It’s not every time you meet a non-Nigerian printer that is passionate about print business as other Nigerian printers. WHERE To Print was privileged to meet one and in this edition of SMART PRINT CELEB – Mr. Alan Ballard – a Britain, shared his valuable experience in Nigeria with us as well as other sundry issues as they affect print business in the country. Excerpt:
CAN WE MEET YOU SIR?
I am Alan Ballard, the MD/ CEO of Afkar Printing and Publishing. Born in West London, I am married with 3 adult children; my home now is Ikoyi, Lagos.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY?
Too long! All my working life.
WHAT CAN YOU PINPOINT AS YOUR MOTIVATING FACTORS FOR BEING IN THE PRINTING INDUSTRY?
From the days of uncoated plates and graphic art film to today’s computer to plate, our industry is always changing; my early background in prepress where we used artwork on CS10 board, transparencies and black and white photos to 2013 where digital artwork is the norm – makes you look to the future with great anticipation.
WHAT ASPECT OF PRINTING DO YOU SPECIALISE ON AT AFKAR?
We are commercial colour printers and setting standards in Lagos for the very best results no compromising. We can print anything from call cards to fine brochures, magazine and books, with the latest sheet-fed litho presses and quality finishing equipment.
WHY DID YOU SPECIALISE IN THIS ASPECT AND NOT DIGITAL PRINTING OR OTHER ASPECT OF PRINTING?With digital printing advancing, we will enter this market, but it will be when our customers are demanding this service. In Nigeria, the environment and infrastructure are not ideal for this; also web printing cannot surpass the results we achieve with offset sheet fed litho.
WHAT ARE YOUR EXPERIENCES SO FAR IN THE FIELD?
Our biggest challenge has been the mentioned infrastructure; our staff at Afkar have been very responsive and extremely willing to contribute to our progress and growth.
WHAT ARE THE FUTURE INNOVATIONS IN PLACE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUR PRESS?
Our recent investment include the commissioning of a Heidelberg 5 Colour XL 75 Press, plus a Varimatrix Die Cutter and Glue Line; a Perfecta Three-knife Trimmer, and also a new Perfect Binder, giving an improved service to publishers, our commercial print clients and light packaging companies. We look to access the internet supply more, web to print which the major PLCs are heading towards will be our future way to partner with these companies. We can offer quality control; a reliable service and a working relationship build on trust.
WHAT ARE CHALLENGES YOU HAVE FACED SO FAR?
The bureaucratic nature of doing business in Nigeria, along with the fore mentioned does slow business growth down. But the industry will benefit from greater investment and easier access to financial resources, which I believe would benefit Nigeria’s import and export trade balances. Perhaps this is a worldwide problem, however like USA and Europe, Nigeria must try to produce better quality goods with less imports; this is our aim at Afkar Printing.
HOW DID YOU SUMMOUNT THESE CHALLENGES?
It is ongoing with best practice work procedure, willing staff and a sound investment programme. We will reach our target to make Afkar the best printing company in West Africa.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR THE UPCOMING PRINTERS?
Come and join us at Afkar Printing.
HOW DO YOU RELAX IN THIS EVER DEMANDING INDUSTRY?
I enjoy finding out more about the Nigerian culture and history. I do this by reading (half way through ‘Half A Yellow Sun’), socialising and networking.
WHAT ARE YOUR LIKES?
I am very sporty with football as my big love. My father and brother were professionals, myself not as good but I am the family’s best golfer and played a good level of squash in my younger days. I like to relax with a glass of Rioja and discuss anything from current affairs to world politics. This may sound too serious but I enjoy socialising with friends, colleagues, and just meeting people.
DISLIKES?
People without a sense of humour! Nigerians do laugh at themselves and I love this!
HOBBIES
Football (sadly I’m only watching it these days) and golf (15 handicaps), reading and Rioja.
BRIEF BACKGROUND
Alan Ballard was born in West London United Kingdom on the 16th of June. He attended the University of Life and still an active member!
