Q&A: Mike Roberts Managing director, PMG Print Management

Mike celebrates 40 years in print this year. Aged 55, he’s married with three boys. On most summer weekends he can usually be found in the Lake district “either on a bike, in a pub or having a barbecue”.

What is your nickname?
Schmichael – from my tendency to apparently top peoples’ drink up. I’m just being hospitable as there’s nothing worse than an empty glass

Why did you get into printing?
It wasn’t in the plan, if I had a career plan that is, that was the police force so I could be a motorway cop and play rugby. I started as a trainee paste-up artist and the rest as they say is history

What would be your dream job?
Haven’t I got that running the award-winning PMG Print Management for 20 years??
OK maybe valeting cars…

Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Obviously, Tom Cruise but he’s too small really

What is your dream bit of kit?
As a production independent print manager I’m not sure it would be anything in print…

What would you most like to print?
Anything that is regular and that is paid for promptly

What is your favourite film?
Between you and me I have a soft spot for Titanic, Love Actually – Hugh Grant’s dance in No.10 – and The Holiday

What is your favourite TV programme?
Currently Bangers and Cash – Google it!

Sweet or savoury?
Savoury all day long

Who or what do you dislike the most?
Dishonesty

What is your favourite phrase or saying?
It is what it is…

What is your favourite album?
AC/DC, Back in Black. Phenomenal!

What is your favourite book?
The Chimp Paradox by Steve Peters really resonated with me at a time I needed it a few years ago

Cat or dog, or…?
None sadly as I have allergies

What is your greatest ambition?
To make it to the end!

Who or what makes you laugh?
My friends in the Lakes (you know who you are)

Most embarrassing moment?
Professionally: sending an email to one of my team when I was working at Alimac [Alistair McIntosh] that contained some rather unflattering terms about our client at a major account – but I’d hit reply (to the client) instead of forward to my colleague.
Personally: where do I start?

Where would you like to be right now?
The Lake District or Sorrento

What’s your worst fashion disaster?
The list is probably too long for this page

What was your childhood obsession?
My Matchbox and Corgi/Dinky toy cars

What was the best business deal that you’ve pulled off?
When I took control of what is now PMG Print Management nearly 20 years ago

What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Trust your gut instinct and follow