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Updated 03/03/21
Have you ever wondered what actually goes on at instantprint to make the print magic happen? Making sure the largest UK-based online printer continues on its path to helping small businesses across the nation look amazing with print is no mean feat, but is a common goal of all who work here.
Setting out our plan for growth as a brand and making this a team-wide goal requires strong leadership. Here, we talk to Laura, the Head of instantprint.
1. When did you start working at instantprint?
I started working here in February 2016 and in the five years I’ve been here I can’t believe how much has changed! I think I’ve sat in seven different seats as the team has grown so quickly; it’s very exciting.
I was brought on as a Digital Marketing Assistant as part of a two-man marketing team a year after University – I knew I had a passion for marketing and was excited to be given a chance at instantprint! I became a Campaign Executive after a year, and then was given the opportunity to become Brand Manager a year after then, and have since headed up the marketing, creative, product and web development teams for the brand. I was Brand Manager for just over 3 years, becoming Head of instantprint just as my 5-year anniversary came around.
2. What does your role involve?
My main purpose is defining instantprint’s commercial and operational strategy to become to UK’s number 1 supplier of printed materials. I’m financially and operationally responsible for instantprint’s growth as we help the nation’s businesses look amazing with print!
3. What do you believe the secret to your success is?
I have been hugely fortunate to join such a rapidly growing business which places a massive focus on developing and empowering their team. I’m an energetic person at nature and being surrounded by such an ambitious culture has really been a perfect combination! I absolutely love instantprint, the team is the best in the world and I know we are building something different and I think that enthusiasm has leaked through.
4. If you go back to the beginning of your career, what piece of information would you tell yourself?
Don’t be so scared about doing things for the first time – everyone has to start somewhere and people at any level are nervous about trying new things.
5. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
I’ve had two pieces of incredibly useful advice which I live by.
First, if you have 80% of a plan now, it’s better to act soon than to wait for that final 20% to make it perfect. You can intricately plan a project within an inch of its life, but you are guaranteed to hit roadblocks that force you adapt anyway and you may have missed the boat by the time you’re finally ready to go. That was from Jon Constantine Smith who has been my mentor for the past 5 years.
The second is from one of the co-founders of instantprint, James Kinsella, and it is to trust your gut. If you feel something is the wrong thing to do but you can’t explain why – it probably is. Your rational mind just hasn’t caught up with your gut yet!
6. Tell us about your downtime hobbies or a random fact about yourself.
I recently ran the Sheffield Half Marathon, however, that ended in a pretty annoying knee injury – so I’ve hung up my running shoes and returned to my true passion in life... eating and drinking. I’m currently trying to make my own cheese so maybe one day I’ll start a side business selling Sheffield-made halloumi!
