On January 1 2016, after a lifetime serving the print industry, IFS’s Tony Hards is to become company Chairman. Managing Director Bryan Godwyn has become 100% shareholder.

Tony will continue to sit in on board meetings for a further year bringing his wealth of experience. He will also oversee the welcoming of two new board members Jason Seaber (Technical Sales Director) and Alan Harrison (Technical services Director).

Tony has clocked up more than sixty years in the printing industry. He joined Krisson Printing as an apprentice at the age of 15 then after various jobs within print for companies including Waterlow and Sons and Hawthorn Baker he joined GAE (Graphic Arts equipment). He worked his way up to Sales Manager in 1981.  In 1992 he led a management buy-out of the equipment division, with today’s managing director Bryan Godwyn, and was responsible for brokering the Horizon and Perfecta agencies that are fundamental to IFS’s equipment portfolio.

Since 2006 IFS has focused on finishing solutions. Now recognised as one of the UK’s leading suppliers in this sector, it is the exclusive distributor in the United Kingdom & Ireland for Horizon, Perfecta, Tecnau, Foliant, Petratto, SCS and Italdibipack.

“Tony and I have been working side-by-side for 25 years,” states managing director Godwyn. “He is like a father and brother at the same time. I am looking forward to fully taking over the reins of the business but appreciate what a great ambassador Tony has been for print, how much he has given the company and how well-respected he is by everyone in the industry.

“This is a natural progression for IFS and we are delighted that Tony will continue to work with us in a mentoring role. His knowledge, insight and sage advice will be invaluable to our continued growth and success.”