Jeckel started the London print firm in 1949, when it concentrated on the jobbing and fine art sectors.

Over the years it has grown to employ 50 staff and has never made anyone redundant. Colibri does a lot of work for government departments, including the Department of Health.

It is an all-Heidelberg house, and as well as the 10-colour, it uses an eight-colour, a six-colour, a five-colour and two four-colour presses. Jeckel still works at the firm five days a week, but he said his younger son Richard, 36, was now in the firing line.

Colibri is looking at going CTP and sent three staff to Brussels this week to investigate Creo kit. It is also evaluating offerings from Agfa, Heidelberg and Purup-Eskofot.

Its a good solid company and Id like to think we have a good reputation, said Jeckel.

Colibri also takes advantage of repro services from Colour Assembly, with whom it shares a site. Were independent but work as a co-operative, added Jeckel.

Story by Gordon Carson