Pontypool Firm gets a Kickstart to Expansion

Affordable Printing – which trades under the banner of Capricorn Litho – offers a wide range of printing and marketing services to clients in the area. As well as publishing the popular Admag and Property Eye titles, the company prints literature and sales material, has a graphic design department and also offers a distribution.

Managing Director Shane Palmer explained that the progression from publisher to printer was a natural one. "We were publishing the Admag and Property Eye and decided to invest in a print capability and bring the work in-house. This has left extra capacity for printing material for local clients.

"We are far more than a printer for our clients,” he said. "We can hold their literature here and supply it to them as they need it. We also have a distribution team which we track using GPS to ensure full coverage door-to-door.”

The Kickstart loan has been used to buy a booklet-making machine to increase the range of services. "The £3500 loan was very helpful and has enabled us to develop the range of products and services we can offer. We are planning further expansion,” he added.

The Kickstart programme, which provides loans and grant funding, aims to help grass-roots businesses who offer a service to the local community, and who can create jobs. It is funded by Tata subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise, and administered by Centre for Business in Newport.

Ruth Headon of UK Steel Enterprise said:”We are delighted to be able to help this firm, which is in turn providing an important service to businesses in the locality.”

Jon Hughes of Centre for Business added:”The Kickstart programme has helped many small companies in the area with initial capital and enabled them to grow and thrive. We wish Affordable Printing all the best as the firm develops and grows.”