01 April, 2026 | Category: News, Premier People, The PCC Team
In Conversation with Bruce Paddy, Technical & Operations Director
You can’t force someone to be committed
You can’t force someone to be passionate about a business, and you certainly can’t force them to commit to twenty years at the same business. Especially in today’s working culture, where people change course more frequently.
However, every now and then an anomaly comes along, a 20-year anomaly. In this iteration of the Premier People series, we celebrate Technical and Operations Director Bruce Paddy.
April 2026 marks twenty years at the UK based labelstock specialist. But how did it all start for Bruce?
Previously working as a Stairift Engineer, he had experience in installing, servicing and repairing stairlifts. With a good foundation of working with machines, he was well equipped when moving on in 2006, Bruce joined the business as a Machine Operator.
He learnt under the stewardship of Peter Macdonald. Bruce started on the coating lines, then moved over to slitter machines.
Bruce worked for 6 years on the shop floor, building his understanding of the machinery and the technical requirements of the business. Most importantly, he built the trust of his peers. Bruce’s understanding of water-based adhesives and formulations is impeccable.
Understanding the formulations
Following this period, Bruce moved into the laboratory, as Technical Assistant. Working closely with Technical Manager Dougie Hood, Bruce formulated new developments, tested new innovations and learnt a huge amount from his predecessor. Bruce spent 11 years in the lab, moving up to become Technical Manager during this period, when Dougie decided to take a step back. Bruce spent time liaising with customers and suppliers regularly, to ensure the business was as efficient as possible, as well as making tactical moves to ensure that Premier was always competitive on quality and price.
In 2023, Bruce was promoted once again to Technical & Operations Director.
He has slightly less contact with customers and suppliers, however he orchestrates the team to ensure that the same highly regarded standards are met! There are not many people in the history of PCC who can say they have pretty much done it all. Bruce is one of those. Even now, if required; Bruce would happily jump on the shop floor and assist the team if it was required. He’d be one of the first to put his hand up.
Q&A
Bruce, thank you for sitting down with us today, 20 years at Premier Coatings… how does it feel?
Well, I’ve seen it all. We’ve had some clear growth in the 20 years I’ve been here. But that’s not down to myself. The whole team has pulled together for many years, to push growth in the business. I feel very proud of what I’ve done here, but it doesn’t happen without a great team around you.
What is your favourite thing about the business?
We are like one big family. A crazy family at times! But that’s the beauty of it. We are all weird and wonderful.
One thing that should be noted is people don’t tend to leave us here at PCC. Some of the members of the team have been here for as long as I have, some for even longer periods. I’ve seen young men and women grow in the business here. Kia Prosser, Ben Matthews, Steve White, Gary Thorne and Lewis Flood are perfect examples.
PCC has always encouraged progression, and that’s a big reason why I’ve stayed for so long.
I joined in my twenties, I’m still here because I’ve had the opportunity to push myself year-on-year.
What is something that you’re looking to improve in the future?
Well, I think some of the technical developments and machine upgrades we’ve got coming along are great. Operationally, I’d like to improve some of our efficiencies even further.
I work closely with our Managing Director Lee, and Quality Manager Steve and we have R&D projects implemented through the year. Improving our products is always exciting!
How have you seen the industry change across the last two decades?
Without a doubt there have been some changes! The demand for different products has definitely changed.
When I first joined, we ran a smaller range of products regularly and we saw strong stability in what we were doing. In recent years we’ve diversified further and supported some of the other industry markets that previously we hadn’t. That expansion of the business has been down to our continued hard work and success.
Sustainability has become a major focus, and collaborating and engaging closely with companies like Bio4Life and Futamura has been a highlight.
Offering sustainable self-adhesive materials is is no longer a trend or a drop in the ocean, it’s the new standard for many label printers.
Outside of work, what’s your favourite thing to do?
I like to visit Cornwall, it’s very peaceful there. I’ve lived near Premier since 1989, however any time I can get close to the Cornish coast, I’m there. I grew up in St Austell. I love that part of the country and have family down there. Nothing beats a proper Cornish pasty!
I also love watching F1! Williams are my favourite team, probably because they’re one of the last independent F1 teams.
Bruce is certainly a crust above the rest, please do join us in congratulating him, connect with Bruce on LinkedIn.