Minuteman Press franchise review: King’s Lynn owners Paula & Keith Boyce share key lessons learned & growth insights for 2024
King’s Lynn, England, United Kingdom – For nearly two decades, Paula and Keith Boyce have been the dynamic duo behind the Minuteman Press franchise in the vibrant town of King’s Lynn, Norfolk, UK. Their journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, transforming their business from a traditional high street print shop into a cutting-edge powerhouse, delivering ingenious print solutions to a roster of prestigious corporate clients.
The highlight of their journey came in 2021 when they received the coveted invitation to join the Minuteman Press International President’s Club, a testament to their unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Keith Boyce shares the nearly 20-year journey of Minuteman Press in King’s Lynn as well as the key lessons learned, growth insights for 2024, and advice for other owners.
History of the Business
According to Keith Boyce, “it all began in 2004 with the introduction to Minuteman Press International’s invaluable network of suppliers and partners.” With a focus on marketing, the Boyces conquered new markets, concentrating on delivering unparalleled service that shifted the conversation from price to value. This blueprint for success has powered year after year of remarkable growth, with one notable exception—2021 (during the height of the pandemic).
So, what makes Minuteman King’s Lynn such a tour de force? Keith shares:
Keith continues, “Then came the curveball – COVID-19. The world changed overnight, and our customers needed novel ways to engage with clients and expand their online presence. We already had a head start serving this market and seized this unique moment, igniting a spark of reinvention in the business, setting us apart from the competition. The reward? A robust financial position to propel us through this thrilling metamorphosis.”
Growing the business today
Today, Keith shares, “Our business is a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Traditional core products still make up 50% of our operations. However, more recently in 2023 we took a bold leap forward by acquiring an apparel company. The remaining 50% is a whirlwind of online services, with virtual shops, print-on-demand, fulfilment, and drop-shipping at the forefront. These cutting-edge solutions are on everyone’s lips as they adapt to the evolving business landscape. In 2023 and beyond, we are elated to provide ‘managed print services’ to 10 customers, with grand plans to expand to 20 in the coming year. The magic lies in the fact that our relationships with these customers evolve into vital partnerships, creating a vibrant ecosystem of success and learning.”
What’s next for Minuteman Press in King’s Lynn? Keith says:
Keith continues, “As Minuteman Head Office puts it, there’s direct marketing, and then there’s everything else! This is the fundamental tenet of our ongoing quest for year-on-year growth. We also strive to achieve this with careful consideration of our environmental footprint and the need to focus on sustainability, which is a big point of focus here in the UK.”
Key lessons learned & advice for others
Keith concludes by sharing, “The most gripping lessons we’ve learned in our 19-year journey are that marketing and nurturing new & existing customers is an unending adventure. It’s about keeping focus on profitability and aligning your employees with stretching objectives and lofty goals. Innovating, problem solving, establishing new revenue streams, all with a view to support customers’ needs is what being a part of the franchise family is all about—boldly venturing into the unknown, setting sights high, and writing our success story, one thrilling chapter at a time.”