Matthew Penfold, a 5th generation member of the venerable Penfold printing family, has acquired Kwik Kopy Darling Harbour to keep the family tradition alive in the heart of Sydney.
"My family has been involved in printing for five generations dating back to 1830 and has always had ink under their fingernails and I'm also a passionate believer in the power of print," says Penfold, the new co-owner/director of Kwik Kopy Darling Harbour with his partner Genevieve Rechner. "I love printing and I believe it's the most powerful marketing channel that a business can harness. While some of the new digital technology is compelling and an essential part of the marketing mix, nothing speaks as emotively as print."
Penfold - a non-executive director of parent company Kwik Kopy Australia that is owned by his family - says he recognised a 'terrific opportunity' when the Darling Harbour franchise came on the market.
"This franchise has been in existence for 28 years and has always been successful in what I believe is the most vibrant part of the city, which is home to major media companies, including TV, radio and digital, IT companies including Google, national and international advertising and design studios and a range of small and emerging media businesses.
"Since we relaunched the franchise in March, business has jumped by 35%, year on year. We have a great full time staff of four and we're supported by an extensive network of Kwik Kopy partners and affiliated trade suppliers.
"My acquisition of the business has given us the chance to expand the scope of our services throughout the western fringe of the Sydney CBD, including Darling Harbour, Pyrmont, Ultimo, Broadway, Chippendale, Glebe, Balmain and Annandale. I've been able to focus on getting out and meeting clients to make sure they know what we're capable of. We're not just a traditional print business anymore and we offer a whole range of communication and marketing services."
In tribute to his family history, Penfold has reimagined the iconic WC Penfold horse and cart - a much-loved and familiar sight in days gone by as it delivered printing and stationery orders around the streets of Sydney.
"We've purchased an electric bike and trailer. It's painted red and fully branded, and we use that to make deliveries around Pyrmont and surrounding areas. It carries with it some of the same logic as the horse and cart: getting the brand out in front of customers in a fun and friendly way. It's also a very effective way of dealing with some of the challenges presented by the busy urban environment, especially traffic jams."
Kwik Kopy Darling Harbour will hold an official relaunch party next week.
