By Matthew Legg

Last updated at 15:51, Thursday, 05 April 2012

Cumbrian success story H&H Group has expanded again after its print division acquired a second business in less than a year.

H&H Reeds Printers, of Penrith, has bought litho print outfit Cypher Digital, of Milnthorpe.

H&H, the Carlisle auctioneering to insurance group, bought Reeds in late 2010.

The business has gone on to establish itself as one of the county’s leading digital print, signs and display outfits and acquired Carlisle’s Albany Signs last year.

Cypher Digital’s 12-strong workforce will be kept on and managing director Paul Calland will become a director at H&H Reeds.

The company was formed in 1995 and boasts a £1m turnover. It specialises in digital print, large format print, exhibitions, displays plus design and website production.

Brian Richardson, chief executive of H&H Group said the move would give H&H county-wide coverage and a springboard to expand into Lancashire.

“The two companies are an exceptionally good fit with a similar ethos and a genuine concern for the environmental impact of the print industry,” he said.

“This will really strengthen H&H Reeds Printers’ existing portfolio and for the H&H Group PLC this sees a further avenue for increasing revenue as well as broadening our customer base.”

Mr Calland said: “Joining forces with such a well-recognised and well- respected organisation is an exciting and progressive opportunity for both ourselves and our customers.

“As a result of this merger we can offer businesses across the UK cutting edge print at all levels and for all projects. Cypher Digital really complements H&H Reed Printers’ existing portfolio of print offerings across a wider geographical spread.

“This is a partnership made in print.”

H&H Group has enjoyed a period of sustained success under Mr Richardson. The company smashed through the £1m profit mark for only the second time in its history last year, recording full-year returns of £1.2m.

A year earlier it made £2m, its biggest ever profit.

Some of H&H Group’s other interests include a motor auction, an insurance broker and an estate agency.

First published at 14:22, Thursday, 05 April 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk