Why:
In terms of surprises in print, they haven’t come much bigger this year than former BPIF chief executive Johnson’s return to the sector via the acquisition of Piccolo Press from founder and fellow Navy man Tim Honnor. However, his return to print will come as no surprise for some and he is already practicing what he preached at the BPIF. “He’s really driving Piccolo forward. Where Tim was passionate about the craft, Michael has more of a business head,” said one. Equally, while he was famed at the BPIF for his direct style, he’s already won fans among his workforce at PrintWeek’s reigning Social Stationery Printer of the Year, with one gushing: “He’s very involved, a super boss – everyone loves him.”
Why:
The Paperhat Group chief executive has ambitious plans for the business that have catapulted him into the Power 100. The print management group has recently purchased majority stakes in London-based creative firms Reputation by Design and FTP Digital, and Peppiatt also oversaw the acquisition of a majority stake in cross-media marketing specialist Consorcio Group in January. The deals form part of a ‘buy and build’ strategy, unveiled last year, designed to expand the group’s multimedia offering. Known to colleagues as a “proud Sidcup boy” Peppiatt is described by another as a “high-calibre professional who has shown clear leadership in the print and integrated marketing solutions industry”.
Why:
New entry David Nestor has proved his worthiness for a place in our print hall of fame, by being at the helm of the company named PrintWeek SME of the Year for the second successive year last October. The key to the trade finishing company’s success, despite the ongoing trend of more and more printers bringing finishing in-house, is very much the drive and dynamism of its managing director, and the ambitious investment strategy that this brings, says one colleague. Extremely dedicated to the company, the only time Nestor won’t be contactable, his colleague says, is when a Grand Prix is on. But he apparently more than makes up for this by “working at an F1-kind of speed” the rest of the time.
Why:
A non-mover since his second appearance in the Power 100 last year, managing director Tony Brinton senior has, over the past year, piloted a steady course for his company, which now exports to around 110 countries worldwide. The consumables business, which launched almost four decades ago as trade proofing house Ultracolour, manufactures UV inks, coatings and pressroom chemistry at its Bristol and Leeds sites. Following enquiries at Ultrachem’s Drupa stand this year, Brinton has his eye on a number of new markets to break into. A dedicated family man and grandfather, colleagues describe Brinton as a man who leads by example with “an inspiring depth of knowledge and level of respect within the industry”.
Why:
Times are hard in the trade finishing sector, but Olro Group seems to remain buoyant and Olley’s loyal staff credit him with being instrumental in the stability of the company. That the trading is difficult is acknowledged by his employees, but they are confident that Olley’s “shrewd” business skills and “practical” outlook will steer them successfully through the testing period. Indeed, his presence in the Power 100 is testament to that ability to still be in the game. Being an Arsenal fan, Olley is well versed in dealing with the disappointments as well as the successes of business, but he also has a strong family life for support and a keen interest in swimming to power away any lingering frustrations the day might bring.
Why:
ProCo might not be the biggest marcomms printer in the world, but, under the leadership of sales director Bailey and managing director Mark Schofield, that doesn’t stop it punching well above its weight in terms of innovation. Even more importantly, Bailey is keen to share the lessons of its transform-ation from SME litho printer into a fully-fledged marketing services provider, as illustrated by his key role in establishing the EMEA arm of the HP user group Dscoop. As one client puts it: “Jon is a visionary. He’s constantly looking for ways to improve things.” In fact, he sometimes goes a little too far, as he did at the Strictly Come ProCo customer event last December when he donned a diamante-encrusted ballroom dancing outfit.
Spending power
Influence
Well connected
Star quality
On the up
Knowledge
Innovator