A Stoke-on-Trent printing company is marking its milestone 40th birthday this year.
Tableau Reproduction Limited was founded by Keith Mason – father of the company's current owner, Matthew Mason – back in April 1982.
Originally, the company supported local printers producing artwork and plates for print, and eventually expanded into offering a printing service when the print industry moved to digital.
Since then, the Hanley firm has come a long way its from humble beginnings operating from a terraced house.
Today Tableau, which is based in Lower Bryan Street, operates across the UK and Europe, and specialises in all aspects of print and design including promotional print, labels, stationery and corporate brochures as well as marketing material, signage, promotional giftware and workwear.
Owner and managing director Matthew Mason – who took over the business once his late father retired – said: "I always knew what I wanted to do when I left school. The careers officer stopped trying to persuade me to look at other options because I was adamant I wanted to work with my dad at Tableau. As soon as I could become an apprentice that's exactly what I did and I've been here ever since. I absolutely loved working with him and learnt so much.
"My dad worked hard to set up the company, make it successful and adapt and grow over the years. There was never any doubt that I would be working alongside him and that I would take it over once he stepped back.
"Unfortunately, we lost dad just over 10 years ago now, but I know he would be very proud of how well the business is doing and what we have achieved."
Matthew says all of the work Tableau produces comes from word of mouth and recommendations.
This year the company wants to focus on marketing to help the business grow even further, launch a new website and work towards ISO industry compliance.
Matthew added: "I think our longevity is down to our customer service. We pride ourselves on delivering what our customers want, to the timescales they need it for and to budget.
"Ultimately, we want to make sure that our customers are happy with the services they get from us. We've got a fantastic customer base, who trust us to deliver and I've got a great team working with me who I trust implicitly – that counts for a lot. One of our contacts described us as a hidden gem.
"The new financial year is going to be a really busy one for us but we're really looking forward to it and growing the business further."
