16 March 2017

50 years in print

Philip Lockwood, Managing Director at BPIF member Percival and Lockwood Ltd, provides us with a reflection on the industry in the run up to him reaching 50 years of service in February 2017.

“A number of times people have asked me why I regularly attend BPIF meetings? Well, I have long expressed the opinion that our print industry is not 'dog eat dog'. I have often lent a helping hand to other BPIF members as, for example, when another Blackpool printer had his guillotine out of commission and awaiting repair his operative was allowed to bring in work after our close of business at 4.30pm. I have received help myself from several BPIF members when staff holidays coincided with a raft of large urgent orders. Instead of wondering who would or could help and then searching the internet, or in previous times the Yellow Pages, I personally knew so many people from the BPIF that I could phone and ask if they had capacity and could help.

“Apart from the numerous services the BPIF offer its members, this aspect of mutual help is of immeasurable value. Only seldom have we needed to consult the BPIF over HR problems, but on these rare occasions their expertise has been perfect and so reassuring. And it is still possible to actually phone BPIF employees and make personal contact with someone who knows what they are talking about. 

“Looking back on 50 years in the print industry, one realises 85% of print was letterpress in the 1960s. Within a short period of time, offset litho accounted for this 85% figure. Digital print is now all powerful and 3D print is already established. It has been a privilege to witness all of this.

“Principally for my own benefit, I am composing a history of our company with particular emphasis on unusual situations that arose and eccentric characters encountered along the way. Here are just two examples. I wonder if any other print firm has enlisted the local vicar to visit their works and say prayers and give a blessing on staff and the work place. Also when celebrating the 40^th anniversary of the company's formation, a 6^th form college swing band came to entertain us. My daughter played and sang in the band alongside 34 other members. The front row alone consisted of 15 saxophone players. What a blast!”