In a grim echo of the blitz 1994 saw a fire in the workshop which set back production for some time. Geoff Hewitt was first on the scene and had to sleep on the fire damaged premises for ten days until they were secure.

In Queen Victoria's reign the firm began with hand type setting, plaster moulds and gas vulcanisers – today computerised type setting and electric vulcanisers have changed the business beyond recognition.

Throughout the period since Geoff Hewitt became a director there has been a gradual falling off of the rubber stamp business and tremendous increase in the engraving side of the firm's activity, especially since computer technology has been installed. Engraving now comprises 70 per cent of the business.

Extract from the book ‘More Memories of Manchester’
© True North Books Limited