Photo - Alan Mak MP with Senator Press directors Maureen Crocker (R) and Zoe Fisher (L)
Havant MP Alan Mak has backed a family-run firm of printers who overcame a business-threatening blaze. Mak’s words came as he was given a tour of Senator Press’ Havant premises on New Lane.
Mr Mak praised Senator’s remarkable rise from humble beginnings two decades ago, and their courage in overcoming a damaging fire in 2015 to become a national industry leader that now services clients from across the country.
Senator Press is a family-run business which was established in 1990. The last 25 years has seen year on year growth and continual investment to become a state-of-the-art printing facility. The use of modern technology means Senator Press is highly efficient and has minimal impact on the environment, with a high percentage of waste being recycled.
Last year was one of the most challenging in the company’s history. A potentially disastrous fire destroyed most of the equipment at Senator Press and the smoke damage meant the factory had to be completely re-furbished. Due to the dedication of management and staff the company continued business and is now running normally with up-to-date technology and new presses.
Mr Mak was given a tour of Senator’s offices and printing machinery by founder and Financial Director Maureen Cocker, who has helped oversee the company’s rapid growth and establishment. The Havant MP was supportive of Senator’s ambition, and described the business as a ‘genuine success story’ for Havant.
Mak has been a keen supporter of small businesses and enterprise as MP for Havant. In February, Mr Mak hosted the first-ever Havant Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair, which enabled local employers and skills providers to engage with Havant jobseekers to an unprecedented degree.
Mak also organised the inaugural Havant Small Business Awards, designed to showcase and celebrate the range and depth of business nous and entrepreneurial endeavour in the area.
Following his tour of the Havant site, Mr Mak said: “I was delighted to visit Senator’s premises and hear about their success, which are a testament to the company’s strength given the terrible fire last year. They’ve recovered well to become a national industry leader we can all be proud of. Through hard work and determination, Maureen and her team have shown that they won’t be beaten.”
The Havant MP added: “It is fantastic to see Maureen and the rest of the team succeeding. Having set out with a clear ambition to become the quality printing service in the area, Senator are clearly reaping the benefits of great products allied to a close-knit and friendly working atmosphere.”
Senator’s Financial Director, Maureen Cocker, said: “We were pleased to welcome Alan to our Havant site. It is clear that, as local MP, Alan is very supportive of small businesses who do so much to support the economy around Havant and across the country.”
Ms Cocker added: “It is great to see Alan pushing initiatives such as the Small Business Awards, and the Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair. We know how hard it can be starting out from humble beginnings, and hopefully more local businesses can benefit and thrive with the right support.”