Holker and i4 join forces

Colne's Holker IT is setting up a separate, specialist division to deliver ‘global scale’ print opportunities, joining forces with Burnley-based office print equipment specialists i4 Business Solutions.

Stephen Etherington, founder of i4, will head up the new enterprise.

“We are very excited by what our new managed print services operation can provide for customers,” said Holker IT managing director Matthew Metcalfe.

“It is something we have been contemplating for some time, but being able to bring someone of Stephen’s experience and expertise on board has finally triggered the launch. It will play a significant part of the future development of Holker IT.”

Stephen has worked in the office print solutions and print room industry for 23 years, dealing with the world’s leading manufacturers.

“My background means that Holker MPS can hit the ground running with contacts already in place,” said Stephen. “We can also offer exclusive partnerships with the likes of German giants Utax and Ricoh, the world’s most recognised brand of photocopier solutions and managed print services.

“Our core business will be to supply and maintain the widest range of print, copy and scan equipment, from network printers and multifunctional devices to full, print room strategies. Everything will be done in house.

“There has been phenomenal advancement in the print sector in recent years, especially in the developing market of 3D printer technology. That trend is showing enormous growth and this move is all about providing the best options available.”

Enjoyed this? Read more from Lancashire Business View

Latest news

1

Preston Tram bridge scheduled to open in the Spring Preston tram bridge

Preston Tram bridge scheduled to open in the Spring

22 Dec 2025

2

MHA to acquire Moore Stephens firms in UAE Rakesh Shaunak MHA

MHA to acquire Moore Stephens firms in UAE

22 Dec 2025

3

Planning application for new industrial and logistics Frontier Park Preston Plans have been submitted for the land in Preston

Planning application for new industrial and logistics Frontier Park Preston

18 Dec 2025

4

Burnley College gets share of £88.5m funding to revolutionise engineering and computing education Burnley College interim principal Kate Wallace, curriculum manager for Engineering David Coar, head of projects and partnerships Rosie Fearne, assistant principal – BCUC Nina Parkin and director of Skills and Innovation Neil Burrows

Burnley College gets share of £88.5m funding to revolutionise engineering and computing education

18 Dec 2025

5

SpudBros link up with EG On The Move SpudBros opening in Blackburn

SpudBros link up with EG On The Move

17 Dec 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
January / February 2026 Magazine networking event
Porsche Preston1200x630
Networking
22 Jan 2026

January / February 2026 Magazine networking event

Porsche Preston, Preston, PR2 1QJ

08:30 - 10:30

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 09 Jan 2026

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre

The Small Business Academy, Blackpool, FY4 5JX

09:30 - 15:30

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

St Catherine's Christmas Tree-Cycling
Tree Cycling.png.png
LBV Hub Fundraisers
25 Nov 2025 - 10 Jan 2026

St Catherine's Christmas Tree-Cycling

Several locations, Preston, PR5 5XU

10:00 - 13:07

Lancashire post Budget analysis finance leaders events
MHA-BTI Logo_black (002).jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
27 Nov 2025 - 27 Dec 2025

Lancashire post Budget analysis finance leaders events

Farington Lodge Hotel, Stanifield Lane, Farington, Preston, PR25 4QR

08:00 - 10:00

Chamber Breakfast Networking – January
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
08 Jan 2026 - 08 Jan 2026

Chamber Breakfast Networking – January

3-1-5 Health Club, Lancaster, LA1 3PE

08:00 - 10:00

Lancashire County Council – Meet the Buyer - January 2026 Webinar Event
LBV Hub Webinar
13 Jan 2026

Lancashire County Council – Meet the Buyer - January 2026 Webinar Event

10:00 - 12:00

Preston Tech Connection: Tech For Better Humans
PTC January 26 banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
15 Jan 2026 - 15 Jan 2026

Preston Tech Connection: Tech For Better Humans

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Society1 Open Coworking Day
Open Day Square.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
15 Jan 2026 - 15 Jan 2026

Society1 Open Coworking Day

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

09:00 - 17:00

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire
LBV Header (28).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
15 Jan 2026 - 15 Jan 2026

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

Lancashire County Council – Meet the Buyer Drop in Event
Meet the Buyer event new
LBV Hub Networking
20 Jan 2026

Lancashire County Council – Meet the Buyer Drop in Event

County Hall, Pitt Street, Preston , PR1 8XJ

10:00 - 15:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin