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
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-on-Sea-based business.
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, surveys, and traditional print jobs like brochures and corporate stationery.
Last year the company had a turnover of around £3.6m which has led to Formara’s continued investment in the future through its new website, its sustainable printing, and its data-driven direct mail offering.
Interestingly, Pond started at Formara as a trainee in 1988 and became managing director of the company in 2023. Speaking about what he is most proud of, Pond says: “Many of the people I started with are still here today, and together, we’ve helped shape Formara into what it is now. The growth, the technology, and the ethos we’ve developed over the years are something to be truly proud of.”
Many of the people I started with are still here today, and together, we've helped shape Formara into what it is now
Throughout Pond’s 36 years with the company he has seen a number of changes to the business and the industry. “The biggest challenge has been adapting to the decline in traditional print volumes,” says Pond, adding: “As more businesses shift to digital, we’ve had to find new ways to add value. That’s why we’ve invested in data-driven direct mail, print automation, and sustainable print solutions. By offering services that complement digital marketing strategies, rather than competing with them, we’ve been able to continue growing and evolving.”
As evident by the company’s initiatives, awards, and plans, Formara’s values and ethos are incredibly important to the business, as is the case with many modern brands and businesses. The phrase “people buy from people” comes to mind when looking at fresh and modern brands which put their personality to the forefront.
When it comes to Formara, Pond says the business is “all about delivering a personal, customer-focused service”. The company’s goal is to be the UK’s leading customer-focused, technology-driven, and sustainable print and marketing business. Speaking about these goals and values, Pond says: “We believe in building strong relationships with our clients, offering innovative solutions, and staying at the forefront of sustainable printing practices. Our commitment to customer service is reflected not just in our client relationships but also in the loyalty of our employees, many of whom have been with us for years.
“Sustainability is at the heart of what we do. Our commitment to environmentally responsible print has been recognised with the Corporate Sustainability Award, which reflects our ongoing efforts to reduce our environmental impact. Formara has also partnered with Two Sides, a global initiative which dispels print marketing myths and promotes sustainable practices. This allows us to educate our customers on the environmental benefits of print while reinforcing our dedication to ethical production.”
Pond emphasises that there’s “really no such thing as a ‘typical’ day at Formara”, saying that one moment they can be working on a complex direct mail campaign for a finance company and the next they could be responding to information security audits or producing marketing materials for colleges and universities. A standout project Pond remembers was Formara’s work on the COVID React Study which was of particular historic importance and was indicative of the work the company does in industries like education, finance, government, and market research.
Pond’s favourite part of the company is the creative process, seeing a project go from an initial concept to a beautiful, finished product. “That’s why I joined the print industry back in 1988, it still gives me the same buzz today. There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing a pallet of brochures or books neatly stacked, ready to go out to a client, or be posted directly to their customers.”
When it comes to the future, Pond says the team has big plans for the next two to five years: “Sustainability is a key focus, so we’re looking at ways to further reduce our environmental impact while expanding our offerings. We also see a lot of potential in personalised print marketing, where businesses can use data to create more targeted and effective campaigns.
“Growth in industries like education, research, and financial services will be a priority for us, as we continue to develop specialist print solutions that meet their needs. Also, innovation is a big part of our future growth strategy. Our Innovation Day with Marcus Clifford was just the start, by continuously exploring new methods and ideas, we’re ensuring that Formara remains at the forefront of the print and marketing industry.”
To conclude this look at Formara’s operations, its worth noting Pond’s final thoughts: “We’ve spent over 50 years refining our craft, and we’re excited about what the future holds.” This statement is indicative of what many legacy printers currently have the power to do. With sustainability and various marketing solutions at their disposal, ultimately printers can be the innovators of a more sustainable and communicative world.
Statistics
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
