have kept up my piano lessons and have a successful career as a pianist in a brothel.

When Pindar acquired Cooper Clegg I genuinely thought that their timing was right and that with their expertise they would benefit from a revived market. How wrong I was. All the investement in the world could not succeed as long as the managers of BGP and others took advantage of ill advised owners of such badly run businesses.

It is said that CC had the wrong presses but what sensible company would invest multi million £s in such self destruct industry.

Eventually the man from Reading will realise that he is a laughing stock and cut up all the credit cards issued to Bicester.

Sadly I see that the wonderful workforce at Cooper Clegg are faced with yet more redundancies. I can only wish them well knowing that they have worked hard yet still face an uncertain furure.

Ian Cooper.

MILES BERRY - 14 November 2008

Silly me- I didn't realise that BGP must be actually part of "no such thing as a cheap price" Polestar.

lordof weboffset - 14 November 2008

Bob,

you may need these details?

Max Clifford Associates

Moss House

15-16 Brooks Mews

Mayfair

London

W1K 4DS

Tel: 0207 408 2350

Fax: 0207 409 2294

Email: max@maxclifford.com

fred bloggs - 14 November 2008

Mathew

Mathew well done for spotting the quote of the year and giving it the prominence it so richly deserves.

Christopher Medler - 14 November 2008

Hi Guys, I'm sitting on the touchline with a wry smile at the longest running tactical game known to man. Having constructed many a few web offset cost/profit models in my time the "hawks" are right of course with "me too" technology and broadly the same labour cost base their is no cost usp in the industry. However as Simon B and Adrian C will remember in the good old days at Chromoworks, where David H and Bob C are right is that the only way to make money in Web Offset is with a market / price segmentation strategy with a broad mix of commercial and magazine work and not overloading with time sensitive magazine work alone and constantly letting customers down as most magazine houses tend to so do thereby putting fiurther price pressure on oneself.Having put together and invested in the Jarrold MBI I am well versed on the effect of a "philanthropic" backer pulling the plug.

All the best, it's been a great fishing season this year!

Paul Anderson - 14 November 2008

superb entertainment..keep it up guys!

the PM - 14 November 2008

We have ended boom and bust

Bob Caley for Chancellor !!

Print Monkey - 15 November 2008

I feel sorry for poor Geoff Hughes. This is the second crack at the whip for him at Bicester. He got it wrong the first time & fell on his sword and I suspect it will still be waiting for him in the board room, unless it has been sold to lease back and they only have a butter knife now!

As for the guy in Reading, he fell for the mantra "yes we can" when he gave power to Holland. Can you save Colchester? 'yes we can' Can you save money? 'yes we can' Can you make a profit? 'yes we can'. I must admit, Holland has saved the old man some money. He has only taken him for £50m, not £100m \(yet).

He should have kept \(honest) John Cooling, at least he had the decency to keep the balance sheet looking the right way up and keep things simple for the old man to understand.

Ho-hum...

fred bloggs - 15 November 2008

pehaps this is the original idea for the "sustainable business model" http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=6PzjpkcUaL0

Crows Feet - 15 November 2008

Just think how many players Mr Reading could have brought if he had listened to John Cooling...??, they could have staved off relegation and brought a half decent side with £50 million and some of those players would have been on for far higher profits. ..!!, Fernando Torres was only £20 million.

Instead he's left with a vast array of top heavy management. John Rowlands brought in by Madejski to see where big John's money is really going. Geoff Hughes now brought in as MD, why if things are so rosy..?? And then were left with David Holland, Bob Caley and Peter Clark who got the ball rolling on the supersite at Bicester. Geoff Hughes had only just had his first coffee at Stones the Printers \(sister company) when he was dragged into this mess.

I find it a very sad day when Bob Caley feels it necessary to openly laugh at genuine people running and working at web offset printers who are struggling in this sector. Mr Caley can afford to take this stance because as it's been said here already, they are being bank rolled by a multi millionaire, but why be so ignorant..??.

I would just love John Madejski to take 5 minutes to read all of these posts and then quickly ask his accountant to tally up on what he's spent since the ex Polestar regime took over. I would just hope then that he might realise that, its time he said enough is enough and asked Caley to back up his comments.

I'm sure Bob Caley does cook a great curry as Mr Biltcliffe has stated but surely you should be cooking him it. I would like to think so after your latest set of accounts show an excellent trading year with a nice dividend taken. But let's face it; your operation across the road from BGP must have been helped by Bob's sustainable pricing. So get the apron on, cook him up a nice vindaloo and perhaps it might keep him quiet for a while................

Thank you Bob, you've made my day reading this excellent blog.

- 16 November 2008

Do we have another Polestar organisation in the gist of Bicester-based BGP's?

The financial accounts filed at Companies House for the year end 30 September 2005 for Polestar Holdings Limited ;

Turnover - £375,900,000

Pre-Tax Loss - \(£155,700,000) -Yes another very high loss

Trade Debtors - £48,900,000

Current Assets - £97,200,000

Current liabilities - \(£205,500,000)

Long Term Liabilities - \(£1,396,900.00)

Total Net Deficient - \(£716,800,000)

Total net worth - ?

Working capital - non \(£108,300,000)

Credit limit - ?

\( ) = negative

2001 Investcorp invests £73.1m cash injection into Polestar

2004 Investcorp injects further £74m into Polestar's "True North" initiative Loan notes totalling £200.8m novated to Polestar's immediate holding company for one ordinary share Banks reschedule £50m of debt repayments

2005 Investcorp injects a further £100m into "True North"

2006 Polestar `defaults` on its `debt repayments`. Senior debt holders take control of the company. A debt-for-equity swap results in `£700m losses` for Polestar's investors.

BGP need to wake up to the `real world!

Colin Thompson

Cavendish

www.cavendish-mr.org.uk

Douglas Richardson - 17 November 2008

Hi everyone good morning

I think everyone will agree that this subject heading has provided some light relief to the day to day grind of trying to make some sense of continuing to trade.\(or in my case sweeping up the leaves on my drive)

Can I dismiss the comments of Mr Thompson and his like as I am totally convinced they have nothing to offer our industry in relation to the pressures we are all going to be under over the next two years or so.

FACT.

December is the month when most closures or redundency programmes are announced.

So everyone remember your Christmas could still be

a car crash.

IMAGINE.

You have just received news that you are 90 days away from the dole queue and all of the horrible consequences it will bring to you and your familiy.

Just like any drowning person the world suddenly looks very different and while trying to stay afloat you start to pray your Company comes up with

a sustainable plan to support your Company through the difficult next few years.

Well guys, we all know the current status quo is not going to allow all Companies to continue trading without major changes in work practices.

FACT

Excluding paper, labour costs are by far the largest element in most Companies costs, compounded by the fact the labour cost % increases as magazine paginations and print quantities increase seasonally.

EMERGENCY TWO YEAR SURVIVAL PROPOSAL.

1. Current employee numbers are maintained.

2.Wage Rates \(excluding overtime) are maintained and are increased annually at the same % level of inflation.\( negative levels of inflation not applied)

3.No bonuses / incentive payments are made to administrative and sales staff.

4.Overtime rates are restricted to single time.

5.An introduction to some form of annualised hours

\(needs to be thought through in a sensitive manner).

6.Direct and indirect staff have total inter-flexability and machine manning levels are dictated by the actual product being produced at any given time.

All of the suggestions above are practical and can be introduced very quickly.

Are they enough to make each Company profitable I suspect the anawer is yes.

Another benefit that will accrue from having everyone in a Company pulling in the same direction will be a gradual and continuing performance/manufacturing improvement which will generate further profit improvement.

Don't waste time slagging me off.

Get cracking before it is too late.

regards to all

Doug

The Mighty wind - 17 November 2008

Doug are you related to bob or was it just a polestar training course

fred bloggs - 17 November 2008

has he finished the last bedroom yet?

Brian Simms - 17 November 2008

Doug. Do you still do 'the lick' test to determine long grain from short grain paper? That did make me laugh back in the eighties!

Douglas Richardson - 17 November 2008

Hi Guys

Brian, just to clarify in case some smart ass will say all paper contains both long and short grain, the purpose of the lick test was to identify the machine or grain direction of the printed product.

To Fred Bloggs I have been given a week off decorating hence gathering up the leaves.

To Mr Mighty Wind

I assume your question re Bob and I being related was a Joke.

I am at a loss however to understand your comment re a polestar training course.

Are you able to clarify?

More importantly are you able to refute the validity of my posting?

regards

Doug

Made Ready - 17 November 2008

Bob,

All toes, both feet, shot off.

Gerald Ratner - 17 November 2008

Bob

I believe this could be your 'Gerald Ratner moment'.....and this sort of statement could come back to haunt you.

It can be a long road back to gain credibility..

Print Monkey - 18 November 2008

I think Madejski is just fulfilling his prophecy.

Lifted from Wikipedia, "In my view, you start life with nothing and you end it with nothing"

At the rate he is pumping money in to BGP, he'll be living on his Goodhead \(deficit) pension soon.

Carry on John.

Paul Baily - 18 November 2008

in compariosn to owning a football club its anunderstandable sentiment....I agree with those who think he has made a gaff of the highest proportions.

£9 million loss..chicken feed \(apparently)..lets see how sustainable his model is once deflation really kicks in.

Pindar dont tend to make many mistakes in business and the sale of Cooper Clegg indicates they dont think the over capacity issue in the UK is going away so lets see who is right.

I suspect PIndar have called it right but lets see...

Cletus Van Damme - 18 November 2008

PrintWeek's old editor Jo Francis made an interesting point on this subject in her blog thingy.

http://community.printweek.com/blogs/printers_devil__its_in_the_detail/archive/2008/11/17/bgp-friends-in-high-places.aspx

That should get you there.

I am inclined to agree with her, where is Michael Johnson and the BPIF in all this? You would have thought they would have something to say.

fred bloggs - 18 November 2008

Hang on, give the guy a brake. He's probably just got lost on his way back from the tour around the bindery.

He might be some time.

Pedro Duval - 18 November 2008

Would Bob Caley have the graciousness to provide us with another pearl of wisdom from his inestimable archive of print industry know-how....

....so we can all have another good laugh.

Andrew Dalton - 18 November 2008

Cletus, Michael johnson wont reply about one printers business model as he represents the whole Industry, and of course isnt responsible for what individual members do within their business and therefor probably shouldn't comment unless its unethical or illegal. But being commercially stupid isnt either of those and hardly something an Industry body can control.

Besides Michael has his own sustainable model challenges ..

Anyway what I really wanted to ask, was, has anyone ever seen Colin Thompson and Bob Caley together if not I have a theory!

Andrew Dalton-Pindar

lordof weboffset - 18 November 2008

Andrew, Bob and Colin cannot be one in the same. Bob is unique.

However it's given me an idea.

We could start a joke competition.

Whats the difference between Bob Caley and Colin Thompson.

Please feel free to submit your answers. best one wins a prize from Printweek.

Print Spectator - 18 November 2008

I think I know this one -

Interestingly, Colin Thompson enjoys jogging I believe.

Bearing in mind Bobs apparent ability in the kitchen, and his abundantly clear non-ability in managing his PR, could the difference be that Colin is a pant in the country, while Bob isn't?

the PM - 18 November 2008

Lord of Web Offset for your competion

for a free book on how to make a sustainable business model written by Bob Caley and published by Colin Thompson

Print Monkey - 19 November 2008

The PM on your free book prize...

Sounds like a winner, so long as its not printed by the Goodhead Group. Even though it would only contain a single section, they would probable print it on the wrong paper and bind it upside down...

Interesting to note that there has been no reply/defence to these comments by anyone at BGP yet. Go on Bob, give us laugh.

Pedro Duval - 19 November 2008

I can understand Bob Caley's angst in reading these comments and his clear inability to attempt a coherent response. So, to balance out the unfair bias against Bob, I have anticipated his careful and considered response to plethora of angry diatribe aimed against this much maligned individual; this, I am sure, would be his response:

'We alone have a sustainable pricing policy that will see us through the current global boom period, the forthcoming McCain administration in the U.S., the stable political situation in the Middle East, the next John Lennon/Elvis reunion gig and the welcome anticipation of all Scots supporting England in the World Cup Qualifiers.

We alone understand that due to global cooling more people will stay indoors and read ever-increasing quantities of magazines printed by us. In recognising every business opportunity, we are also giving serious consideration to investing* in opticians; clearly the more magazines we print, the more eye defects will develop amongst our readership in their futile efforts to focus on the blurred images.'

*The usual 'sustainable' loss making investment model that screws everyone else.

Paul Baily - 19 November 2008

6 months ago Lehmann Brothers had a "sustainable" model.....Good luck.

Neil Taylor - 19 November 2008

This must surely rank as one of the most interesting Printweek blogs ever. Potential Channel 5 special with Russell Brand/Jonathon Ross. I believe they are both available at present.

For all Bob's faults, at least he is in the industry \(assuming Mr Madjeski isn't reading this) unlike Colin Thompson who's job seems to be adding comments on each and every story to drum up business. Dont you just know his office is peppered with 'smile when answering the phone' and 'the customer is always right' motivational posters?

Print Spectator - hope everyone else picked up on your sponnerism. Very witty.

Given Bob's reputation in the kitchen, perhaps he is simply cooking the books or 'spicing' up the industry.

Either way, great reading \(reading - not the football team!)

and

fred bloggs - 19 November 2008

In the spirit of this thread, just supposing Roy of the Rovers decides to “do a Redknapp”, could this august gathering offer up any suitable high profile replacements.

If I could “Kick off” with Dale Winton.

A Printbuyer - 19 November 2008

Not sure if the following joke applies to Colin Thomson with his love of business models \(see his comments on the Cooper Clegg situation) or Bob Caley with his "sustainability":

Boss: \(to employee) - Experts say humour on the job relieves tension in this time of down-sizing, Knock, Knock.

Employee: Who's there?

Boss: Not you anymore

Crows Feet - 19 November 2008

Excellent stuff on this blog, Pedro Duval tops it off..!!!, well printed it all of and just posted this for the attention of John Madejski, Reading Football Club, Madejski Stadium, Junction 11, M4, Reading, RG2 0FL.

I think its only fair that he should see what kind of individual he is being associated with. Lets face it, Mr Madejski does an awful lot for charities and backs organisations like the V&A and he really shouldn't be having his name associated with this kind of rubbish. Regardless of it losing millions its his choice where he spends his money but what is not acceptable when buffons like Caley tell blantant lies and make outrageous statements which he can't back up also causes embarrassment to the man who pays his wages.

If Big John reads this then it might be just another reminder that he's in bed with people like Caley who are openly throwing his money away and laughing at us all. Just then Mr Madejski might call it a day, at the loss of 300 people wages but what about the other 1000's being jeopardised by BGP's actions.

Crows Feet - 19 November 2008

Taken this from the BGP Website................

With 38 years experience in the industry, he is certainly classed as a 'heavyweight' in terms of print knowledge and expertise.

Bob's energy and enthusiasm for undertaking new challenges is infectious.

He is the type of director who has no problem walking away from deskbound duties to remove the pin-striped suit jacket, roll up his sleeves and get 'stuck in' with machine minders if a project necessitates his input.

Bob's energy levels never subside: he is focused, fun and forever seeking new goals and quality standards in print.

Bob gets the job done - his enthusiasm, energy and print knowledge is a great asset to BGP and its clients.

When not printing, Bob enjoys cooking and gardening.

Bob also tells blantant lies and thinks its funny because he does not care and loves spending £1 million of his Chairman's money a month. But Bob also believes only BGP can sustain the current prices which he sets every day.

lordof weboffset - 20 November 2008

I have just had a quick look at the BGP website, and noticed they have 12 Directors. You would have thought that with that many, they could do a lot better, but then maybe that's the problem.

Between them they couldn't direct traffic.

Print Spectator wins the joke competition by the way. Funniest thing I have read all year.

PS. Good luck to all at Cooper Clegg.

Crows Feet - 20 November 2008

The BGP management meeting...........

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=NFpORL5t7ks&feature=related

Print Monkey - 20 November 2008

Lordof Weboffset, your info \(their website) is out of date.

At the last count, Paul Prue \(IT Director)and Pete Crossley\(Finance Director) have both gone and Pete Clark \(MD) was replaced by Geoff Hughes.

Having said that, they have a 13 seat board table and are looking to fill the empty chairs with; Director of Reprints and a new Group Sales Director as Bob has become Group PR Director. This last appointment was no doubt due to Bob's brilliant statement and the subsequent buzz it has created. Well done and good luck in the new role Bob.

Pedro Duval - 20 November 2008

Once upon a time, in a galaxy too close for comfort to you...

Impressionable Young Boy, 'Dad..., where are the Alps?'

Disinterested Dad, 'I dunno, ask your Mum, she puts everything away.'

Impressionable Young Boy, 'Dad..., could you read me a story?'

Disinterested Dad, 'Nope, Jackanory is on the telly, just watch that.'

Impressionable Young Boy, 'Dad..., is Jackanory true?'

Disinterested Dad, 'Yeah, yeah, course it is.'

Impressionable Young Boy, 'Dad..., is the tooth fairy true then?'

Disinterested Dad, 'Yeah, yeah, course it is.'

Impressionable Young Boy, 'Dad...'

Disinterested Dad, getting very impatient, 'What now!'

Impressionable Young Boy, smashing an expensive new Airfix plastic plane to bits against the floor, 'Is this a sustainable model?'

Disinterested Dad, not even looking up, 'Yeah, yeah, course it is.'

Impressionable Young Boy, 'Thanks for the advice Dad!'

And then he grew up and applied these same principles to the print industry.

The End

Crows Feet - 20 November 2008

Who'd have thought John Sargent would have resigned before Bob Caley..??!!.

Sticky Pages - 20 November 2008

this comment column has struck new foundry's of wit!

"Not sure if the following joke applies to Colin Thomson with his love of business models \(see his comments on the Cooper Clegg situation) or Bob Caley with his "sustainability":

Boss: \(to employee) Experts say humour on the job relieves tension in this time of down-sizing..

Knock, Knock.

Employee: Who's there?

Boss: Not you anymore

HAHA! ><

fred bloggs - 21 November 2008

Mr Caley's pricing model is probably based on his experiances as a boy scout on "bob a job" week

John Graham - 25 November 2008

As a publisher we find the print industry quite incredible and a mad space to be in. Why do you beat the hell out of each other all the time? I don't mean price just your attitude. If this is how you lot opperate as an industry sector you deserve everything you get. The lack of respect you show each other is quite staggering. I am sure from what little I know of them that they are trying very hard to compete when too much capacity pushes down price. What do you expect BGP to do just roll over NO. They have invested in good kit and as they should, taking this to Market, if you cant compete do what others do and bail out.

lordof weboffset - 25 November 2008

Mr. Graham, welcome to this blog.

When you say "I am sure from what little I know of them" you are right.

You clearly know nothing about them and the damage they are doing to the web offset industry. You clearly do not know young Rosco

You are a Publisher, and I guess a small one. Good. You stick with your game, and leave the big boys to our game.

The Mighty wind - 25 November 2008

Hi Mr graham

You are right to point out that on the whole BGP have some very good kit, all things being equal they should be in a good position when sanity returns to the web offset sector. However they have a very poorly laid out workplace and the workflow is unbelievable. Added to this they have a number of characters from the industry swanning around the offices who have a certain history within the trade. Lets just say that losing lots of other peoples money whilst screaming from the rooftops could be viewed as a way of life for some.

The business model that Cap'n Bob is evangelising was used by polestar and destroyed a number of good printers, it is basically undercut until the competition falls [in the mean time whip your presses & workers]. As a publisher you will be well aware that a number of magazines should not be in the market they are part supported by the low cost of printing them.

Why do we show a lack of respect for each other? Perhaps we know these guys better!!!

fred bloggs - 25 November 2008

Mr Graham

It is clear you know nothing of the background and the history. Lord, Wind and Spectator have a very firm grasp of the issues under discussion.

You speak of overcapacity; a few years ago Roy of the Rovers had a dilemma as he had just lost the BT phone book contract to Spain. The chap running his print firm recommended retrenchment and prudent management.

Along come some other executives who had suddenly and unexpectedly become available and they could start immediately. Mr Prudent was let go. These new executive were often overheard saying to anyone who would listen to them “you have got to have four to be taken seriously”

And yes they do know have four. I will leave it to you to determine whether anyone takes them seriously.

If you follow this link the young lady explains it in more detail