The cup that cheers

Entrepreneur Oliver Alcock aims to open the right doors for business owners who are looking for the exit while he strides forward in the opposite direction.

His approach to building his business portfolio involves acquiring companies from directors and owners who are seeking retirement – giving them “peace of mind, ensuring their legacy is preserved and that their team is looked after”.

It is a strategy that has seen Oliver, whose background is in IT and tech, acquire The Printed Cup Company, stepping into the role of chief executive.

The Clitheroe based manufacturer has earned a global reputation for its innovative approach to printed food and drink packaging. No figure has been put on the deal, which was announced in late July.

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 turnover organisation, operating from a 15,000 sq ft production and warehousing facility in the Ribble Valley town.

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

Its client list spans multinational brands, independent coffee shops, event organisers, and marketing companies.

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.

It began that line of production during Covid, an example of how businesses in Lancashire moved quickly to meet the challenges of the pandemic.

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

Oliver, 34, a native of the Ribble Valley, is full of admiration for what they have achieved.

He describes the couple’s journey from a kitchen-table startup to one of the country’s most respected packaging manufacturers as “a remarkable testament to their vision, hard work, and leadership”.

He now has his own vision for the company and its 30-strong workforce as he looks to build on their legacy.

Oliver is excited for the future of the business and says: “This is a new chapter – focused on growth, innovation, and continuing the great culture and service the company is known for.”

The deal took 12 months to complete and the acquisition journey began following a conversation Oliver had with the Woodwards, who he had known for some time.

He says: “We worked to make sure it was the right deal for both of us and that we are both benefiting from it.”

The business, he says, “absolutely ticked all the boxes” and he adds: “It is a 20-year-old manufacturing business; an established brand selling its products worldwide.

“It is a standout example of British manufacturing at its best – fast, flexible, and forward-thinking.”

He points to its “industry-leading turnaround times” and highly-agile in-house production system, with some customers receiving their printed cups on the same day an order is placed.

Oliver has a vision which will see the company lead the way in eco-friendly food packaging, with an emphasis on reducing plastic use across the industry. He is also looking to grow its product range.

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

Oliver reveals that his growth plans aim to deliver an eight-figure turnover in five years or less.

At the heart of those plans is a commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices with the business “championing sustainable solutions for a better tomorrow”.

Mark Woodward is also excited to see what the future holds for the business that he and his wife have created.

He says: “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.”

The company is currently managed day-to-day by managing director Kevin Monaghan, who will continue in that role.

He says: “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.”

Oliver is a former pupil of Bowland High School in Grindleton and his business background is in IT and tech. He has set up a number of ventures since leaving the public sector, starting his entrepreneurial journey from the back bedroom of a terraced house in Burnley.

Those businesses have included IT, telecoms, cybersecurity and cloud services support as well as e-commerce.

The Printed Cup Company is his first venture into the world of manufacturing. It is unlikely to be his last acquisition and he reveals he has “a few conversations going on at the moment.”

His eye is on replicating the deal with the Woodwards, seeking out businesses where the owner or owners are looking to retire, starting up those conversations to see if a potential deal can be struck.

He says: “The acquisitions aren’t just about growth – they’re about giving owners a way out with dignity.

“We’re looking to help people step away from the stress, unlock the value they’ve built, and move on with freedom, clarity, and a strong financial return.”

He says of future targets: “The businesses have to have potential” and the price has to be right. He has also learned that patience is key when it comes to dealmaking.

He explains: “You have to tell yourself that things could fall through at any point. There are so many moving parts. You can’t get ahead of yourself. Take things one day at a time.”