Precision Printing, suppliers of framed prints, opened its doors in 1966 and has no signs of slowing down anytime soon. As a way of commemorating this momentous occasion, their team is sharing their insights into their professions and industry. Here, we have a Q&A with Group CEO, Gary Peeling.
What role do you serve within the business?
I’m a Chief Executive Officer, meaning I lead the executive team. If I were to break down my working week it would it would tend to look like this:
- Marketing / Sales and Business Development 50%
- Operational Efficiency 20%
- Finance 15%
- HR / People 10%
- 5% Other
What career path led you to where you are now, and how long have you been with the business?
I worked my way from the ground up, starting as a teaboy led me to a lifelong career which has kept me in this company for 30 years.
As CEO at Precision, what does the average ‘day in the life’ look like?
I’m usually in the office by 7am every morning to prepare myself for the day. In a demand-led business, it’s valuable to help get things done while things are quiet.
It’s good to have an eye on everything that is happening, so I then usually go and look on the floor to see if everything is running effectively. This is better than any dashboard or report, as you can see the projects in-hand, customers we are busy with and products that are selling well – as well as the machinery and departments that are busy.
After doing my regular routine of walking the floor, I head back to my desk to see what direction our e-commerce channels are going. I use the quiet time to complete more complex cost and business proposals, analytical or planning work.
It is then important for me to check all of my emails so I’m up to date with everything that is happening.
Meetings fill up a portion of my day and these can be either in the office or at offsite locations.
I usually leave the office around 18:30pm so I feel like I do a lot throughout my day.
During your time at Precision, what has been a career highlight?
I’ve made so many memories and felt as though I’ve achieved a lot throughout my career and these are some of my highlights:
- Shipping 50,000 orders in a single day
- Winning UK Print Company of the Year
- Launching “Oneflow” workflow software as a commercial business
- Being appointed Dscoop global Chairman
Over your time, have you noticed any particular industry challenges?
With printing being a more traditional approach to get a message across, some people seem to believe that this will be replaced digitally. This has resulted in reduced demand and margin pressure based on perceived value.
How are things now?
All industries change over time but this doesn’t mean that the industry is going in the wrong direction. Now as digital marketing costs increase and the channels become more congested, printing is starting to look like remarkably good value.
What would you like people to know more about your industry?
We’re always evolving with the technology that is available to us, whether this is in printing or graphic arts. Apple Mac, Digital Photography, and The Web and e-commerce are just three examples.
Who are your business role models and why?
There are some companies that stand out for me personally and these are, G.M. at HP Indigo andAlon Bar Shany.Alon has led a revolution in digital printing, managed a huge global business yet still somehow manages to meet and know most of his significant customers.
For those aspiring to become a CEO, what advice would you give to them?
Always keep yourself motivated and go above and beyond for the company you’re workingfor , this will be recognised by your seniors and they will see the potential in you.Never think it’s too late or something is too complicated. It rarely is.
For those wanting to work in print, what advice would you give to them?
It’s a great industry to work in to show your creative side and every day is different. If you can understand different business sectors – it’s going to be the perfect industry for you, and there’s certainly never a dull moment.
What do you enjoy to do outside of work?
When I’m not at work, I make the most out of spending time with my family. I also try to fit in time to travel the world and cycle!
In a sentence, give us some snappy business advice
Opportunities are there to be taken.
North East based company Precision Printing are experts in the printing world. CEO Gary Peeling has been working at the business for 30 years, working his way up to his current CEO position. He loves cycling in his spare time, and knows the words to Billy Joel songs by heart.
