History & Values

The Bishops’ name comes from the original business owner, Colin Bishop. He ran an arts, crafts and copy shop on Hayling Island called ‘Bishops Prompt Printers’. The name was retained by Martin Murphy, our Chairman, when he bought the business in 1985.

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Portsmouth’s Best Kept Secret

Our focus on delivering quality print at a fair price, teamed with a friendly and efficient service has seen our family-run business grow to become a significant local employer and a top 100 UK print business. With our unmarked delivery fleet of 10 vehicles, we’re one of Portsmouth’s best kept secrets. You’ll never see a Bishops van out on the road despite the fact we make more than 33,000 deliveries a year. That’s because almost 70% of our clients are other trade print professionals. Printers, marketing agencies, graphic designers and print brokers who are placing work with us on behalf of their own clients, trusting us with their reputations.

Lead Mentor Keith Kirby handing the baton to the next generation

Investing in People and Technology

Every year, we invest more than £2 million in our business, but not just in presses, bindery equipment and technology.

We also invest in the people behind them.

From apprentices taking their first steps in the industry to experienced operators with decades of expertise, we believe great print comes from combining cutting-edge equipment with skilled people who know how to get the very best from it.

That commitment to training is reflected throughout our business. Becoming a specialist perfect binder, for example, takes around 1,920 hours of training and practical experience before reaching the standards our customers expect. It’s an investment we’re proud to make because we know quality is built on knowledge as much as machinery.

Our apprenticeship programme is helping build the next generation of printers too. Apprentice Lavinia “Vinnie” Tewkesbury was recognised as Learn2Print’s Apprentice of the Year, reflecting the time, care and expertise our experienced team dedicate to passing on their knowledge.

For us, investing in people isn’t separate from investing in technology. It’s how we ensure every new machine reaches its full potential and every customer receives the quality and service they’ve come to expect from Bishops.

Manufacturer of the Year

A winner of the Independent Print Industry Association’s most prestigious award, Manufacturer of the Year, we underpin our quality and reliability promise to you with on-going annual investment in excess of £2 million in our technology, machinery and people. Our investment programme also enables us to introduce technology that is more energy efficient and less wasteful for a more sustainable future.

Client reviews

I would very much like you to produce this for us as I trust your quality and reliability which will be important as the timelines on this are critical.

Both jobs look amazing. Many thanks to you and all in the team there. And, of course, for doing such a quick turnaround.

Thank you for being a decent supplier for us. You’ve definitely helped tighten up this side of the business, so I’m very grateful.

Sensational job, and I could not have been in better hands. Congratulations to Bishops and the team. It’s a credit to all. Thanks a million.

The print and finishing is great and you turned it around and delivered in perfect time. So big, massive thank you for sorting.

Why choose us

F is for Fair

We do what’s right, not what’s easy. From offering honest pricing to treating everyone with respect and care, fairness is the foundation of every decision we make. We lead with integrity and empathy.

Straightforward

We are plain speaking and good at what we do. We work hard to make everything easy to understand and your experience smooth and hassle-free.

Dependable

You always know where you are with Bishops. In safe hands, expecting quality print that’s delivered on time. Our promise? Consistently excellent service with your needs at the heart of everything we do.

Agile

We believe in doing everything we can to make the answer yes. We thrive on turning challenges into opportunities. With the flexibility to adapt we respond at speed, often meeting seemingly impossible deadlines – always with outstanding results.

Supportive

What matters to you matters to us. From a can-do attitude and expert advice to helpful credit terms and tailored account management. We’re here for you.

Enthusiastic

Our enthusiasm shows in our work ethic. We bring energy and dedication to every project. We love what we do and we’re keen to get every detail right for you.