On Saturday 17th March 2012, in the premises of Piccolo Press at Nairn, in the Highlands of Scotland, it is expected that over one hundred and fifty people will congregate for a “Waygoose” to join with Tim Honnor, founder and current owner of his unique and award winning Printing Company, known throughout the world for producing the finest stationery. (A “Wayzgoose is an entertainment, given by a master printer to his workmen. It traditionally marked the end of the summer and the start of the season of working by candlelight).

To this Wayzgoose have been asked clients, supporters, suppliers, engineers and the numerous friends and helpers that Tim has met since 1985, when he established the press as a ‘one man band’, after serving in the Submarine Service of the Royal Navy for nearly twenty five years. In fact says Tim “It maybe very like a submarine party; but instead of clustering close round the periscopes, it will be close round my eleven both modern and, vintage printing presses, many of them over sixty years old. But I am sure that there will be room for everyone to enjoy a glass of Pimms and lots of good chat!”

Piccolo (small and high pitched), was started in Dartmouth, Devon, with an Adana hand press, moving up to Inverness in 1986, into an annex of the newly built Honnor family house, close to the Culloden Battlefield. With steady growth and an increasing workforce , Piccolo Press (with two Highland Business Awards under its arm), moved to the Fishertown area of Nairn in 1996. From there it has continued growing and now has a team of twelve persons, and a reputation that is respected throughout the United Kingdom and beyond. As approved suppliers to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Royal Warrant Holders, and recommended by Debretts, Piccolo has not stood still. However the greatest achievement was in last October , when Piccolo Press was named “Social Stationery Printer of the Year”. “This was certainly one of the proudest moments of my life” says Tim, as he collected the silver award from Grosvenor House in Park Lane… “and a well deserved accolade for everyone in my fine team.”

“We are the only company in Scotland, producing engraved stationery and we were able to beat all the opposition south of the Border. I believe it shows what can be done in the Highlands, using the high quality work force that we have up here, coupled to our good communications and IT structures.”

However, after twenty seven very creative and extremely happy years, Tim has decided it is time to sell up. It was vital that Piccolo continued to flourish, stay in Nairn and preserve the current team, who are exceptionally skilled, dedicated and successful. When Michael Johnson, then Chief Executive of the British Printing Industries Federation visited Piccolo last year – and then rang Tim to suggest he buy the company, it was a request Tim had to consider. Not only had Michael visited some 1800 printing companies during his tenure as Chief Executive, so had a good idea of what he was buying; but he had also served in the Royal Navy for over thirty five years. “My team have got used to naval methods” said Tim. And when they achieve something really special, they are awarded a BRAVO ZULU, the naval message for ‘Well Done’. I want them to get many more!” Michael will run the company from Hampshire, making regular visits to Nairn. “A really good example of an integrated United Kingdom”, says Tim.

So on 31st March 2012 Michael Johnson will assume command of Tim’s ship “Piccolo”.

“I will try not to be too sad” says Tim “….and I know it will be difficult. But there is a tide in the affaires of men……and I have plenty more to do with my life. I will still maintain a role as a consultant and do everything possible I can to help Michael run with his new exciting company. I just want Piccolo, and her crew to sail on and on…producing the best printed products on offer”.

Website: http://www.piccolopress.co.uk/

Source: Piccolo Press