The former group sales director at SBS Print Group, which fell into administration and ceased trading in October, has been hired by Pureprint Group as an account director.

Richard Smith, who started at the Uckfield, East Sussex-headquartered business in the same month, entered the printing industry over 20 years ago, starting out at Leicester College of Printing before becoming an apprentice and then a press minder in the 2000s. He then became salesperson and finally sales director in 2013 at Streamline Press.

Streamline became SBS Print Group after buying John Baxter and Sons and Spectrum Printing Services, as well as taking on many sales staff from Taylor Bloxham when that closed.

However, SBS fell into administration and ceased trading with the immediate loss of 55 jobs two months ago as a result of the effects of the pandemic and external economic factors including rising energy costs that resulted in significant cashflow pressures for the group.

Smith said: “I am really happy that I have joined Pureprint Group, the service and technology on offer to our customers is second to none. I am used to the high quality and efficiency of the modern Push to Stop Heidelberg B1 presses, but having five state-of-the-art HP Indigo presses, three of which are B2, on site to compliment the offering gives huge scope for customers.

“Print on demand, mailing and POS make Pureprint Group a complete print partner for any customer – there are very few things we have to say no to, which is a great position to be in as a salesperson wanting to say ‘yes’.”

He added: “For years I have admired Pureprint Group as forward-thinking – albeit they were a competitor. The environment is key to me, and Pureprint Group have been CarbonNeutral [certified] for 20 years and are still leading the printing trade as environmental pioneers.

“Being a father to five boys I am reminded on a daily basis how important climate change is for their future. Being CarbonNeutral and reducing our impact on the environment is key to any sustainable business. The Pureprint team are friendly and helpful experts, they truly nurture our clients. Everyone I have met in the business has a ‘customer first’ attitude, it’s great to be a part of it.”

Pureprint Group CEO Mark Handford added: “I am delighted that Richard has agreed to join us. He brings with him huge experience, but also the desire to introduce and engage clients with the broad product and service offering that Pureprint Group now offers.”

In July, Pureprint installed a Quadient DS-1200 G4i folder inserter to expand its direct mail capabilities and support significant contract wins.

The group employs nearly 400 staff and has a turnover in excess of £65m. It produces corporate, retail, creative, and fine art printing and has invested over £20m in the last five years.

The company’s installations of a Horizon Stitchliner Mark III in early 2022 and a Muller Martini Primera in June helped it to make significant productivity gains on the line. The business also installed a 10-colour Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 106 B1 press in February.