A new printing and design business has opened in Hilsea

Minuteman Press Portsmouth opened its doors with a number of aims and missions, which include making print sustainable, working with the community and helping businesses to succeed utilising effective marketing and messaging - an area where the team feels it can contribute to business growth.

Owner Derek Vidgen, who decided to set up the branch of the franchise a month before lockdown measures were put in place, said that he has experienced a tough few months both to keep positive in deciding to keep moving forward, as well as working with limited availability on all the equipment and expertise that is required to achieve an opening.

Derek wants to promote a message of positivity around launching businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

He said: ‘Over the years I have researched and discussed with colleagues when is the best time to start a business.

‘One decision scenario that was not examined was “why don’t you start one month before a pandemic which causes the temporary closure of 50 per cent of businesses and the lockdown of another 20 to 30 per cent with only the critically important key workers still working?”

‘But there’s three things - one, I am in the fortunate position to be able to start a business, two, others are also making critical decisions some of which are life or death, and three, all business owners need to cope with the hand they are dealt then adapt and change to produce success. I have already seen evidence of others doing this and the challenge for all of us is to find our own, new way forward.

‘New businesses can succeed at this time, hopefully myself and others in the same situation will prove this.’

The firm is also supporting the city’s post-lockdown recovery by offering free advertising and free posters for businesses in Portsmouth.

The initiative, BounceBack UK is a website where business owners can promote their businesses and offer promotions.