Lifetime Achievement Award for local businessman

L-R Comedian Jimmy Carr, MD of Canon UK (sponsors of Award), John Dickinson, Chairman of Garnett Dickinson, being presented with Award by Jenny Powell.

John Dickinson, Chairman of Garnett Dickinson, the Rotherham based print and publishing company, has received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the recent Printing World Awards 2005, held at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London. John Dickinson has been in printing and publishing all of his working life and at the age of 72 he still plays an active role as Chairman of the family run business.

The Awards are designed to recognise the best in the printing industry and the Lifetime Achievement Award goes to people who have made a real difference to the world of printing and applaud their work. John Dickinson took overall control of the Print company in 1979 when the business was a relatively small printer attached to the larger publishing company, known for the Rotherham Advertiser, the Dearne Valley Weekender and the Rotherham Record. In those days, the combined turnover was a little under £5m and the current year will see turnover exceed £27m. The company has recently announced a £20m investment project in building a brand new factory on the Rotherham Enterprise Zone, with a new 48pp press on order.

With almost 150 years experience, Garnett Dickinson began life back in 1858 when the Rotherham Advertiser newspaper was born. The Dickinson family joined forces with Henry Garnett & Co. in 1898 with John Dickinson’s father appointed as Company Secretary and Editor. `As well as John’s work achievements, he is a passionate advocate for local community projects and has been actively involved in the Rotherham Renaissance and local charities.

John is delighted to have been recognised at the Awards, commenting: “I was very surprised but delighted to receive this Lifetime Achievement Award. I am very proud of our people, the company and its achievements and value the fact that I have seen most of the major developments in printing technology from hot metal to photo typesetting to Computer to Plate (CTP) which many people in the industry will not have seen. “

Garnett Dickinson Print was also recognised for their environmental achievements and approach, being awarded ‘Highly Commended’ Best Environmental Printer 2005 at the same Awards. The company ensures that their printing operation has minimal impact on the environmental and has very rigorous programmes in place to reduce waste and conserve energy. Garnett Dickinson Print specialises in the printing of shorter run magazines, catalogues and brochures for publishing companies and a wide range of other customers throughout the UK.