Aidan and John Jnr. Cosgrove grew up on the factory floor of the Print Factory in Enniskillen as they followed their father, the late John Snr. around the factory, learning the trade. They were both raised on a diet of hard work from the very beginning.

Aidan (45), General Manager and Director of the business, fondly reminisces about his early working days, travelling alongside his dad in a trusty Subaru, which doubled as the company van in those fledgling years.

He said: “Dad would hand me two packets of Tayto and a can of Coke for lunch – a treat that doubled as his day's pay for lending a helping hand!”

He recalls those as being days of hard work, but also of cherished memories, with invaluable lessons learned and busy days spent meeting customers.

It is where he believes he got an understanding of the community that has stood by the family-run business for 40 years.

John Jnr. (43), the Technical Director, took a different path, spending his days at the factory, immersed in learning the intricacies of the trade as well as studying computer science to degree level at university.

With a natural flair for machinery, he was asked to write a user manual for a UK-based machine manufacturer - who distribute their machines all around the world.

The business has changed a lot since it was established in March, 1984, but it remains a strong player in the printing industry, particularly when it comes to online work.

Reflecting on the business’ developments down the years, Aidan said: “It has changed a lot in different ways.

“We are well known as The Print Factory locally, but we have two websites, including Memorial Card Company.com, where orders come in from all over [such as from] Belcoo, Texas, England, a lot of English ex-pats.

“We were the first online e-commerce website for memorial cards back then,” he said.

John Jnr. added: “We also have Just Ask Clothing .com; we have been successful with embroidered workwear.

“It wasn’t a simple progression; print and embroidery were not together, but now they are.”

Local customers are familiar with the rapid service offered by the company. Detailing just how fast things can be done, John Jr. said: “For example, something urgent like a Funeral Mass book, or Order of Service can go from design concept to being produced within a matter of hours.

"This same-day service on certain products, is what differentiates us and keeps us ahead of the competition.

Aidan explained: “That is down to the machines and that investment as well as the skills of the staff and their dedication.

“This doesn’t usually happen Monday to Friday, 9-5 – it often happens out of hours.”

The brothers paid tribute to their 12 staff, many of whom have spent decades with the business.

“The Print Factory would not be where it is today without the excellent support and dedication of the relatively few staff who have walked through its doors in 40 years.

“That ranges from Gavin McIntyre, who started as a work experience student and now serves as our Senior Operations Manager, to the entire crew, who dig in from dawn till dusk.

“Each member contributes to our success with their commitment and passion.”

On their ethos as employers: “We believe in treating everyone equally, fostering an environment where every individual's contribution is valued and respected,” said John.

Aidan added: “Our dedication to our craft extends beyond the walls of our factory, reaching out to support those in our community who may have faced challenges in life.

“That’s people like Terry Charles, who has been part of the team for over 26 years despite living with Cerebral Palsy, and Aidan Smyth, our Senior Prepress Operator and Graphic Designer, who is hearing-impaired and has also worked with us for more than 26 years.

“They exemplify the spirit of determination and resilience that inspires us every day.”

As well as paying tribute to both current and former staff, as well as customers, the Cosgrove brothers also paid tribute to their wives for their “unwavering support, encouragement, assistance and for putting up with us”.

As with any business, it’s not been all smooth sailing for the business, with the pandemic period providing a challenge to overcome.

Aidan said: “Turnover had dipped during the Covid-19 pandemic. That period was a challenging few years.

“The company is getting better and stronger; we have had to invest in new equipment and new machinery, and that will keep us going the next 20 years.”

Looking at the current business environment, John Jnr. said things are “busy; we are hoping over the next few years to continue to grow the business gradually”.

Speaking to both Aidan and John Jnr, it is clear that their father – who died in 2020 – left a huge mark on how they conduct their businesses and lives.

Throughout the interview, they referenced him, what he taught them and how crucial he was to the success that The Print Factory is today, especially when he handed the reins to his two sons.

Aidan said: “Dad had the foresight at an early age to stand back and let us get on with it, which was a great help to us.

“Sometimes in family businesses, there can be friction in this regard, but dad let go.

“We were in our early twenties, and dad told us to tear away; he was still with us, and was a great help.”

The Print Factory will remain in family hands as already the next generation of the Cosgrove family is looking to make their mark, with 13-year-old Maria helping out with part-time work after school, and following in her father Aidan’s footsteps.

He said: “It comes to the ethos that dad built in us; we were in the business from when we were about eight years old.

“It is more to give her a bit of real-world experience, and customer focus, and on speaking to people.”

The Cosgrove brothers concluded: “We would like to thank our loyal staff and customers from our community, for supporting us.

"We remain committed to serving you with the same passion and dedication for many years to come.”