15-year-old print manager looking to expand business

A teenager who started up his print management company when aged just 14 is looking to expand his business after reporting average sales of 2,000 per month.

LSR Group's owner, the now 15-year-old Sam Roper, started up the business in Calderdale, West Yorkshire, with friend Liam Siddall, who was also 14 at the time, in January 2008.

The pair, both of whom are currently studying for their GCSEs, are planning to recruit more staff in 2009 due to their success so far.

Roper, who also runs local advertising magazine the Calderdale Business Gazette, said: "I taught myself how to buy print and I run the business in the evenings, when I get home from school.

"I've made great contacts with high-profile local printing companies, as well as local councils.

"We're planning a massive push in 2009 and want to have a couple of new staff working for us by December."

Sam's father Greg Roper said: "Print is not the family trade and he's done this all off his own back. We're very proud of him."

LSR Group has also won praise from within the industry.

Andrew Brown, operations director of Lick Group, told PrintWeek: "Sam Roper has been up to visit our business and by all accounts he was very personable and knowledgeable.

"You wouldn't think you were dealing with someone of such a young age."

The Calderdale Business Gazette began as a business studies project by Siddall, who is responsible for the creative side of the business.

Roper, who handles the clients and customers, said that LSR Group was a progression from this.

Both boys plan to continue in full-time education after taking their GCSEs.