Mark Simmonds is the owner of Photos2Print on Bridge Street in Andover.
As one of the early supporters of 95.9FM Andover Radio, here at Love Andover HQ, would like to take this opportunity to wish him a very happy 60th birthday.
Mark and wife Lesley-Ann have been behind one of the town’s most successful businesses.
Originally ThinkPrint, then Cartridge and Personalised Print World, their shop at 6 Bridge Street has always evolved and ‘moved with the times’.
The store which provides photo services and sells image-related gifts and services is 19 years old this year.
Photos2Print has a huge range of photo and imaging facilities and gift ideas from canvases to mugs, they also offer services to businesses with printed banners to flyers and leaflets.
You may know their services as being experts in printers and printer related products, as they always have a huge stock of ink cartridges in store.
The shop continues to evolve – regardless of what is thrown at them. Mark has a much respected reputation in the town as someone who is committed to his customers by not only offering competitive prices but also giving a personal service that makes sure a large number of customers come back time and time again to use the family-run shop for their photo and printing needs.
The shop’s success has been built on a highly successful marketing campaign which won them their 2nd award with the best radio marketing award. Their “My Dad’s Shop” campaign can be heard on Andover Radio and variations have been heard since Andover Radio launched in April 2018.
“This is one of the most resilient companies in town”, says Andover Radio founder David Harber. “I have known Mark and Lesley-Ann for 12 years and have seen them balance the need to succeed against the increasing difficulties of reduced high street footfall while being doting parents to Annie and Rhiannon, both of whom have grown up to be incredible young ladies and now work in their Bridge Street store.”
Rhiannon and Annie for have been the ‘voices’ and ‘faces’ behind advertising campaigns of Photos2Print for many years.
Learning to adapt is a difficult proposition for many business owners, but needs must: Mark and Lesley-Ann have always made sure they keep their business going by ensuring they provide a required and personal service to customers in Andover. They have adapted they way they operate.
With the various restrictions placed on businesses during the Covid-19 lockdown periods, customers are still able to use their services – but this time online – they offer a home delivery service. You can order products and services through Facebook as well.
Lesley-Ann previously told Andover Radio, “Since this virus we have had to adapt how we are serving our customers, we are officially closed, but we are at our shop daily, so can take phone orders for things like ink and laser cartridges.
“We are offering free delivery service (with no contact), we’ve gone online via Facebook, our website which is www.cartridgeandprint.co.uk, you can buy frames from this site and we use social media more to inform our customers of what’s available. We are also stocking and selling essential food to help those who find it difficult to come into the town centre.“
Here at Love Andover HQ, we know it’s desperately hard for many businesses right now. But we want to take this opportunity thank a supporter of our own enterprise for his commitment, professionalism and continued support for his new and loyal customers.
Referring to the lockdown restrictions which are making running a business difficult, Andover Radio director Ben Tuffin says, “We know things aren’t what we want them to be right now. But we love you, from everyone at Andover Radio and Love Andover, have a happy 60th birthday”.
With Valentine’s Day this weekend, wife and business partner Lesley-Ann comments in this week’s Love Andover Observer newspaper, “Love you millions. I’ve had the best 21 years and always look forward to a beautiful future together”.
Mark Simmonds. Happy 60th Birthday from everyone here at Love Andover HQ.
