BASED in purpose built facilities, Wood Richardson was established in 1905 and provides a range of in-house print and production services.

The business works for a wide range of customers throughout Yorkshire and prides itself on its skilled, experienced team and its ongoing investment in the latest technology.

Most recently it invested £100,000 in a new digital printer from market leaders Xerox in a move to meet growing demand from customers for quick turnaround, small quantity print runs at a competitive price.

Alan Coulson joined the company straight from school as a guillotine operator, working his way up to become supervisor in the finishing department until they moved from their original premises in King’s Square in 1989.

With a new, bigger production plant to keep busy, a new sales role was created and Mr Coulson was appointed, with the task of increasing the company’s customer base.

He then worked his way up to become sales director and now leads a team of three sale managers.

Mr Coulson is at the forefront of leading the company’s growth and ensuring that the quality of their print and customer service makes Wood Richardson stand out from the crowd.

What job would you like to have other than your own and why?

"As a committed petrol head, my perfect job would be as a touring car racing driver. My sporting hero is Jason Plato, the British racing driver currently competing in the BTCC for Team BMR, who has won more races than any other driver in the history of the BTCC.

"The speed, the challenge, the danger and the adrenaline rush would be amazing – plus the lifestyle of course!

"I’ve had the chance to do track days and some go-carting, which have been great fun and now I get my speed rush through road cycling, which I really enjoy.

Greatest achievement?

"In my professional life, it’s working my way up from guillotine operator to sales director, learning everything about the printing business along the way. Overcoming challenges and enjoying success with my colleagues is hugely rewarding and I’m very proud of the hard work we all put in. "Personally, my greatest achievement is completing the 2015 York 100 cycling sportive, which was a real test of my fitness, stamina and character!"

What makes you most angry?

"I rarely get angry, but what irritates me is people who aren’t willing to put the effort in to achieve something. Whether it’s work or play, hard work and commitment is the base of any success and I think I’m living proof of that! Having a goal is important– and once you have it, the only thing to stop you is you."

Biggest mistake?

"As a very ‘glass half full’ person, I think my biggest mistake is taking too much on and saying yes to things when I should really say no. But then I think I’m hard wired to accept a challenge, as I then know I’ll enjoy the rewards making it a success will bring."

What do you need to make life complete?

"That’s easy – to spend more time with my wife, who I met while working here. It would be great to spend some time visiting and walking in the places we love, such as Dorset, Norfolk and of course the Yorkshire Wolds and Dales. Plus another trip to enjoy some cycling around Lake Wolfgang in Austria would be great, for the scenery, lovely people and great food."

Why do you make a difference?

"I try and put maximum effort in all that I do and hopefully lead by example. I really love working with customers and doing everything I can to give them the peace of mind of knowing that whatever job they need doing, I’ll make it happen. That is my driver – for customers and colleagues to know that they can trust me to deliver what they need."

Epitaph

"Work hard - play hard."