A new book pays tribute to the extraordinary evolution of the Williams Lea business and its transformation under the stewardship of industry pioneer and innovator Tony Williams.

The book, The Williams Lea Ascendancy, New Technology Revolution in London, has been written by Malcolm Horton and Peter Smith, who were directors at the business during the pivotal period when the late Tony Williams was group managing director. 

It charts the firm’s journey from medium-sized family printing company making around £100,000 a year, to a business valued at £450m when Deutsche Post acquired a majority stake in 2006. 

The company’s transformation began with the bold decision to become an early adopter of computer typesetting to replace hot metal, which transformed the way it could handle City work such as takeover documents. 

This resulted in the business overtaking established names such as Burrups and Waterlow. 

Eventually Williams Lea became an early exponent of print and facilities management.

“In a way it’s a sort of tribute to Tony, who was one of the most progressive people in the printing industry at that time,” Horton told Printweek. 

“Unlike the classic clogs-to-clogs family business story, Tony appointed people from outside the industry and I was one of them. He appointed whoever was the best person for the job. 

“I don’t think he ever received the credit due to him and I think this book goes some way to correcting that.”

Horton said the story of the firm’s trajectory was also an object lesson in the importance of marketing in a company’s business philosophy and planning. 

The decision to adopt computer typesetting was made in the late 1970s, “when inflation was around 16%, interest rates 11% and industrial unrest was rife”. 

“Instead of letting events dictate decisions Williams Lea management decided to control their own destiny by having clear objectives, a carefully constructed management plan and good two-way communications with all sections of the work force.” 

Williams Lea was founded in 1820 by John Wertheimer and started life as a general printing company, producing books, stationery and periodicals. 

The now-global business is currently owned by Advent International, which acquired it five years ago. When Williams Lea celebrated 200 years in business in 2020, current CEO Clare Hart said: “Success in business only comes with the ability to transform and innovate. Williams Lea is the embodiment of adaptability – we have evolved through the years to meet the changing needs of the business world and our clients.”

The book costs £16.99 with all profits going to The Printing Charity. Contact Horton via email to buy a copy.