Studio manager Simon Hathaway clocks up 20 years for MicroGraphix in Bicester

Mr Hathaway joined MicroGraphix in 1999 as a graphic designer – at a time when the internet was in its infancy and printing marketing materials involved heavy-duty monotype printers with hot metal press plates.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute at MicroGraphix,” he said.

“I love my job and enjoy interacting with clients and my colleagues.

“Great design skills and great customer service remains the core ingredients of what we do to this day and it’s what I enjoy.”

Based in multi-purpose studios on the Rowood estate, off Murdock Road, the agency has developed an enviable reputation for delivering brand strategy and the production of marketing materials for firms locally, nationally and internationally.

Services include graphic design, website creation, photography, brand and marketing service, video, and producing brochures, catalogues and books.

Mr Hathaway added: “I joined MicroGraphix when it was only one-year-old, it had its own studio and wanted to offer a complete service, which appealed to me.

“It has been great to be part of the company’s growth story.”

Mr Hathaway completed a City and Guilds in Typographic Design at the Berkshire College of Art and Design and worked at M P Printing in Thame before joining MicroGraphix.

He said the biggest changes he has experienced during his career has been software and technology.

“Technology is always changing, and we have to ensure we stay on top of best practice and adapt,” he said.

“Originally we sent our artwork to repro houses and then onto the printers. Printing brochures and catalogues was a manual job that didn’t involve a computer, which shows how rapid change has been.

“Initially Quark Express was introduced as a piece of design software and a lot of the work was done free-hand. More recently In Design has become the favoured product.

“Years ago everything we did ended up printed on a piece of paper or card in various forms, now it is more digitally focused, and we produce materials for multi-channel use.

“While the technology has changed our ethos of great design and customer service has always remained and we have retained a lot of customers through the years.

“Technology has enabled us to be more flexible and responsive to modern business demands.”

The studio manager predicted technology would continue to move at a fast pace and the 10-strong team at MicroGraphjx would continue to adapt where required to stay ahead.

Mr Hathaway said he was looking forward to many more years in his career.

He added: “It’s a great feeling to produce a design for a client and see them use it and then feedback that it’s made a real difference to their business.

MicroGraphix director Mike Linzey said: “Simon has been part of our journey since the early days and has experienced so much development in our industry.

“We’re fortunate to have so many loyal and hard-working staff and our thanks goes to Simon for his fantastic service.”

The company celebrated its 20-year anniversary last year.

The firm has worked with major brands including Triumph, MG, Hitachi and Brita.