15 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk January | February 2026 - Issue 358 PEOPLE | NEWS Formara Print meets Rachel Reeves Essex-based printer, Formara Print & Marketing, was invited to a reception at 11 Downing Street hosted by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves. The reception was designed to celebrate SMEs across the South East and Eastern regions, bringing together politicians and business owners to discuss the support of entrepreneurship. Formara was invited to the parliamentary event following a recent visit by member of parliament (MP), David Burton-Sampson, the Labour MP for Southend West and Leigh. Formara’s managing director, Andy Pond said: “Meeting Rachel Reeves and discussing the crucial role SMEs play in driving the UK economy was a true honour.” [L to R] MP David Burton-Sampson with Andy Pond Print On Me, based in Caldicot, Monmouthshire, has won Welsh Stationery Company of the Year at the Welsh Wedding Awards, which took place at the beginning of November in Swansea. The company is owned by Grace Hussey who is the daughter of Peter Flynn, owner of International Graphic Supplies (IGS), a UK-based press and pre-press equipment supplier which specialises in a range of different branded machines and parts. Hussey set up her print and stationery business in 2019 after helping a friend with last-minute wedding signage. Hussey was able to use Flynn’s showroom printer and cutter to produce a variety of products for the wedding which led to other wedding guests asking for her to do the same for their special days. UK print association, Print Scotland, has appointed Michiel Molenaar, director of Irvine-based packaging solutions provider, Kennedy Smith, as its new president. Founded in 1997, Kennedy Smith is a supplier of bespoke packaging solutions in Scotland, specialising in solid board carton packaging. The company has invested in a range of new equipment, most recently a new Koenig & Bauer Rapida 106 complete with full inline colour control. Speaking about his perspective, Molenaar says: “Perhaps it is as a relative outsider that I can see the huge opportunities ahead for an innovative, creative, and productive print industry here in Scotland. Print Scotland can and will respond to the current climate by moving with the times and investing in the latest printing technology to develop and enhance our productivity.” Molenaar takes over from long-serving president, Susan Graham of Midlothian-based FLB Group, and will serve a minimum two-year term. Commenting on Molenaar’s appointment, Graham says: “Print Scotland is delighted to have as its new president an industry leader with a hugely successful background in the packaging sector and the determination and drive to take our industry forward.” Richard McCombe, managing director of Coatbridge-based Graphic Warehouse, has also been appointed as the new vice president of the association. In a message on LinkedIn following the news, McCombe comments: “This is a privilege I do not take lightly. Our industry is full of talented, hard-working people, and I’m committed to supporting Scotland’s next generation of print professionals.” [L to R] Departing president of Print Scotland, Susan Graham, with new president, Michiel Molenaar Print business wins Welsh Wedding Award Print Scotland appoints new president [Pictured] Grace Hussey at the Welsh Wedding Awards By Jonathan Pert By David Osgar James Cropper hires new head of business development James Cropper Paper & Packaging has announced the appointment of Mike Gibson as its new head of business development, as the company aims to accelerate its expansion into new markets and product opportunities. Gibson, who initially joined the materials manufacturer as business development manager in May, brings more than 25 years of experience across the paper, packaging, and corrugate industries, with expertise spanning carrier bags, food, and merchant packaging. Gibson’s previous positions include senior roles at Cepac, H-Pack, and ARC International in the US, where he collaborated with corrugators nationwide and contributed to products including Marks & Spencer’s paper bag for life. Pete Lunn returns to Kyocera Kyocera Document Solutions UK has welcomed back Pete Lunn as its head sales lead after almost four years away from the company. Lunn previously worked for Kyocera UK for 18 years, rising from the role of reseller manager to become its sales director. In the intervening period, Lunn worked as a business development manager for Academia, an IT services and consulting group based in Hemel Hempstead. In his new role as head sales lead, Lunn will be tasked with helping to accelerate Kyocera’s UK channel strategy and deepen support for dealers nationwide. The appointment comes at a time of change within Kyocera’s wider UK operations and its global print offerings. By Jonathan Pert [Pictured] Mike Gibson, new head of business development at James Cropper Lunn previously worked for Kyocera Document Solutions UK for 18 years
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