MRP kicks off 2020 with new sales director

Seaford (pictured at the Printweek Awards): "I’ll now be more involved in the future of the business"
Seaford (pictured at the Printweek Awards): "I’ll now be more involved in the future of the business"

Midland Regional Printers (MRP) has promoted its sales manager to sales director as it looks set for further growth and investment this year.

Matt Seaford started in his new role last Wednesday (1 January). He joined the Nottingham-based firm straight out of sixth form in 2006 in a trainee sales role. Successful in gaining new customers, he was quickly promoted to sales executive within a few months and in 2018 became sales manager.

Throughout his 14 years with the company, Seaford has focused on identifying new markets and opportunities and increasing new business within commercial print, greetings cards and carton packaging.

“I’ll now be more involved in the future of the business, future investments and where the business is going,” he told Printweek.

“We’re positive for the year ahead at pushing more digital print because of shorter runs, and we’re also going to be focusing a lot more on the corrugated side of the business; subscription type boxes and more mailing cartons, which we’re seeing a lot of growth in with more people selling online.”

The business will install new digital print equipment later this year.

Seaford has recently helped to convert companies from using single-use plastic packaging to biodegradable cardboard.

“Some items were an easy transition to board, although heavier products like door handles and locks kept our design team occupied for several days to find the final solution,” he said.

Seaford will work alongside MRP sales and marketing director Kate Tew while former sales director Edward Taylor has retired from the business.

Midland Regional Printers was shortlisted in the FMCG Packaging Printer of the Year and Social Stationery Printer of the Year categories at the 2019 Printweek Awards, and in three categories in 2018.