A unique gem in the printing world is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year and boasts what must be the last working master printer in the country, in its chief editor and founder, 80-year-old Syd Howarth.
North East England Chamber of Commerce member Newton Press opened for business in 1963, operating out of the back of a baker’s shop, to provide services to the new town of Newton Aycliffe, serving the local area with print and news. It has now grown to supply its services nationwide but still supporting the local economy in a wide range of ways. Syd Howarth is still going into the office every day to prepare news content ready for print.
It’s publication Newton News was initially a monthly black and white four-page newspaper and is now a 16-page full colour edition, produced in a state of the art factory on Aycliffe Business Park.
Stuart Howarth, Syd’s son, now runs Newton Press with his brothers Paul and Chris, he said: “We have diversified in recent years to include web design and marketing services. To help regenerate the area we also provide factory / office units for other SMEs to rent. We are proud of our local roots, yet we are ambitious and an ever forward-looking family business, eager to provide a good service to all our customers.”
The company’s move to the Blue Bridge Centre in 2015 was part of a determined expansion programme. It has further ambitions to refurbish their old site near Gestamp Tallent in Newton Aycliffe, to provide eight separate units for rent, bringing new useful businesses and services to the Business Park.
Moving with the times Newton Press also offers marketing and website design, helping its customers old and new to showcase their businesses online as well as in print – the full media package.
The expansion has also included a move into supporting a new On-line Community Radio station which is proving very popular, Aycliffe Radio a non-profit making organisation utilising the voluntary D.J. and broadcasting talent not only from the town but also overseas.
Stuart Howarth said: “2018 is a going to be a massive year for us at Newton Press and the Newton News, as we celebrate 55 years creating print and promotional items for all our clients. We have just re-branded our business and created a new role with the appointment of a key account manager, Stephen Gosnay. He will play a major role in looking after our ever-increasing customer-base, who are using us for print, advertising, website design, social media services and complete marketing campaigns.”
Pictured: The Howarths; Chris, Syd, Paul and Stuart
© Newton News
