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EXECUTIVE: Q&A with Highland Print and Design





Jo. Picture: Alison Gilbert
Jo. Picture: Alison Gilbert

Coffee Break is sponsored by Inverness Coffee Roasting Co.

Q: What inspired you to start Highland Print and Design?

Douglas – Having worked in the print/design industry since 2000 as an employee it became apparent to me that I wanted to own and run my own business. This began in a management role when my application for Centre Manager at Prontaprint Inverness was accepted in May 2010. Four year on, I was offered the opportunity to buy the business which I grasped with both hands and Highland Print & Design was born.

Jo – I am Doug’s better half and he has called on me a few times to help out when jobs were needed to be completed by a deadline and I always knew that when the time was right I would like to work with him full time. By January 2023 I will have been with the company 6 years.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

Douglas – We have such a wide range of products, services and expertise that’s on offer and every job is unique. We work on so many projects on a daily basis, large and small. When you work so closely with customers, you really get to know each other which is really amazing and a great customer experience is really important to us.

Jo – Everyday is different as you just never know what is going to come in next and the timescale to get it done.

Q: What advice would you give to someone in a management position?

Douglas – You as a manager should be and should instil in your workforce; Reliability: do what you say you are going to; A great work ethic: be passionate about what you do; Have knowledge/educate: be proficient in your craft and know your product.

Jo – Always take care of the staff because at the end of the day they are there to help.

Q: What are the biggest rewards in your line of work?

Douglas – For me, when your customers are delighted with what you’ve created for them, whether it’s a simple flyer or a complete branding project that’s the greatest reward for a designer and the business owner. I’m always proud of the team to see our work when out and about, whether it menus in a restaurant, vehicle livery that I pass on the road or an amazing logo that’s lit up on a sign.

Jo – Helping our clients to achieve their dreams and bringing their visions to reality.

Douglas. Picture: Alison Gilbert
Douglas. Picture: Alison Gilbert

Q: What are the biggest challenges?

Douglas – The pandemic hit us quite hard but we got through it with continued support from our customer and have come out the other side stronger. Our industry has seen some crazy increases in material costs and also shortages throughout 2022 which unfortunately has meant we have had to increase most of our prices, albeit as minimal as possible.

Jo – Everyday is a challenge, some more enjoyable than others but we just do what we can to keep going.

Q: What’s the best advice you have ever been given?

Douglas – In whatever career you choose make sure you are passionate about what you do. Any skill can be learned and taught but passion cannot. I can hand on heart say that I am passionate about what I do every day.

Jo - When Douglas first started the business I was told the first 5 years would be the hardest but stick in it does get better and never a truer word said.

Q: How do you relax away from work?

Douglas – I enjoy spending time with the family. I’m not the greatest by any means but I do enjoy a game of golf with friends.

Jo - Spending time as a family from watching the boys play football or just chilling at home with the dog.

Q: If you were planning a great escape where would you go?

New York or Australia, New York because we both went there in 2020 for a few days and even though we did a lot there is still so much to do and see, Australia as we have close friends who are living over there and would love to go and spend some time with them.


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