A fresh brew for The Printed Cup Company

East Lancashire entrepreneur and businessman Oliver Alcock has officially acquired The Printed Cup Company, stepping into the role of chief executive.

This deal ushers in a new era for the company, which has earned a global reputation for its innovative approach to printed food and drink packaging.

The firm has been acquired for an undisclosed sum.

Founded in 2005 by husband-and-wife team Mark and Jenny Woodward, The Printed Cup Company began in their living room and has since grown into a multi-million-pound organisation, operating from a 15,000 square foot production and warehousing facility in Clitheroe.

The company now serves thousands of clients worldwide with eco-friendly, custom-printed paper cups and other food packaging solutions.

The Printed Cup Company stands out for its industry-leading turnaround times, with some customers receiving their printed cups on the same day an order is placed.

This is made possible by a highly agile in-house production system and a deeply committed team of 30 staff — none of whom will be affected by the change in ownership, as there are no planned redundancies.

The company is currently managed day-to-day by operations director Kevin Monaghan, who will continue in his role to ensure continuity and performance.

Following the sale, founders Mark and Jenny Woodward will be stepping away from the business to enjoy a well-earned retirement after two decades at the helm. 

Their journey from a kitchen-table startup to one of the UK’s most respected packaging manufacturers is a remarkable testament to their vision, hard work, and leadership.

Looking ahead, The Printed Cup Company is doubling down on its commitment to sustainability.

Under Oliver Alcock’s leadership, the business has unveiled a vision to lead the way in eco-friendly food packaging, with an emphasis on reducing plastic use across the industry.

Earlier this year, the company proudly launched its plastic-free aqueous lined product range, offering clients biodegradable alternatives without compromising quality or performance.

In addition to its work in the food and beverage sector, the company also serves the healthcare industry, producing specialist bespoke disposable inhaler spacers that are used in medical settings throughout the UK and beyond.

The company’s client list spans multinational brands, independent coffee shops, event organisers, and marketing companies — all of whom value the company’s ability to deliver custom solutions quickly and sustainably.

Mark Woodward, founder, said: "After 20 wonderful years building The Printed Cup Company with Jenny and our team, I couldn’t be prouder of where we’ve arrived. Oliver is exactly the right person to take this business forward — entrepreneurial, values-driven, and full of energy. We’re excited to see what’s next."

Oliver Alcock, chief executive, said: "It’s an honour to be entrusted with such a well-loved and innovative business.

"The Printed Cup Company is a standout example of British manufacturing at its best — fast, flexible, and forward-thinking. Our focus now is to continue that growth while championing sustainable solutions for a better tomorrow."

Kevin Monaghan, operations director, said: "The team here is incredibly dedicated, and we’re proud of the culture we’ve built. With Oliver’s leadership and vision, I believe we’re in a strong position to expand our capabilities and strengthen our reputation even further."