Kirstie Mitchell went to interview Ink Print & Design’s Simon Bullock, whose family’s sporting achievements and connections to the printing business tell a story of history repeating itself in more ways than one.
Fathers, sons, football and ink
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HERE are few people who can boast Simon and Victoria Bullock that their grandfather played football Photo: Robert Leveritt for England, and fewer still whose Photography grandfather also managed Leicester City Football Club. Local businessman and third-generation printer Simon Bullock’s grandfather achieved both such accolades. Simon’s grandfather was Norman Bullock, who, during his younger years, played at Chesterfield Football Club, although he spent most of his club football at Bury. He made a total of 505 league and 32 FA cup appearances. Norman was also capped for England three times in the 1920s, scoring twice, and he later became the manager of Leicester City between 1949 and 1955. When Norman came to retire from football, one of the directors of the club suggested he buy a printing works, and he ran Palmer Printing in Wigston, Leicester, with his son Robin, Simon’s dad, until the 1980s. Having been born and raised in Leicester with his seven siblings, Simon never saw himself going down the printing route like his father and grandfather. In fact, after leaving hotel and catering college, Simon headed to Switzerland to try his hand at being a chef for a season. On his return to the UK, Simon landed a job at RCI in Kettering, where he met his wife, Victoria, when they worked opposite each other. They now have three sons: Henry, Sam and Barney. Henry is busy studying for his A levels, whilst Sam and Barney are keen sports enthusiasts. Sam plays rugby for both his school team and Harborough Rugby Club, and Barney has inherited his grandfather’s football skills and determination – he lives and dreams football. Having played football for Harborough Town FC, Barney was scouted for Nottingham Forest FC and, despite only being 12, plays for the under 13/14 team and is currently playing his third season. Simon never actually worked with his Simon’s big passion is his family and dad, but he was always interested in the supporting local. His business not only family business and grew up with the employs local people, but also offers smell of ink and paper around him. He work experience opportunities to local eventually found himself working as a school leavers who show an interest in print buyer and then setting up Ink Print learning more about printing and product & Design 16 years ago, first in London design. Simon explains, “I love Market where he worked with Barclaycard, Harborough and the creativity firms here Volkswagen and Which? magazine, and have in abundance. Working alongside then relocating Ink back to his home such vibrant brands is a pleasure and I county of Leicestershire. never tire of supporting local.” Ink is based in Market Harborough When not on the side-lines cheering his and employs six people. The firm is sons on and dreaming of them following responsible for the printing of Market in their great-grandad’s footsteps, Simon Norman Harborough brands Two Birds spirits can be seen out on his road bike training Bullock and BeeFayre, plus printing for local for a road sportive. “It’s funny that no businesses RS Academics, Fosters matter how far you travel or move away, Foods, Farndon Fields Farm Shop and TJ Thornton, to name but a few. Its what’s in your history and family always calls the loudest – here I am, a thirdyears of experience have also won the firm printing contracts with Market generation printer, back in my home county, and my son is following in his Harborough-based German shoe retailer Rieker Shoes and a large national great-grandad’s footsteps – and having the best time ever!” charity on behalf of MRM (Multi Resource Marketing), also located in Ink Print & Design, 1 Albany Court, Albany Road, Market Harborough Market Harborough. LE16 7QP, 01858 419048, www.inkgroup.co.uk 44
RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2017