About Us > Progress Statement
Stability in Times of Uncertainty
Charlesworth views seriously the impact of the current global economic
crisis. During these uncertain times we feel it is important that our
clients and stakeholders are kept informed of our progress and intentions
for the long term future of the business, particularly given the level
of uncertainty in the printing industry.
With this in mind we have put together the following information on our plans and activities to offer current and prospective clients reassurance on Charlesworth's ongoing commitment to providing solutions relevant to the changing market place and adoption of appropriate technological developments, in order to deliver competitive total cost solutions to their needs.
Financial Control
Our strategy of tight monetary control and prudent investment has ensured
we enter this period with cash reserves and are not vulnerable to the
financial constraints that are being imposed to businesses seeking significant
ongoing funding streams. The Company has no significant ongoing finance
deals that pull on our reserves placing us in a favourable position
at this time.
Investment
In the past two years we have invested significantly in technology that
is appropriate to the changing demands of clients. Planned investment
for 2009 in the UK operation includes:
- Upgrades to our pre-press technology
- Improvements in bindery equipment to increase output and reduce costs due to complete by July 2009
- Further enhancement of our digital print capability but the end of 2009
- Provision of a web to print solution that will help customers who wish to do so submit orders direct to our workflow
- Enhanced MIS facilities including automated data submission
Environment and Quality
In recent years Charlesworth has invested heavily in ensuring we
meet the standards expected of a modern manufacturing operation,
including the adoption of Lean Manufacturing disciplines through
Vision in Print. We have been successful in winning accreditation to
both the ISO 9001 quality standard and the ISO 14001 environmental
standard and FSC/PEFC certification.
And Finally...
Charlesworth remains a family owned business headed by Neil Charlesworth.
A strong management team has been developed in the key areas of operation
in the UK, China and US, providing day to day operational and strategic
control of the business. Helen Charlesworth has returned to the business
to support Neil in the UK and Richard Charlesworth is taking up a full
operational role within the China office.
We do not underestimate the impact of current economic market conditions but we firmly believe that we are well placed to deal with this and continue to grow and prosper through continuation in our careful stewardship of the business.
David Boothman
Managing Director - UK operations