Hickling & Squires Ltd

Hickling & Squires are an established UK commercial printer, regarded as one of the country’s leading lithographic, high quality digital, large-format and flatbed printing companies. Founded in 1953, the company has a reputation of building long-standing relationships with customers, through the provision of quality products, excellent customer service and value for money.

Why engage with Invest to Grow?

Following a review of the business, the company decided that major strategic investment was required to help strengthen their operational resilience, improve productivity and reduce energy consumption. Their positive previous experience with Invest to Grow back in 2023, when they were successful in receiving funding for a digital printer and cutter, meant they were keen to engage with the programme for support with this latest project.

Lee Jordan, Sales Director commented: “We were looking for local grant/loan funding options and following a successful funding application a few years earlier we felt confident in engaging with Invest to Grow again. We knew their application and decision-making process was smooth and efficient, which was extremely important to us”.

The loan and grant funding package received gave the company confidence to accelerate their planned investment in a Heidelberg XL75-8P5 8 Colour Perfecting Press and helps support their long-term growth plans and market competitiveness.

Lee Jordan noted: “The new printing press has significantly improved our production efficiency as well as being more energy efficient.  We are now better placed to manage current and future cost pressures”.

What has been the impact of Invest to Grow?

Over recent years, the business has faced significant commercial pressures, in particular energy and raw material price increases. The funding injection enabled the project to be delivered on time which was crucial as the company were removing an old printing press to create space for the new one and wanted to avoid disruption to production capacity.

The funding from Invest to Grow has also led to other engagement with the University. The company has engaged with the graduate recruitment team with a view to exploring future career and work experience opportunities.

Lee Jordan commented: “Our experience of working with the Invest to Grow team on both projects has been excellent. They have communicated clearly throughout the process and have always been on-hand to answer any queries. With our experience being so positive, we hope that the funding the team deliver continues and grows, to ensure other local businesses can benefit in the same way as ourselves”.