Meet the Team

Meet the awesome people who help make your idea a reality.

Andy Barnes

Head of Online Studio

Andy works with customers to simplify and streamline their ordering process through auto-origination and online ordering. He first came to KEP in 2001 as a Mac Operator and Artworker, having previously served a 4-year apprenticeship in the print industry. Andy was responsible for creating the online ordering system at KEP, and loves learning and implementing new technology that makes the customers’ lives easier.

Outside of work, Andy escapes to the countryside for walks and pursuing a healthy and fit lifestyle.

 

Alex Beaumont

Account Manager

Alex works with key customers to ensure all print elements of their campaigns are delivered to spec and on time, and he loves the challenge of helping our customers grow their brand and sales. His background is in the planning, management, and implementation of marketing campaigns, and he always looks to suggest innovations to help achieve greater brand awareness. From his numerous years on the client side of print, Alex is able to relate to the challenges and pressures the KEP customer faces every day, bringing solutions for standout print communications.

Away from work, Alex runs a shuttle service to various clubs for his three children. He enjoys running and is an occasional football referee.

Anita Plowman

Director and Company Secretary

Anita founded KEP Print Group with her husband Mark in 1979, and is now the chief account director for major key accounts. Over her nearly 40 years in the business, she has grown KEP from a three-person small business to a company employing 120 staff. Anita knows that what sets KEP apart is that we go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction, and this idea has retained several major clients through several leadership changes.

Anita spends her free time with the most important people in her life, her family. On weekends, you can find her with her husband Mark supporting her son, professional racing driver Martin Plowman at racetracks across the world or caring for her 16 alpacas.

 

Clare Macey

Finance Director

Clare is our resident financial guru who established KEP’s in-house finance department after a rapid period of business growth. She brings over 16 years of accounting experience, and has grown the department to incorporate implementation of new policies, procedures, and systems, ensuring that KEP continues to have a sound financial platform. Clare graduated with honours from Manchester Metropolitan University with a degree in Accounting and Finance.

She is a mother to two active children, both of whom swim for the Lichfield Swimming Club. Clare is married and is the treasurer for her children’s scouting troop.

Gary Parker

Sales Director

Gary has spent over 40 years working in most sectors of the printing industry from carton manufacturing and print management to commercial print and point-of-Sale today. He has provided global solutions and supply chains to numerous businesses, working strategically to enhance the products and added value services to help clients grow their businesses. After all these years in the industry, he is still excited by being challenged to deliver the exceptional to our clients and talented colleagues.

Outside of the office, you can most often find him at the Champagne Bar at Selfridges, shopping for fine menswear, and spending time with his grandchildren.

 

Conrad Cooke

Internal Sales

Conrad lives and breathes print. He studied both Art & Design and Print Technology & Management, and previously worked as a print buyer, production manager, account handler, and print estimator. Conrad knows all sides of KEP and loves explaining to potential new clients how KEP can revolutionise their print marketing, specifically by bringing all processes in-house.

London-born Conrad is a keen art, vintage, and antique collector, and his main ambition is to meet Warren Buffet. He is married with two children, and despite the spectrum of colours his is surrounded with on a daily basis, his favourite colour is black.

Harry Cox

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Jimmy Plowman

Chief Nap Officer

Jim (called Jimmy or Jimbo to his friends) has worked at KEP for almost 12 years. He brings extensive experience in sleeping, cuddling, and playing with his food. His proudest accomplishment was learning to unwrap sandwiches, and he enjoys his walk down to the other factory units with his mom.

Away from the office, Jimmy enjoys chasing pheasants, hanging out with his friends Grace and Amber, and teaching his humans to speak dog.

Jon Edgerton

Production Manager

Jon manages the production team to be sure every job that comes through KEP is done to the highest standard and with the greatest care. He prides himself on the flexibility that KEP and its staff offer the customer; we take on every job and never say never. Jon has 30 years of experience in print, first working as a B1 press operator before being promoted to management.

Away from work, he clears the stress by climbing obstacles and running mud races.

 

Joel Mudie

Business Development

Joel brings nearly two decades of print experience to his role as business development at KEP Print Group, where he uses his expertise on all processes of print and production to advise his clients. He is responsible for bringing on board major high street brands and ensuring a seamless journey from concept to delivery. [Statement on accomplishment]

A father to two children, he is mediocre at golf and squash and only let his wife cut his hair once.

Jonathan Millership

Estimating Manager

Jon has worked as a print estimator for nearly 20 years, and works closely with all sectors of KEP to provide advice on plant capabilities, assist with technical specifications, and advise on the best production route. He enjoys the busy nature of the print industry, keeping up with new materials and technology, and working as a part of the successful team at KEP. A true football fan, what he lacks in speed on the pitch, he makes up for in speedy quoting!

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his young daughter and family on holiday in the sun; playing cricket, football, and hockey; and savouring the odd pint of real ale in the

 

Josh Simpson

Purchasing

Josh works with our suppliers to negotiate the best possible pricing in order to provide high quality print products for the most competitive rates. As a former screen press and CTP operator, he brings his print knowledge from the factory to the office.

Josh gets his drive and focus from sport. He earned his Level 3 Diploma in Sport and Coaching, and spends his spare time boxing and playing for KEP-sponsored Crown Football Club.

Mark Ward

Studio Manager

Mark has been working a “short term” position at KEP for over 20 years; he was hired for a temporary role in the studio and never left! Mark manages hundreds of artwork files daily, and has designed point-of-sale, promotions, and magazines, among many others. He enjoys the challenges of transferring a customer’s ideas into artwork and learning new print procedures.

Mark has travelled the world, from Australia to Columbia and many places in between. His hobbies include football, rugby, movies, puzzles, and gaming.

 

Mark Plowman

Managing Director

Mark has been at the helm of KEP Print Group since its beginnings in 1979. He invests in technology to ensure we have the correct machines to do the job, and worked to push the boundaries of silkscreen by helping develop ink systems for suppliers. After almost 40 years in the business, Mark believes it is investment in people that is the most important; if you take care of your employees, they will take care of the customers.

Most importantly, Mark’s biggest priority is his family, and they are the reason he strives so hard to grow KEP. He is husband to Anita and proud father to professional racing driver Martin Plowman. In his spare time, you can find Mark watching Gogglebox and caring for 16 alpacas, 5 ducks, and a dog.

Martyn Haiste

Print Finishing Manager

Martyn started his print career in the dark room doing camera-ready artwork (we’ll let you figure out how old that makes him). Since then, he has worked in production running small offset presses, guillotines, and finishing equipment; as general manager of a small print business; and as a client services representative. He credits his time in a customer-facing role to helping him and his team approach the job with the client’s best interest in mind.

Tamworth born and raised, Martyn enjoys watching football, completing DIY projects, and collecting old postcards of Tamworth.

 

Michael Whitehouse

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Nicole Plowman

Marketing and Account Manager

Nicole directs all marketing strategies for KEP, including website development, social media, email campaigns, public relations, and print marketing. After more than 7 years in PR, brand development, and marketing, she is a strong believer in first impressions and compelling messaging. Outside of the office, Nicole helps young adults develop their personal brand identity and communicate this brand through resumes, online presence, interview technique, and styling. A magna cum laude graduate of Indiana University, Nicole formerly directed marketing and public relations for a professional racing driver, managing his image during races such as the Indianapolis 500 and after winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Nicole lives for her Nespresso, country walks, the colour navy, and her dogs Tucker and Grace. She’s also a part-time lifestyle blogger, sharing her experiences as an American living in rural England.

 

Nicky Thomas

Senior Account Manager

Nicky works with key clients to establish customer satisfaction and implement major point-of-sale campaigns. She has worked in the print industry for over 20 years and completed an NVQ Level 3 in Print Commercial from Mathew Bolton College. Nicky knows each customer is unique and is driven to be sure her clients receive personalised time and attention.

Nicky spends her weekends with her family traveling in their caravan. She enjoys cycling, skiing, and watching motorbike racing.

Steve Lees

Senior Account Manager

Steve heads up our customer service team to ensure client satisfaction and build long term relationships. He brings a background of 11 years of production experience and works diligently to earn the trust of all his accounts. Steve moved quickly into the role of Senior Account Manager after only 17 months at KEP due to his outgoing personality and drive to succeed for his family.

Steve recently married Justina, and together they have one daughter. He manages KEP-sponsored Crown Football Club and enjoys watching any sport on television, namely motor racing and football.