Following a string of awards and the relaunch of its website, Formara Print and Marketing has continued to show the strengths of print marketing by championing direct mail and personalised print. Back in December, Formara announced it had been recognised for its sustainability efforts with the 2024 Corporate Sustainability Award from Business Awards UK, a ceremony organised by marketing and consultation agency, Not Just Another Agency. Formara says that the award highlights its dedication to the environment while also producing high-quality print and marketing services. Speaking in December, Andy Pond, managing director of Formara said: “Winning the 2024 Corporate Sustainability Award is a testament to our team’s dedication to reducing our environmental impact while delivering exceptional value to our clients. This achievement underscores our belief that sustainable practices are essential for the future of our industry.” With this success in mind, Pond’s long history with the company, and Formara’s new website, we catch up with the printer and find out more about this Southend-onSea-based business. 50 Years of Experience Before looking at how Formara operates today, it is worth noting how the company started, especially when it has over 50 years of experience in the print industry. Set up in 1972 by Bob Smith and Geoff Baker, the two saw an opportunity to build an original business in the print industry following careers at both Ford and Marconi. Speaking about the company’s founding, Pond says: “The name ‘Formara’ was created by combining parts of their previous employers' names. From the start, they focused on high-quality, reliable print solutions, and over 50 years later, that ethos still defines the company today.” Pond elaborates on the company’s history by explaining how the company started as a small print shop with just five employees. “By the mid to late 90s, the company had expanded significantly, employing over 60 people across three shifts,” explains Pond. Currently the company employs 28 dedicated professionals based at its site at The Candlemakers in Southend-on-Sea. Formara houses digital and lithographic printing equipment while also managing fulfilment and direct mail services. Pond adds: “Everything happens under one roof, which helps us maintain high standards and fast turnaround times.” As a whole, the company offers a wide range of print and marketing services, which makes Formara a “one-stop shop” for its clients. Businesses use Formara for print-on-demand services, distribution, packaging, direct mail campaigns, With the company running for over 50 years, and its current managing director having started as a trainee back in 1988, we speak to Formara Print & Marketing about how the company has evolved and what it offers today Complementing Digital Marketing with Innovation and Ethical Production 40 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk COMPANY SPOTLIGHT | FORMARA PRINT & MARKETING July / August 2025 - Issue 355 1972 – The company was founded in 1972 1,500sq m – Formara’s premise spans 1,500sq m 28 – The company currently employees 28 members of staff 2023 – Andy Pond become managing director of Formara in 2023 Statistics ▲ [L to R] Russ Turner, marketing and PR executive, and Andy Pond, managing director from Formara Print and Marketing
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