Southport's longest established printers

F. Bladon & Son was founded in 1902.
Frederick Bladon started the printing business, which has survived the depression of the 1930s, two World Wars and recessions to become the longest-established printers in Southport.
The business began life at Waverley Street, Southport and later, as the business grew in 1911, he moved to 219b Lord Street.
An increased workload and growing reputation eventually led to a move to larger premises, in 1915, at Princes Street, Southport, under the name F. Bladon & Co. This move allowed a major upgrading in both print and prepress, bringing the company's facilities in line with other major printers in the North West.
In 1916, Frederick Bladon's only son, Thomas Ingham Bladon, joined the company and the name was changed to F. BLADON & SON. Additional premises were occupied at Princes Street and, at the time, the business was considered to be the best-equipped printing shop in Southport, employing seven printers and typesetters (journeymen), three bookbinders and three apprentices.
Eldest grandson, Frederick Junior, joined the firm in 1938 – just four years before Frederick
senior died. Then in 1945, grand-daughter Thelma entered the business to learn bookbinding.
Following on, in 1949, the second grandson, Brian, started his seven-year apprenticeship to become a journeyman printer. Thomas Bladon ran the business from 1942 to 1980, when he retired, but was still involved in the business.
In 1980, the popular business moved to Shakespeare Street and 12 years later to even bigger premises in Tulketh Street, where computerised typesetting and design equipment followed.
Now, in-house printing facilities offer the perfect solution for the production of leaflets, stationery, brochures and other publications.
From print to finishing, typesetting to design,
F. BLADON & SON offers a wealth of experience and quality from a thorough knowledge of the whole printing industry.
And for the future? Brian, along with his youngest son, Kevin, (fourth generation) is further building on the business's firm foundations to provide an even better service,