This summer marks an exceptional milestone at Pureprint, as our long-serving team member Harry Sargent celebrates 45 years in the print industry.
Harry began his career on Monday 30th June 1980, joining Beacon Press in Uckfield as an apprentice — fresh out of school and straight onto a letterpress platen. In an unusual bit of trivia, his first day also coincided with the withdrawal of the sixpence coin from UK circulation — the end of one era and the beginning of another.
Over the next four and a half decades, Harry became a trusted and highly skilled figure in the business, working across litho presses, die-cutting cylinders, guillotines, folding machines, and eventually moving into the estimating department in the early 1990s. His practical knowledge and steady approach have made him a reliable and valued member of the team throughout.
In Harry’s own words:
“Fresh out of school, I began as a young trainee on a letterpress platen, quickly immersing myself in the world of ink, rollers, and machinery. Over the years, I’ve worked across a wide range of equipment — and while the industry has changed immensely, my passion for the trade and the people within it remains unwavering.”
In 2004, Beacon Press became part of Pureprint Group, and Harry remained a central part of the evolving business, supporting the team through every stage of growth and innovation.
To mark the milestone, Harry recently shared a special piece of personal history — a set of original letters from 1980 confirming his apprenticeship at Beacon Press. These documents, along with early photographs from his time on the shop floor, are a powerful reminder of where it all began.
Richard Osborne, Pureprint Managing Director, shared:
“It’s been a pleasure for me sharing the last 25 years of Harry’s career at Pureprint. In how many companies does 25 years mean you’re still a newbie — as he still reminds me? Congratulations and thank you, Harry, for all your hard work and dedication over so many years. I’m looking forward to sharing a few more….”
From manual processes to today’s digital-led workflows, Harry has seen the industry evolve — and helped Pureprint evolve with it. His legacy is one of dedication, professionalism, and quiet excellence.
Thank you, Harry — here’s to many more.
📸 Photos: Harry with his original 1980 apprenticeship letter, close-up of the correspondence, and a photo from his early days at Beacon Press.
