Surface Print switches to four-day week with advice from law firm AfterAthena

By Rob Kelly

09 Dec 2024

James Watson

A Lancashire business has switched its working operations to a four-day week, following a successful six-month trial.

The new ‘working week’ sees almost all of Surface Print’s 63 colleagues working Monday to Thursday, affording people an improved work/life balance.

 It means the Clayton-le-Moors business is also reducing its emissions and saving on energy costs, resulting in production being more efficient.

 The family business, which has been running since 1990, spent time researching the move, from both its workforce and with expert advice from Preston-based employment, HR and health and safety firm AfterAthena, to give the trial the best chance of success.

And it all started while trying to find a way to have a new roof fitted without impacting output.

 James Watson, managing director of Surface Print, said: “This has been a hugely successful shift in our business arrangements, and everyone involved has been supportive and enthusiastic about the change.

 “It means people get to spend more time with their friends and families with longer weekends, they see no decrease in wages, and we play our part in decreasing emissions.

 “In addition, our customers see no difference in the products or deliveries. 

 “Consulting with everyone and seeking advice from employment law and HR specialists at AfterAthena was vital, and we ensured everyone’s voice was heard, while adhering to guidelines on how our colleagues’ working patterns can change without impacting them.

 “About 90 per cent of people have taken up the new pattern, but we still have colleagues who work on a Friday and do a five-day week, which we’ve accommodated because it suits their work/life balance.

 “This process has all been about giving people options that suit them, and in turn supporting a reduction in emissions and creating a workforce that is very happy.

“And it means we have mitigated the increased costs we’ve faced for raw materials, energy and wages, including rises in the minimum wage, by reducing the impact on our overheads, without impacting the wages of our colleagues.”

Oli McCann, employment law and HR partner at AfterAthena, said: “As with many businesses, James and the team at Surface Print have had to navigate increased costs, and running a four-day week is something that benefits everyone.

 “When looking at changes in work patterns, they conducted a thorough review, sought expert advice and have now delivered something that works for everyone and the business itself.

 “As many businesses face new challenges, it’s important they look at taking on Surface Print’s approach and ensure any changes are brought in steadily, and with feedback from their people.

 "What Surface Print has shown is that change can bring many benefits for everyone involved.”

 AfterAthena provides support to clients, covering employment law, HR, and health & safety.

Initially launching to an existing client base of more than 450 businesses covering more than 150,000 employees.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Rob Kelly

Latest news

1

Inspired plc acquired by HGGC Inspired logo

Inspired plc acquired by HGGC

19 Aug 2025

2

Lancashire uniform provider acquired in £12.5m deal Trutex images

Lancashire uniform provider acquired in £12.5m deal

19 Aug 2025

3

Burnley aircraft firm sees profits soar Safran Nacelles

Burnley aircraft firm sees profits soar

19 Aug 2025

4

Lancashire marina bought by Aquavista Fettlers Wharf Marina

Lancashire marina bought by Aquavista

18 Aug 2025

5

Work starts on new business units at Enterprise Zone Danny Pinkus Cllr Mark Smith and Robert Pinkus at Phase Two Of Enterprise Court

Work starts on new business units at Enterprise Zone

15 Aug 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
Sub36 Networking - Follow the signs
Sub36 Deaf Village Social1200
Networking
17 Sep 2025

Sub36 Networking - Follow the signs

The Deaf Village, Blackburn, BB2 5EN

10:00 - 12:00

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

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

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (24).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
21 Aug 2025 - 21 Aug 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Morecambe Bay Walk
Walk.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
30 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025

Morecambe Bay Walk

Arnside, CARNFORTH, LA5

09:30 - 14:00

Tri-Site Survey Equipment Showcase
Linkedin Cover.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
03 Sep 2025 - 03 Sep 2025

Tri-Site Survey Equipment Showcase

Harewood House , Leeds, LS17 9LG

09:30 - 16:00

Longridge Soap Box Derby
Screenshot 2025-06-10 090035.png.png
LBV Hub Fundraisers
14 Sep 2025 - 14 Sep 2025

Longridge Soap Box Derby

Berry Lane, Longridge, PR3 3WH

10:00 - 16:30

Preston Tech Connection - The Ultimate Tech Quiz!
Preston Tech Connection Sept 25.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Sep 2025 - 16 Sep 2025

Preston Tech Connection - The Ultimate Tech Quiz!

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:00

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: September
Sept Freelancer (1).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
23 Sep 2025 - 23 Sep 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: September

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Speed Networking with BNI
2.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
24 Sep 2025 - 24 Sep 2025

Speed Networking with BNI

Chorley Football Club, Chorley, PR7 3DU

16:00 - 19:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 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 LBV 123 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin