It is on days like today that one mourns the negative connotations of the term “phoenix” in business.
In the Greek myth, the phoenix, a bird notable for its grand red and gold coloured tail, lives for 500 years before building a nest which it then ignites and so dies. Out of the ashes rises a new, young phoenix which is destined to live at least as long as the previous.
This tale of suicide and renaissance has many similarities with the book printer Butler and Tanner. Its long illustrious history threatened to come to an abrupt end in April when former owner MPI closed its doors in the face of a bitter dispute and planned strikes from Unite the union.
So, rather than connotations of a shady business deal to wipe out debt, let us celebrate the true meaning and splendour of the phoenix in its intended guise and, as the fresh new company rises from the ashes, hope that the new bird will at least match the 157 years that its predecessor achieved.
Aside from B&T’s saviour Felix Dennis, credit is due in particular to Kevin Sarney and the management team who over the past months have shrugged off the challenges along route to reach where we are today, his dedication to the cause will stand him in good stead in the coming years at the helm of Butler, Tanner & Dennis.