24/09/2026
36 years ago today, I arrived (late) for my first print industry job.
I had spent the previous weekend trying different combinations of bus and train routes to take me from Orpington to Deptford, allowing enough time to complete the last part on foot, yet I still arrived late. Extended engineering works at New Cross station meant that my train carried onto London Bridge, and I needed to double-back.
On my second day, I noticed the daylight film processor developer was running low, so I took the initiative and topped it up with the darkroom developer I had been shown the day before. Although it was the same type of AGFA Rapiline 66 processor, it used different chemicals – oops!
That naive 18-year-old was doing his best. A little older and greyer now, he still is. With that same willingness to muck-in and ensure delivery on time. I am the owner of Prints Regent, previous winner of Customer Service Excellence at the Eastbourne Business Awards.
I've now spent two thirds of my life as a print professional and I still enjoy it. Every day is different. I could be designing, printing or finishing, attending network meetings or making deliveries in person – and possibly all in the same day!
Prints Regent provides a wide range of printed products from business cards to banners, workwear and merchandise, and for a myriad of industries, as well as personal requests. That's what keeps it interesting.