Q&A: Mark Farrimond MD, The Envelope Works & ACE Envelopes

Had things turned out differently Mark might have been taking on Ronnie O’Sullivan over the green baize. Instead, his maximum break came via a chance move into envelopes. He remains focused on winning margins.

Why did you get into printing?

My brother worked in the envelope industry and, after my brief career as a professional snooker player ended, his employer offered me a job

What would be your dream job?

Any job with margin on it

Who would play you in a movie about your life?

I would like to say Brad Pitt, but my colleagues would say Ricky Gervais

What is your dream bit of kit?

4/1 Halm EM5000 envelope press

What would you most like to print?

Everybody’s envelopes

What is your favourite film?

So many... The Shawshank Redemption or The Usual Suspects would be top of the list

What is your favourite TV programme?

Mock The Week

Who or what do you hate the most?

Pre-pack companies and bad debt

What is your favourite saying?

Make sure ‘The Envelope Works’ for you!

What is your greatest luxury in life?

My car and watch collection

What is the strangest job you’ve had?

In terms of envelope printing, definitely printing envelopes for the adult entertainment industry

What is your greatest ambition?

To succeed in all areas of business and be remembered as someone who made a difference

Which celebrity would you like to get out of here and why? 

It would have to be the Venky Family for what they’re doing to my beloved Blackburn Rovers FC

Most embarrassing moment?

There have been too many to even know where to begin

What’s your worst fashion disaster?

Cream checked D&G trousers

Which superpower would you like?

The power to heal

Who would be your favourite party guests?

Lee Mack, Keith Lemon, Stephen Fry and Dynamo

What is the worst kind of print?

Print with no margin

What was the best business deal that you’ve pulled off?

Been quite a few that I’m proud of, such as our premises, machinery, contracts, staff but the recent ACE Envelopes acquisition is going great

Life is…?

…what you make it

What was your childhood obsession?

Football and snooker