Print Week articles from April 2006

Print Week archives from April 2006

Fulmar accepts takeover offer from European book firm CPI.(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Fulmar has accepted a 122.5p per share bid from European book group CPI, valuing the company at around pounds 33m. The book and commercial print plc revealed at the end of last week that it was in talks that might lead to an offer. Fulmar...

Agfa seals 10-year News International deal.(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Agfa used the first day of Ipex 2006 to reveal that it has picked up a 10-year pre-press outsourcing deal with News International worth pounds 77m. The deal, the first of its kind, means Agfa will take total responsibility for the...

Printing World joins Print Week.(Haymarket Publishing acquires Printing World from CMP Information Ltd.)(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... PrintWeek's parent company Haymarket Publishing has bought Printing World from CMP Information. Haymarket also publishes PrintBuyer and Packaging News. It plans to give Printing World a new look and fresh content and will relaunch it as a...

Stop press.(Media Square to announce financial results)(Office of Fair Trading fines Achilles Paper and 4imprint Group PLC)(Mellow Colour seeking distribution agreements at Ipex)(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... The Office of Fair Trading has imposed penalties on Achilles Paper and 4imprint for fixing the prices of stock check pads in the UK... Mellow Colour, which makes colour-management software, is using Ipex to seek distributor agreements in...

Heidelberg showcases three Speedmasters.(Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG enhances its Speedmaster medium format printer)(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Heidelberg unveiled two versions of its medium-format Speedmaster, and showcased its 10-unit Speedmaster SM 52 for the first time, at Ipex. The German giant, whose Ipex exhibit took the theme 'Connect for success', has boosted the speed of...

TripleArc sells loss-making Stream.(Formpro Mail Marketing acquires Stream GWC)(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... TripleArc has sold part of its loss-making direct mail arm, Stream GWC, to Formpro Mail Marketing for pounds 1. Formpro, the Bristol-based direct mail house, has bought the high-volume production operation, based in Swindon. TripleArc...

'Adaptability is key to success'.(Xerox Corp. sponsors a forums)(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Journalist and Newsnight anchorman Jeremy Paxman hosted the Xerox-sponsored forum, 'In the balance - your choices, your success', at Ipex. Sharing the stage with Xerox chief executive Anne Mulcahy at the NEC Forum were Heidelberg chief...

In brief: York Mailing and Pindar featured in the supplement.(growth in profits, ranking)(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... York Mailing and Pindar featured in the Sunday Times Profit Track 100 supplement. They came in at numbers 66 and 87 respectively, notching up annual growth in profits of 62% and 54%. Both were new to the annual league table of the UK's...

In brief: BFIF teams up with Amicus.(British Printing Industries Federation)(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... The BPIF has teamed up with Amicus to add a Learning and Skills clause to the national agreement. The clause, which aims to reduce skills gaps and shortages in the print industry, says companies must set aside 0.5% of payroll costs for...

In brief: Presstek launches an A3 portrait version.(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Presstek launched an A3 portrait version of its branded 52DI press at Ipex. The 7,000sph 34DI uses Presstek's ProFire Excel 16 micron laser imaging unit and ProFire plate material, offering 300lpi. The firm said it can convert digital file to...

In brief: DCP Systems introduces its latest version.
April 6, 2006... DCP Systems has introduced the latest version of the Adobe Photoshop plug-in, Fluid Mask 2.0, which can cut objects from an image file in as little as 30 seconds. Costing pounds 149, it can be used on RGB and CMYK images, and is ideal for...

In brief: Appointment at Wyndeham Press Group.
April 6, 2006... Wyndeham Press Group has promoted Jon Hearnden to the new role of group sales director, with responsibility for sales across all businesses. Ian Tarry has been promoted from commercial sales director to joint managing director of the Wyndeham...

In brief: Ruddocks a system from Danwood Group.
April 6, 2006... Ruddocks, the Lincolnshire-based print, design and new media company, has ordered a pounds 125,000 Konica Minolta KM1050 System 12 from Danwood Group, to boost its digital capacity. Signing the deal is Ruddocks director Paul Burton, watched by...

In brief: Xerox expands its flagship.
April 6, 2006... Xerox is expanding its flagship Xerox iGen3 Digital Production Press platform with a 90ppm model. It is aimed at printers with lower print volumes which want to enter the high-end digital printing market without the capital investment.

Bridge expects turnover to rise 25% following pounds 6m investment.
April 6, 2006... Bridge Communications has invested pounds 6m in new premises, a second B1 Heidelberg long perfector with sheeter, and a host of finishing kit. Joint managing director Peter Ruck said: 'We aim not only to be seen as an innovative...

MAN shareholding sale will herald a 'new era'.(MAN Roland UK's Gerd Finkbeiner speaks at Ipex conference)(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... MAN Roland's chief executive Gerd Finkbeiner has said he is 'proud and enthusiastic' about its sale of a majority shareholding to private equity firm Allianz as it will 'bring the firm into a new era'. Speaking at the company's Ipex press...

FM Print snaps up first Komori Lithrone S29P.(contract)(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... The world's first Komori Lithrone S129P will leave Ipex bound for Basildon in Essex after government and commercial printer FM Print signed a deal for a 10-colour version of the long perfector. FM sales director Tony Falder said: 'Despite...

Canon introduces two ImagePress printers.(Canon Professional Solutions)(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Canon has pulled off one of the most eagerly awaited launches of Ipex 2006 as it pushes into the print market. Its two new machines, along with 75% of the products on its stand, were revealed for the first time at the event. 'The...

Cylinder-Tech in Schmotzer deal.(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Cylinder-Tech has secured the UK agency of Schmotzer, becoming the only UK firm able to repair rusted or corroded press cylinders in situ. The process involves grinding the damaged areas of blanket, plate or impression cylinders. They are...

ABC buys Heidelberg SM 52-10p.(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... ABC Print has ordered a Heidelberg Speedmaster SM 52-10P, which was launched at this year's Ipex. The firm is the world's first customer for the B3 five-back-five long-perfector. The demonstration kit will be shipped to ABC's Hereford...

In brief: Applied Image Technology is the first.(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Applied Image Technology is the first third-party RIP developer to offer a driver for the ultra high-speed Mimaki JV5 solvent inkjet printer. The printer has 1,440 nozzles and a print speed of 40m2 an hour. It made its UK debut at Ipex this...

In brief: Hamptons Printers installs beta.f dampening filtration.
April 6, 2006... Hamptons Printers in Bristol has installed beta.f dampening filtration on its two new Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 105 presses. The dampening solution now only has to be changed once every six weeks, compared with once a fortnight using the old...

In brief: Aloof Design wins a contract.(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Aloof Design has won a contract to design and produce posters and a brochure for women's wear designer Jenny Dyer London. London-based The Big Push printed both jobs. The fronts of the poster and brochure were four-colour litho and the reverses...

In brief: Deadline for BPIF Education Awards.
April 6, 2006... The BPIF Educational Awards deadline for applications is 12 May. Awards to the value of pounds 2,500 are up for grabs for people aged 16-30, who can demonstrate they deserve financial support for education to pursue a career in print. The...

In brief: Out of the Box used Ipex to unveil truePAK.
April 6, 2006... Out of the Box used Ipex to unveil truePAK, a combined job asset management and MIS system. The company says truePAK can handle every concept and type of graphic art file, as well as carry out planning, scheduling, tracking, creation and...

In brief: British Printing Society holding a convention.
April 6, 2006... The British Printing Society is holding its annual convention in the seaside town of Nairn. It is the first time in more than 20 years that the event has taken place in Scotland. The convention will run from 28-30 April at the Windsor Hotel and...

In brief: Kall Swik signs Cannon.
April 6, 2006... Kall Kwik has signed Canon as the headline sponsor of the company's national conference. The event will take place at the De Vere Belfry Hotel near Sutton Coldfield from 2-3 June, and will be attended by an estimated 200 delegates. Canon is...

Ultimate boost for imposition.(Ultimate Technographics Inc. launches Impostrip OnDemand Digital 5 imposition software)(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Ultimate Technographics has launched what it describes as the first imposition software to use an 'intelligent' hot folder for different page sizes. Executive vice-president Joanne David said: 'The user can drop A4 pages, letter pages and...

Adobe unveils first RIP upgrade for a decade.(Adobe Systems Inc. launches PDF Print Engine)
April 6, 2006... Adobe has launched PDF Print Engine - the first major upgrade to its core RIP software in nearly a decade. Companies using its core software in their RIPs, which include Agfa, EFI, Esko, Fuji, Heidelberg, HP, Kodak Screen and Xerox, were...

Datagraphic in Xerox tie-up.(purchasing Nuvera digital printing system)(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Datagraphic has become the first UK company to buy Xerox's new magnetic ink character recognition-enabled Nuvera to enhance the security of its transactional mail. The commercial security printer is investing pounds 400,000 in two Xerox...

Reader reaction: What will be the defining trends of IPEX 2006?
April 6, 2006... MAGAZINE PRINTER ALAN OUTLAW, director of customer service, Wyndeham Heron 'I hope Ipex will enable me to look in depth at how we can improve our finishing aspects. I am going to look at as many binding lines as I can The bindery is...

Alchemy starts kitting out new Leeds factory.(Alchemy Print Finishers)(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Alchemy Print Finishers has bought the first kit for its new Leeds operation, including a laminating first. The firm has ordered an 80m/minute Autobond Sheetmaster 105 CTP thermal and water-based laminator, the first such machine with...

Ancient House acquires PrimaPlus.(Ancient House Printing Group acquires Muller Martini Corp.)(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Ancient House Printing Group bought a Muller Martini saddle stitcher at Ipex. The Ipswich firm's deal for the pounds 300,000, six-station PrimaPlus is its second such purchase in three months. Managing director Mike Underdown said: 'We...

IPS awarded carbon-neutral status.(Intelligent Print Solutions)(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Intelligent Print Solutions (IPS) has become the first print management company to claim carbon-neutral status. The company has also attained the ISO 14001 environmental standard. IPS became carbon neutral after it invested in a Devon...

Legal notices.(Public notice)
April 6, 2006... This information is extracted from the print- and publishing-related notices that appear in the London gazette. Further Information is available from its website at www.london-gazette.co.uk. WINDING-UP ORDERS Matterprint Ltd RO: 7...

EFI's Opforma makes debut.(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Pre-press firm EFI has added Opforma to its production management software suite. Opforma, developed by Prolatus, provides businesses with real-time decision making throughout the production process. The web-based MIS tool collects...

Uniform introduces the Grenadier GFX2 printer to mid-range market.(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Uniform has launched a wide-format ink-jet printer 'work horse', the Uniform Grenadier GFX2. Aimed at the mid-range solvent-based market, the GFX2 is a 2.64m wide roll-fed piezo ink-jet printer. The company says it is capable of printing...

WWF targets councils on timber purchasing.(World Wide Fund for Nature)(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Environmentalists are urging UK local authorities to shun illegal forest products. WWF, the World Wide Fund for Nature, found more than 65% of local authorities in London did not check that their wood and paper products were sourced from...

TPT Twist XL sets its sights on large-format display sector.(Turning Point Technologies )(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Turning Point Technologies (TPT) plans to attack the large-format display sector with a powerful pre-press workflow that eliminates the need for split files. The company claims that TPT Twist XL, which is specifically geared towards...

Adstream and Quickcut merge.(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Broadcast ad delivery firm Adstream has finalised its pounds 35m acquisition of print counterpart Quickcut. The privately funded merger involved major shareholders Telstra, Paul Ramsey Holdings, Publicitas and Andy McKelvey. The two...

Xeikon's direct-mail production system makes its European debut.
April 6, 2006... Xeikon has given its full- transactional and direct-mail print production system its European debut at Ipex. The Xeikon X-800 is a front end capable of handling data and graphic art workflows. A new IPDS controller enables the digital...

Duplo unveils sales tie-up with Canon.(Canon Europa N.V.)(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Canon Europe is to use Duplo as a sales 'enabler' for its own digital printers. In return, Duplo's finishing products will be marketed as a complete print-to-finish package with Canon's printers across Europe. Duplo UK marketing...

Bobst's B1 die-cutter makes debut at Ipex.(Bobst S.A.)(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Bobst has launched a B1 die-cutter, aimed specifically at commercial printers, at Ipex. 'Many companies are equipped with hand-fed platens or cylinders made 30 years ago or more, so the demand for the replacement of two or three such...

Printing.com promotes its green credentials.(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Printing.com, the high-street printing chain, is promoting its green credentials with a project to plant 10,000 trees this year. Environmentalist David Bellamy, pictured left with Printing.com chief executive Tony Rafferty, launched the appeal,...

In brief: Appointment at Marlowe Graphic Sales & Services.(appointment of Chris Pepperell)(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Marlowe Graphic Sales & Services has hired sales executive Chris Pepperell. He spent 14 years at Ferguson, formerly Blue Ribbon, and then six with Bong UK, the former Rexam Envelopes. Pepperell reports to sales director Andy Hemmings, who said...

In brief: Curtis Fine Papers wins an award.
April 6, 2006... Curtis Fine Papers has won a best environmental practice award for improving business performance through eco-friendly measures. Managing director Keith Chapman, who accepted the prize at the Fife Business Awards, said Curtis had adopted an...

In brief: Renold Chain launches two catalogues.
April 6, 2006... Renold Chain in Burton on Trent has launched two downloadable catalogues for its range of roller and conveyor chain systems. The 136pp and 144pp manuals contain colour photos, drawings and technical data for engineering designers and...

In brief: FESPA launches an e-learning project.
April 6, 2006... FESPA is launching an e-learning project to help screen printers 'bridge the growing skills gap'. The interactive educational tool includes graphics, animation and video clips across 40 hours of course work. FESPA general secretary Nigel...

In brief: Appointments at Proskills.(Proskills appoints Paul Coffey, Allan Wilson and Andy Bradburn )(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Welsh and Scots MPs are supporting Proskills, the Sector Skills Council for process and manufacturing industries, by appointing national managers. Wales' Andy Bradburn will look at funding, workplace relationships and partnership groups. Paul...

In brief: OTM boosts its green credentials.(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... OTM in Leicester, part of the Opus Trust Group, is boosting its green credentials thanks to the efforts of Gill Rees. Rees, PA to managing director Kris Prashad, has spent a year working towards an ISO 14001 accreditation for environmental...

Atex lands contract for Sportsman pre-press.
April 6, 2006... Sports Betting Media has settled on Atex to supply the MIS for the UK's first new daily national newspaper in 20 years. Atex has supplied the editorial content management, advertising planning, production and accounts software tools for the...

Newscolor software cuts ink use.(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Newscolor has launched software designed to help web printers and newspaper firms cut ink costs. The Californian firm claims its Vesper calibration tool, which can be dropped into existing workflows and RIPs such as Harlequin, can cut ink...

Lancet first title to adopt Ceros.(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Medical journal The Lancet is the first title to use Applecart's online production, distribution and auditing tool Ceros to publish its digital edition. The 180-year-old independent magazine's order comes just two months after Applecart's...

In brief: Markzware launches FlightCheck.
April 6, 2006... Markzware has launched FlightCheck online single-subscriber edition as a self-installation package for print or publishing IT staff. The pounds 5,500 full web server tool, which can be installed in a day, checks digital files and notifies the...

In brief: Colourbyte's Oris Color Tuner software passes.(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Colourbyte's Oris Color Tuner software has passed the Periodical Publishers' Association proof4press standard. Meanwhile, Tim Stockley, director of the UK distributor, has claimed the Oris Color Tuner used with the Epson Stylus Pro 4800 printer...

In brief: Dynagram tightens up connectivity.(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Dynagram has tightened up connectivity between job planning and production by bringing together its digital-imposition software, DynaStrip, and Cerm, the auto administration package. Job-planning data can be passed on to DynaStrip by Cerm MIS...

In brief: Ultimate Technolographics uses Ipex.(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Ultimate Technographics is using Ipex to unveil new software that reduces the need to create multiple templates for different kinds of jobs. Impostrip V8.2 uses 'dynamic templates' for jobs with varying page numbers and sizes, which can be...

In brief: Scribus releases latest version.
April 6, 2006... Scribus has released the latest version of its cross-platform open-source page-layout application for PDF and PostScript export. Version 1.3.3 Printemps offers better text import, improved PDF presentation effects and controls, as well as a...

Xennia joins forces with HP to launch ink-jet UV thermal inks.(Technology, Xennia)(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Xennia Technology has unveiled a UV thermal ink-jet ink which can be used to print on a wider range of substrates. XenJet Rapide Black will be officially launched at Ipex and be available to order by the middle of the year. The product...

Canon Europe shuffles team.(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Canon Europe has unveiled a shake-up of its senior management structure. Per Klavsen has been promoted to European corporate and international channel director. His previous position, marketing director of the European professional...

Tangent signs up Borders to its point-of-sale Toolkit system.(Book retailer Borders)(Tangent Communications)(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Book retailer Borders is the latest firm to boost its brand with Tangent Communications' point-of-sale Toolkit. The bespoke online system means a large chain such as Borders, which has 85 stores across the UK, can bring a sense of local...

CSL produces 100,000 ID cards for watchdog.(CSL Digital Print)(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... CSL Digital Print has rolled out 100,000 ID cards featuring the widest range of details it has been asked to produce. The company, which is the in-house printer for gas-safety watchdog Corgi as well as a commercial operator, has included...

Tech-ni-fold collaborates with GUK to launch high-end creaser.(GUK Machines Ltd.)(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Tech-ni-fold has teamed up with folder manufacturer GUK to develop a dedicated high-end production creaser. 'It was not difficult,' said Tech-ni-fold managing director Graham Harris. 'It was simply a case of building one of its folding...

Sales boss leaves Muller Martini.(Roger Cartwright sales director of Muller Martini UK to resign)(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Muller Martini UK sales director Roger Cartwright has left the company. 'It was a mutually agreed decision and is very amicable,' said a spokeswoman. Cartwright joined the firm in October 2003. Prior to that, he was with MAN Roland...

Mailwrights boosts capacity with purchase of polywrapping lines.(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Mailwrights Group's purchase of five polywrapping lines and three envelope inserters has allowed it to double capacity. The direct-mail specialist is also looking to increase its workforce by about 10% to 220 staff. The five Norpak...

Buxton Press acquires Wohlenberg City e.(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Magazine printer Buxton Press has bought the UK's second Wohlenberg City e Edition 6000. Buxton specified the perfect binder, installed by MAN Roland GB last month, with 12 feeders plus a cover. The firm said it spent six-months...

Antalis profits rise but Arjo's slump worsens.
April 6, 2006... Antalis is 'exploring acquisition opportunities' after the merchant group reported improved profits. The announcement came as parent company Sequana Capital announced its year-end results, with Antalis and paper producer Arjowiggins...

Machine closure at Bridgewater.(Bridgewater Paper Company Ltd.)(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Bridgewater Paper Company has shut down its PM4 newsprint machine at its Ellesmere Port mill, with approximately 60 jobs likely to be lost. The 60,000 tonnes per year newsprint machine, which dates back to the 1930s and is one of the...

Paper pricewatch: Woodfree, April 2006.(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... The woodfree papers sector continues to hold firm following price movements last month, writes Andy Scott. Despite fluctuations in currency levels and several minor blips in pricing over the past few weeks, prices have, on the whole,...

In brief: Raffle and auction for Bansang Hospital in Gambia.(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... McNaughton Paper's Cardiff branch has joined printers looking to raise hundreds of pounds for Bansang Hospital in Gambia through a raffle and auction. Carmarthen Print managing director Dennis Robinson will donate proceeds from a book about his...

In brief: Favini launches its Majestic India campaign.
April 6, 2006... Favini has launched its Majestic India campaign, which uses the Majestic collection of metallic papers and boards to highlight work by Indian and European designers. The push offers trips to India for designers seeking Eastern inspiration.

In brief: Fedrigoni ArcoLaser HP wins FSC certification.
April 6, 2006... Fedrigoni ArcoLaser HP uncoated office paper for offset printing has won FSC certification. 'Its low relative humidity gives superb offset print results and no risk of corrugating or curling,' said the firm. Contact: 01604 820820.

In brief: Jamie O'Brien leads his side at Twickenham.
April 6, 2006... Elliott Baxter sales executive Jamie O'Brien is to lead his side at Twickenham in the PowerGen Cup final between Wasps and Llanelli this weekend. The Dorking RFC fly half will captain his team in the PowerGen Vase against Cleobury Mortimer...

In brief: Papierfabrik Salach in court for insolvency proceedings.
April 6, 2006... Papierfabrik Salach is in court for insolvency proceedings. Production continues at the German firm while accountants try to sell it. 'Promising negotiations are taking place with potential buyers,' said administrator Werner Schneider of SKP...

In brief: M-real's second stage upgrade.
April 6, 2006... M-real has added a new reeler and improved press and drying units in the second stage of a pounds 42m upgrade at its Simpele, Finland board mill. Earlier work included three new headboxes and a new sheeting block to improve Simwhite and Simcoat...

In brief: PaperCo shows at London's Tate Britain art gallery.
April 6, 2006... PaperCo is showing off bright green strips of self-adhesive vinyl at London's Tate Britain art gallery. Oracal 751C, supplied by Europoint Display, is on the main concourse at the Triennial 2006 exhibition. The 55-micron material forms an...

In brief: Norske Skog denies allegations.
April 6, 2006... Norske Skog has denied allegations it is part of an illegal price-fixing cartel in India. Senior vice-president for corporate communications Hanne Aaberg said comments made by an Indian MP were 'without foundation'. Newsprint prices in India...

In brief: Mondi Business Paper shows its Color Copy at Ipex.
April 6, 2006... Mondi Business Paper will show its flagship Color Copy at Ipex. It topped the print quality and runability categories in a recent EMGE survey, said brand manager Peter Rossegg.

Contract update.(British Broadcasting Corp. signs Garnett Dickinson)
April 6, 2006... The BBC has put the printing of its in-house magazine out to tender as its three-year print contract with incumbent printer Garnett Dickinson comes to an end. Ariel magazine, which has a run length of 20,000, is distributed to BBC...

Client audit: Cushion print.
April 6, 2006... Richard Hampson-Smith set up print management company Cushion Print with colleague Mike Richardson six years ago. Hampson-Smith had been in the industry for more than 20 years before setting up Cushion, which now boasts around 200 customers....

Editorial: The news of Fulmar's sale talks is a surprise.(Editorial)(Brief article)
April 6, 2006... Gosh - yet another print plc is in sale talks! Fulmar's announcement that it was negotiating with an unnamed potential bidder came just one week after Wyndeham Press Group revealed its board had accepted an offer from Icelandic investor...

Comment: Design should be seen, not heard.
April 6, 2006... Oscar Levant once remarked: 'What the world needs is more geniuses with humility. There are so few of us left.' That statement, with embedded attitude, epitomises the philosophy of a small caucus of graphic designers that has debased printed...

Technically speaking: Comment - Offset sector should not overlook the advantages of on-press imaging.
April 6, 2006... Heidelberg's decision to quietly drop the on-press imaging (DI) presses from its line-up is significant. While there will be a KBA Karat - on Litho Supplies' stand - at Ipex, I cannot find mention of the Project D from Komori, while MAN Roland...

Analysis: Profile - Delta group - Investment and diversification fuel printer's ambitious expansion plans.
April 6, 2006... The introduction of a design service and film-can storage arm have paid off for Delta. The Delta Group has the kind of mammoth boardroom table James Bond villains would sit around plotting world domination. But while managing director Mike...