Telford Repro keeps it in the family with new director appointment

Owners of Shropshire-based digital printer Telford Repro have appointed their son as the firm’s operations director.

Alex Llewellyn, the son of managing director Peter Llewellyn and his wife, co-owner Elizabeth Llewellyn, started in the newly created role last week, just under six years after he first joined the company in a general role.

A graduate of Leicester University, Alex Llewellyn worked for nearly a year in various roles outside print before deciding to join the family business in March 2011.

Peter Llewellyn said his son has built his knowledge from the ground upwards and has been involved in every aspect of the business since joining.

He has also been heavily involved in choosing which new kit to invest in to help move the company forwards, including the Duplo DC-616 Pro slitter-cutter-creaser installed last June.

“We previously had various managers but what we lacked is somebody that could oversee the whole thing,” said Peter Llewellyn.

“Once Alex decided about four years ago that he saw his future with the business we then decided to let it continue and flourish instead of selling it, which we probably would have done otherwise. I don’t intend to retire but simply take more of a backseat and be more in an advisory capacity.”

He added: “Alex has really brought that enthusiasm which only young people can bring to a business. We want to grow the business and it needs new insight and someone with younger ideas who can push forward and hopefully develop into new areas that can be profitable. He keeps us up to date and aware of what’s happening in the industry.

“I think having the family investment into it is a very positive one. Alex knows exactly what the company is about but hopefully he’ll bring his own measure to that and be able to take it forward.”

Alex Llewellyn said: “I am looking forward to further developing my skills within the business in the areas of finance, recruitment and training whilst engaging with the developments within the print industry, and continuing to focus on the needs and requirements of all our clients.”

Telford Repro, which was established in 1994, has 12 staff and a turnover of just over £1m.

See the latest issue of PrintWeek for our feature on other family-owned printers discussing the advantages of this business model.