60-seconds with: Pepper Communications

Pepper was set up 31 years ago by Steve Whitford, father of current managing director Jude Whitford, who runs the firm with his two brothers. From a single press in a council starter unit, Pepper has grown into a £5m turnover below-the-line marketing support services specialist.

Where are you based? 

Plymouth, in a 2,600sqm print and mail supersite that we call HQ.

How many staff do you have? 

We have 35 hard-working staff

What does your firm do? 

Pepper Communications is a marcomms print, fulfilment and mail production house 

What’s your typical customer? 

Anyone with a marketing designation in their job title. Someone who is time-poor, with growth objectives, interested in increasing ROI and appreciates excellent customer service

Which geographic areas do you serve?

Local and national provider – and expanding in the international market 

Which markets do you serve? 

There isn’t a sector we don’t serve

Who are your clients? 

We are the best-kept secret to a number of brands that we can’t reveal due to contractual obligations

What’s your USP? 

Printing and mailing under one roof 

What equipment do you run? 

Design studio and data processing bureau. Litho/digital print kit, bindery, finishing, mailing/collating facilities

What’s been your proudest achievement in the past few years? 

Delivering growth on the top line while also increasing the bottom line

Where do you see your business in five years’ time?

We are specialists in adapting to whatever comes

What’s your team’s favourite biscuit? 

Hobnobs – you can double-dip them!