Purcell, formerly the sales director of large-format and POS printer DIS Graphics, launched Purcell Branding in early July 2022, and aims to turn over £650,000 to £700,000 in his first year.
He has decided to target sports clubs as a priority: he has already consulted for Telford United, signed the print partner contract with Wolves, and is reportedly in conversation with other Premier League clubs.
“I am working with a lot of big names,” he told Printweek, adding that after Christmas 2022 he will be free to pursue even more business as his old working contract expires.
Purcell’s objective in setting up the business was to set up a “rounded and completely customer-focused” service.
“I wanted to do things differently,” he said.
“Basically, when you’re looking at anything with large-format, when you’re talking to customers or designers, they get scared by the fact this is going to be big and huge.
“So it’s possibly a hand-holding exercise where I literally go in and consult from the start, because of my creative background in design, and because of my print background. I get it all printed, I get it all fitted, and get it completed.”
At the moment, Purcell Branding shops out its printing work to trusted suppliers, and relies on Purcell’s three four-strong installation teams across the country, eight of whom he employs directly, to install the work.
Purcell said he does not intend to remain a print broker for long, however.
“As much as it would be a lot less of a headache, I believe in creating long-lasting quality products. To do that, I have to [be able to] print, myself.”
He added that he will be looking at Vutek machinery when the business is ready, as he has a long history with EFI, and has been trained on several of its machines.
“I’ve been over to Belgium many times and purchased millions of pounds’ worth of machines over the years with DIS. If anything, it would be Vutek. I just believe in their capabilities.”
Purcell said he hopes to reach that stage within the next two to three years, by which point he will have been able to take on more staff.
“Because of the contracts I’ve managed to get I’m pretty confident I can do that.
“Longer term - I’ve seen what happens when someone becomes too big, too quickly. I don’t really want to fall into that trap.
“I want to build a strong team and keep the ethos, so within five years, I’m looking for £3m [turnover].”
Purcell admitted that the process of striking out on his own had at times been “terrifying”.
“But it’s exciting,” he added, “because you have to have the fear.
“The fear is what gets you going, the excitement is knowing that it’s the right thing to do - and that my vision, my product, works and makes a difference.”
