For nearly two decades, Keith and Paula Boyce have been the franchisees of Minuteman Press at King’s Lynn, Norfolk. The couple’s journey has seen them transform the business from a traditional high street print shop to delivering print solutions to a roster of prestigious corporate clients. This has led them to be invited by the franchisor to join its coveted Minuteman Press International President’s Club, for their unwavering dedication and pursuit of excellence.
Keith and Paula Boyce with their President’s Club plaque.
Keith Boyce shares their path to success, key lessons learned and insights for 2024.
History of the business
It all began in 2004 with the introduction to Minuteman Press International’s invaluable network of suppliers and partners. With a focus on marketing, we conquered new markets, concentrating on delivering unparalleled service that shifted the conversation from price to value. This blueprint for success has powered year after year growth, with one notable exception – 2021 (during the height of the pandemic).
The transition from the bustling high street to our present location on Campbells Business Park was a thrilling exercise in adaptability, rooted in Minuteman Press’ fundamental principles. Then came Covid-19 and the world changed overnight.
Our customers needed novel ways to engage with clients and expand their online presence. We already had a head start serving this market and seized this unique moment, igniting a spark of reinvention in the business, setting us apart from the competition. The reward? A robust financial position to propel us through this thrilling metamorphosis.
Growing the business today
Our business is a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Traditional core products still make up 50 per cent of our operations. However, more recently this year we took a bold leap forward by acquiring an apparel company. The remaining 50 per cent is a whirlwind of online services, with virtual shops, print-on-demand, fulfilment, and drop-shipping at the forefront.
King’s Lynn lobby.
These cutting-edge solutions are on everyone’s lips as companies adapt to the evolving business landscape. In 2023 and beyond, we are elated to provide ‘managed print services’ to customers, with plans to expand in the coming year. The magic lies in the fact that our relationships with these customers evolve into vital partnerships, creating a vibrant ecosystem of success and learning.
What’s next for Minuteman Press? Thankfully, the close-knit team and deep customer connections put us in a unique position. We know our customers inside and out, and partner ourselves with industry leaders. It’s about weaving all these threads into a tapestry of opportunity.
The market may throw curveballs, but we have pumped up the excitement in 2023 and heading into 2024 with a multi-channel marketing push. We are covering Google, social media, and a reinvigorated campaign to meet our existing, dormant, and new customers face-to-face.
As Minuteman Press head office puts it, there’s direct marketing, and then there’s everything else. This is the fundamental tenet of our on-going quest for year-on-year growth. We also strive to achieve this with careful consideration of our environmental footprint and the need to focus on sustainability, which is a big point of focus here in the UK.
Key lessons learned
The most gripping lessons we’ve learned in our 19-year journey are that marketing, and nurturing new and existing customers is an unending adventure. It’s about keeping focus on profitability and aligning your employees with stretching objectives and lofty goals.
Innovating, problem solving, establishing new revenue streams, all with a view to support customers’ needs is what being a part of the franchise family is all about – boldly venturing into the unknown, setting sights high, and writing our success story, one thrilling chapter at a time.
www.minutemanpressfranchise.co.uk
Posted: 12th December, 2023