Management changes and investment plans at Taylor Bloxham Group

Print and marketing communications company Taylor Bloxham Group has shaken up its senior management and is looking at investment in direct mail, point-of-sale, fulfilment and maybe print.

Chief executive Chris Bowen is due to step down on 1 May after more than six years at the head of the Leicester-based company. He will be replaced by current financial director Robert Lockwood.

During his tenure Bowen has been instrumental in expanding and diversifying activities, notably including the launch and development of the group's POS service provider Instore.

Bowen, who is leaving for personal reasons, also implemented a major restructure of the Taylor Bloxham Group and oversaw a continuing investment programme.

The group, with 195 staff and an annual turnover in excess of £25m, offers litho and digital print, direct mail, storage and fulfilment, POS and cross media.

Group executive chairman April Moss said: “The change was prompted by the departure of Chris; I've been getting more actively involved in the business and work very well with Robert.

“We will be focusing on strategic development and diversification within the group and looking to improve efficiencies on an internal basis. We are looking at developing several areas.

“In direct mail we are undergoing new investment; meanwhile POS, which has been quite stable, may see some further investment. We also want to double the size of our fulfilment division.

“We may also develop print, but we are in a very mature market for litho and have to be realistic in that area and that's where diversification could play a role.”

Moss said a big new investment was imminent, but would not be drawn on the details of that or future growth targets.

She said: “Chris Bowen’s contribution to the continuing success and redevelopment of the Taylor Bloxham Group has been significant and we wish him well.

“We are delighted we are in a position to appoint Robert Lockwood as his successor. Robert’s hands-on approach will stand us in great stead as we continue to develop and grow our business.

“We are a family-run business with a family ethos. My late father Bruce Sharpless was involved in the development of the company from its formation over 75 years ago.

“We have maintained that continuity to the present day. We will continue to maintain our unique approach to the market for the benefit of our customers and staff.”