Trafford printing firm wins contract with Manchester City FC after £1.2 million support

Gask and Hawley, a commercial printing business based in Trafford Park, has secured a contract with Manchester City Football Club, following £1.2 million support from Lloyds Bank.

They have been contracted to produce the first licensed Premier League Fan Memory Books.

The new contract, which was signed in May, will see G&H work closely with MCFC to offer fans a personal keepsake of their favourite team’s highlights.

G&H provides a number of services to the retail, advertising and supermarket sectors by supplying lithographic and digital print, distribution, personalisation, digital asset management and other services.

To support the increase in orders on its books Derek Clark, financial director of G&H, approached Lloyds Bank for a £1.2 million hire purchase facility that has enabled the firm to invest in a new state-of-the-art printing press.

The machinery, a Heidelberg Speedmaster CX 102, is faster while also being cost effective, printing at a speed of up to 16,500 sheets per hour.

Established in 1969, the firm has increased its staff by almost 15% over the past 12 months to 96 following the increase in demand. G&H now expects its turnover to increase by more than five per cent to £13.5 million in 2014.

It also plans to invest in more printing machinery later this year to increase the amount of digitally personalised prints the firm can manufacture on behalf of their clients after an increase in orders for specialised products.

Dave Hatton, managing director said: “This new machinery is more efficient and prints our products quickly, enabling the firm to take on new contacts and projects.

“It was a struggle to find funding, but Lloyds Bank looked at our business’ history and recognised the potential.

“To secure a contract with Manchester City Football Club is a great win for our digital arm and gives us a platform to continue growth.”

In addition to the hire purchase facility, G&H also uses a £2 million invoice discounting line, which enables the firm to free up cashflow for new projects and stock without waiting on payment from clients, as well as everyday business banking from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

Gregg Menzies, regional manager at Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance, said: “The G&H Group have had more than 40 years of experience in the printing field and it is encouraging to see them continuing their success.

“A hire purchase facility enables firms such as G&H to buy goods through making instalment payments over time, enabling them to invest in growth without affecting cashflow.”

Andy Dunn, relationship director at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “G&H have been a customer for a number of years. It also uses a charge card to keep tabs on everyday expenses. It is great to see that Lloyds Bank has been able to provide a tailored package to suit the printer’s business needs.”