Real name: Ray Burn
UKBF user name: RayB
Company name:: alocalprinter.com
Location: West Sussex
Company website: www.alocalprinter.com
Company contact: [email protected]
How did you start your business?
I started in printing back in 1987, working for one of the largest print groups in the UK and stayed with them until 2003. During this time I filled many senior positions, mostly in charge of major government contracts.
Looking for a new challenge I found a small local printing company for sale due to the owner wishing to retire. I liked it so much I bought the company! The sale completed in August 2003; my first taste of business ownership!
What products or services does your business offer?
We cater for the printing needs of SME businesses, for items such as flyers, leaflets, brochures, stationery and business cards.
We specialise in eco-friendly printing and all products are printed under Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody certification – a first for an online printer in the UK.
What were the main challenges you faced when setting up your business?
I was quite lucky; my many years working for a large group proved to be an excellent training ground for me.
Running a small business meant I now had to be the sales, purchasing, finance, production and managing director all rolled into one.
Whilst these roles were new to me I had learned the basics for each function from the respective directors of each field in my previous career.
Luckily we have grown to a size where we have been able to bring in a quality management team to cover day to day operations, freeing me to concentrate on the true MD role of strategy and business development.
Why should customers and clients use your services?
All our products are sold online, the customer benefit is that prices are considerably lower than using a 'bricks and motar' printer.
This is because the sheer volume of orders we process can be ganged up, with several customer's jobs on the same print run, thus saving the expensive press setup cost.
This makes savings of up to 75% possible – without compromising quality of service or product.
How has UK Business Forums benefited your business?
With my experience I am there more to give than get advice. That said, you learn something new every day and I sure do on UKBF. Also, the sense of support, community and humour on the forums helps reduce the stress levels – an indirect benefit to my business!
What are your plans for the future?
We are at the start of year five of our initial five year business plan, and all milestones have been achieved ahead of schedule.
The short term goal now is to cement our position as the most popular online printing store in the UK.
The next five year plan will look at rolling out international licensing agreements for our online model and shop infrastructure.
What are your three tips for business success?
Email us at [email protected] with no more than 100 words outlining why we should pick you. Please note you must be registered with UK Business Forums to take part. To register, click here.
UKBF user name: RayB
Company name:: alocalprinter.com
Location: West Sussex
Company website: www.alocalprinter.com
Company contact: [email protected]
How did you start your business?
I started in printing back in 1987, working for one of the largest print groups in the UK and stayed with them until 2003. During this time I filled many senior positions, mostly in charge of major government contracts.
Looking for a new challenge I found a small local printing company for sale due to the owner wishing to retire. I liked it so much I bought the company! The sale completed in August 2003; my first taste of business ownership!
What products or services does your business offer?
We cater for the printing needs of SME businesses, for items such as flyers, leaflets, brochures, stationery and business cards.
We specialise in eco-friendly printing and all products are printed under Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody certification – a first for an online printer in the UK.
What were the main challenges you faced when setting up your business?
I was quite lucky; my many years working for a large group proved to be an excellent training ground for me.
Running a small business meant I now had to be the sales, purchasing, finance, production and managing director all rolled into one.
Whilst these roles were new to me I had learned the basics for each function from the respective directors of each field in my previous career.
Luckily we have grown to a size where we have been able to bring in a quality management team to cover day to day operations, freeing me to concentrate on the true MD role of strategy and business development.
Why should customers and clients use your services?
All our products are sold online, the customer benefit is that prices are considerably lower than using a 'bricks and motar' printer.
This is because the sheer volume of orders we process can be ganged up, with several customer's jobs on the same print run, thus saving the expensive press setup cost.
This makes savings of up to 75% possible – without compromising quality of service or product.
How has UK Business Forums benefited your business?
With my experience I am there more to give than get advice. That said, you learn something new every day and I sure do on UKBF. Also, the sense of support, community and humour on the forums helps reduce the stress levels – an indirect benefit to my business!
What are your plans for the future?
We are at the start of year five of our initial five year business plan, and all milestones have been achieved ahead of schedule.
The short term goal now is to cement our position as the most popular online printing store in the UK.
The next five year plan will look at rolling out international licensing agreements for our online model and shop infrastructure.
What are your three tips for business success?
- Prepare a detailed business plan.
- Identify a USP – there always is one.
- Keep quality of product and service at the top of your agenda
Email us at [email protected] with no more than 100 words outlining why we should pick you. Please note you must be registered with UK Business Forums to take part. To register, click here.
