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

New India branch campus on the horizon for Lancaster University Keir Starmer meets Indian PM and included Prof Simon Guy Lancaster University. Pic Simon Dawson

New India branch campus on the horizon for Lancaster University

09 Oct 2025

2

Best events and talented students complete finalists list for Lancashire Tourism Awards 2026 Best Events and Talented students on Lancashire Tourism Awards finalist list

Best events and talented students complete finalists list for Lancashire Tourism Awards 2026

09 Oct 2025

3

East Lancashire Learning Group named UK digital transformation leader in CIO 100 Awards Andrew Dewhurst with the award win

East Lancashire Learning Group named UK digital transformation leader in CIO 100 Awards

09 Oct 2025

4

PHX Training appoints new business leader in Blackpool Jason Davenport PHX Training

PHX Training appoints new business leader in Blackpool

09 Oct 2025

5

Velocity seals Airbus extension worth up to $54m Velocity Composites Has Announced Its Entry Into The Us Market

Velocity seals Airbus extension worth up to $54m

08 Oct 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
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

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

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – Oct 10th
Ai 10.10.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
10 Oct 2025 - 10 Oct 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – Oct 10th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

Unlocking major project opportunities in the North West
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
15 Oct 2025 - 15 Oct 2025

Unlocking major project opportunities in the North West

Strathmore Hotel, Morecambe, LA4 5AP

08:00 - 10:00

The New Employee Rights Landscape: Day One Compliance Essentials
EventBrite NORi - 15th Oct 2025 Webinar.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
15 Oct 2025 - 15 Oct 2025

The New Employee Rights Landscape: Day One Compliance Essentials

Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Teams, PR253XH

13:30 - 15:00

October Freelancer Meet-Up
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

October Freelancer Meet-Up

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

The Autumn Re set - pour me a wine
LBV Advert_Autumn Reset 1200 x 630px.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

The Autumn Re set - pour me a wine

The Artistry House , Preston , PR1 3JJ

17:30 - 19:30

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (26).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

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

HR Essentials for pubs, bars and licensed venues
EventBrite NORi - 22nd Oct Webinar.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
22 Oct 2025 - 22 Oct 2025

HR Essentials for pubs, bars and licensed venues

Online - Teams, Leyland, PR253XH

13:30 - 15:00

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

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