The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Imprint of success in Kirkcaldy
Print runs in managing director’s family
Taking over the reins of a family business may seem daunting but Jay Todd told The Courier he had relished the opportunity to grow Kirkcaldy-based Multiprint.
Q How and why did you start in business? I was initially employed as a trainee estimator within the business and things developed organically from there, so it was really a combination of good timing and a long-term succession plan.
Q How did you get to where you are today? Multiprint is a family business that was started by my father-in-law, GeorgeWarner, in 1972 so I can’t deny some good fortune helped get my foot in the door, but not at the expense of hard work and dedication. We have a great team of people and a very loyal customer base, I guess I wouldn’t be anywhere without them.
Q Who has helped you along the way? My father-in-law for giving me the opportunity, Francis Rickus for teaching me the dark art of print estimating and my wife who fully appreciates why I sometimes don’t make it home on time. I have received a lot of help and advice from people over the years; friends, family, colleagues, suppliers, but most recently from Business Gateway Fife.
Q What was your biggest mistake? I am sure there are a few of those. Mostly putting my faith in someone or something that doesn’t quite match my expectations.
Q What is your greatest achievement to date? That’s a tricky one – my kids, running a 50K trail race, guiding the business through several years of very tough trading conditions.
Q What do you hope to achieve in the future? More of the same: a good business providing great service, reliability and peace of mind for our clients.
Q Do you want to recruit in the future? I hope so, in fact we have just taken on a trainee print finisher. Again we used the services of Business Gateway Fife to help us seek out candidates eligible for the post.
Q What is the hardest thing about running your own business? You don’t really stop working, there is always a reminder to do something or an email to answer or an idea to flesh out.
Q Any advice to wannabe entrepreneurs? Go for it and if you are unsure ask. There is a lot of help and advice available, make use of it and listen.