This week we begin a year of celebrations to mark Ruddocks' 140th anniversary. As we reflect on our incredible journey – defined by resilience, innovation and growth – we are immensely proud. What began as a modest printing business in Lincoln has flourished into a dynamic creative production agency, embracing change while maintaining the values that have guided us since the 1880s. This milestone isn't just about us - it's about everyone who has been part of our journey, from our dedicated team to our loyal clients and partners.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Collaboration
Our story began with John William Ruddock (JWR), a man with a vision who, in 1873, having completed a print apprenticeship, began working for Charles Akrill of Lincoln. Eleven years later, in 1884, JWR and E. Keyworth, a long-time colleague, took over Akrill's business, creating the foundation for what Ruddocks would become.
Throughout the early 20th century, Ruddocks thrived amid the industrial boom, with the engineering, agriculture, and railway sectors turning to us for catalogues and printed materials. By 1904, printing was spread across three different sites, prompting JWR to consolidate the business under one roof at 286/7 High Street. This pivotal decision marked the beginning of a new era of growth.
Innovation Through the Generations
As Ruddocks grew, so did its reputation for quality and reliability. World wars, economic upheavals, and shifts in technology presented numerous challenges, but we have continued to adapt and diversify. From expanding into new markets like London and Birmingham to opening an office in New York, we have always been driven to explore new opportunities. While the Great Depression forced us to close our American office, the business continued to thrive at home, thanks to a renewed focus on customer satisfaction and cutting-edge techniques like direct mail.
By the 1950s, the printing industry was undergoing rapid change, and Ruddocks was at the forefront. We embraced new technologies, including offset litho printing in the 1980s, which allowed us to provide faster, higher-quality service to an ever-expanding client base. Our investment in people was just as important as our investment in technology - many of our printers undertook extensive apprenticeships, and one of them is still with us today, celebrating 46 years of service!
A Creative Evolution
The new millennium brought further transformation as Ruddocks evolved into a fully integrated design and print agency. With the expansion of our design studio and the introduction of digital printing services, we began offering a complete suite of creative solutions, from branding and marketing campaigns to website design and development. More recently, as we've continued to evolve and diversify, we've expanded our services to deliver more comprehensive projects, including merchandise, copywriting, animation and marketing automation. And to better reflect our capabilities and the solutions we provide, we repositioned as a creative production agency in 2023.
Sustainability became a driving force for us during the 2000s, as we achieved ISO 14001 accreditation and FSC® certification, marking our commitment to responsible business practices. In fact, we were one of the first printers in the UK to achieve ISO 14001 accreditation! Our journey toward a more sustainable future continues, as we aim to be carbon-neutral by 2030, demonstrating that innovation and responsibility can go hand in hand.
Looking to the Future
As we celebrate 140 years, we remain deeply proud of our heritage, but our focus is firmly on the future. With continued investments in digital printing, automation, and AI, we are committed to providing our clients with cutting-edge solutions that help them achieve their goals. Our role as a creative production agency is not just about delivering exceptional results - it's about making more possible, for our clients, our community, and the generations to come.
We look forward to sharing an exciting year of celebrations with our team, community, and clients and partners – far and wide – who have supported us along the way. Together, we will continue to innovate, evolve, and build on the foundation laid 140 years ago.
Here's to the next chapter of the Ruddocks story!