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Aron Priest
I have been in the print trade since 1988. I started as a machine minder, I trained five years at Barking college for a full apprenticeship whilst at my first job. Then moved to another printing company to run bigger presses I then finally started my first company called Solopress in the January 2000. The company went from just a few employees in the first year up to 97 staff at present.
I am fully trained in every department of my company and love coming to work, I am very enthusiastic about Solopress and hope you will enjoy using us.
When I'm not working I like spending time with my wife and my two children, playing badminton, and I am actively involved in the local council. I love going out drinking and having a good time.
Andy Smith
Having been brought up in the print game, I left school and went to work with my Dad who owned a successful printers. I worked there for 2 years before going alone. I worked this way for 8 years before deciding to go into a partnership. Having grown up with Greg and knowing Aron through the print industry we set up Solopress with a mission to be better and faster than all our competition, this meant many early starts and just as many late nights, but nine years on we have achieved this and are proud to employ 97 staff and turn over 6 million a year.
Outside of work I have two young children to care for, as a family we love to holiday, bike ride and socialise with friends and family. When I’m out without them my passion is sports cars, I drive to Le Mans every other year, I love Vegas, a good boxing match & rugby.
Greg Ralph
I have worked in sales in one form or another since leaving school in 1990. In January 2000 Andy, Aron and myself decided to put our skills together and set up Solopress. We started off with a 4 colour print press a G4 apple Mac, a telephone and a lot of spare time, heads down and dreams of making a success we went out with all guns blazing and quickly started to expand. We now employ 97 fantastic hand picked individuals who dedicate their working hours to fulfil our dream of being the best 24-hour printer in the country.
When I’m not working my family time is spent mostly outdoors. In the summer months we wakeboard, bike ride and love a music festival, in the winter its football and a few weeks away on the slopes.
Adam Wilson-Bowen
adam.wilson-bowen@solopress.com
I have been working for Solopress since 2006. I have gained much knowledge and many skills during my time here. My job role is production manager. My role is to ensure that everything runs smoothly, prior to pre-press and printing.
Whilst not at work I enjoy reading books, and listening to the latesest Stephen Fry pod casts (although he hasn't done any new ones for some months now, hopefully at the time of you reading this, my previous statement will be rendered incorrect). I also enjoy gardening, particularly propagating from cuttings. Seeing those little beauties grow really is quite lovely – and you cant go wrong with free plants. BBC iPlayer is also quite a sponge of my time. Of course I don’t just sit at home reading, listening, watching and gardening (outside) - I do also see my good friends.
Terence Butcher
I've been in print since 1997. I completed a 4 year printing apprentiship, operating Ryobi 522 and Solna 525, then moved on to Speedmaster 74 and Mitsubishi diamond. In 2007 I stepped into management with solopress, I'm now the production manager, overseeing the printing, finishing and the dispatch department, within this time I've learnt to operate most of our finishing machinery too.
Out of hours: when I'm not at work (rarely) I like to be social with friends, I enjoy golf, darts, snooker, pool, bowling and mountain biking. Cruising on my motorbike at the weekend is a must.
Neil Dorling
I've been working in the printing industry since 1995. I started as a film planner and platemaker then soon moved on to be a printer on a Heidelberg Kor and other printing presses.
In 1999 I started to learn planing on a Apple powermac 8100 and running film for planning, In 2000 I started running a Computer to Plate machine which cut the need for film. I joined Solopress in 2006 as a Prepress Operator.
My main job role is to take the jobs raised by the sales team and organise them for printing. I'm also the IT support person for over 50 users.
Lee Whittaker
I have been working as a graphic designer professionally since 1988. I joined Solopress in September 2009. I am currently the manager of the Design and artwork department. I design alot of the artwork myself whilst I also help in checking with the repro side of things, making sure our customers' artwork will reproduce properly.
Outside of work, I enjoy record collecting, even though they seem to be taking over my living space!
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Sarah Neil
I have been working at Solopress since 2006.
My first role was working on reception and dealing with customers enquires.
My current role is in credit control. I deal with all the customer accounts and orders being processed. Chasing payments is not the easiest job in the world but I like the challenge. I am also the office manager and am there to deal with and support the girls in reception with any queries or problems they may have.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time socializing with friends and family. I also love shopping and travelling far and wide. My other vices are going out for a good meal and bottle of wine.
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Tarah Dobson
Hi, my name is Tarah Dobson. I began working here in June 2011 as front of house administrator; this is my first serious job.
I enjoy working here and have already learnt a lot in the short amount of time I have been here, also the team has made me feel very welcome.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, I also spend some of my time at the gym but other than that I like a good old party.
Elizabeth Hatcher
elizabeth.hatcher@solopress.com
My Name is Elizabeth and I have recently started here at Solopress where I currently work in Reception. I enjoy shopping and just going out in general and spending time with my friends and family.
Lisa Gordon
Emily Alsford
Nickname: Emily, Em, Ems, Emmy you get the idea.
Job Role: HR and H&S I look after the welfare of the staff at Solopress. When I am not working, who knows what I get up to it depends on what the day brings.
Pat Runciman
Nick name Patsy think Ab Fab has something to do with this. I have worked in the print business since around 1970 hope this does not give my age away and have been with Solopress since they were formed.
My job roll has varied over the years at present I am the Sage lady once again a reflection of my age? I deal mainly on the Purchase ledger side but accounts in general is my forte.
Out of office hours you can find me with a glass of wine enjoying a good meal, and given the opportunity this would be at one of the local casinos, some might say not a good hobby for the lady in accounts.
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Emma Campbell
I started at Solopress at the begining of May 2011. I have joined the Solopress team as Adam Wilson - Bowen's PA. My job role varies from day to day but mainly to make sure that everything is running smoothly and help Adam. My time here so far has been great and everyone has made me feel very welcome.
Outside of work I enjoy going to the gym and going out socialising with all of my friends. Love a family BBQ on a weekend and spending my time with my boyfriend.
Rik Haynes
I’ve been a journalist since the age of 21, working for leading magazine and website publishers including Future, EMAP and Enterbrain. As the Online Marketing and PR guy at Solopress, my duties include managing the social media side of our company.
If you haven’t had a chance yet, please ‘Like Us’ at http://www.facebook.com/solopress and ‘Follow Us’ on http://twitter.com/solopress for the latest news, customer galleries, useful printing and design tips, competitions and other fun stuff.
As a self-confessed web geek, I’m also saving the world on Xbox LIVE after work. My gamertag is MrPlayerism if you fancy going head-to-head in Call of Duty. Game On!
Elaine Winkworth
elaine.winkworth@solopress.com
I have worked as a Credit Controller at Solopress for a year.
In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym, swimming, shopping and of course socializing ;-)
Martin Victory
Nick name Big Mart - large in character! I have worked in print for since 1986 and starting working for Solopress in 2006, my job role is Sales Manager and I have been known to get my hands dirty with a bit of Guillotining and Folding from time to time! When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, and working hard at the Gym keeping myself fit..
Neil Sanders
Nick name The Colonel - Kentucky fried chicken may have something to do with it? Worked in print since 1995 years, and have worked for Solopress since 2008 as sales estimator, main job to keep the work coming in and to keep the rest of the company extra busy!! we never say can't do!
When out of work seem to spend most of time decorating, but enjoy cycling, drinking, spending time with the kids and of course the wife... Used to be a semi pro cyclist so Hoy watch out!!!
Steve Jennings
AKA Stevie J, Bangers or LL Cool Steve (need I say More). I have worked in print for eleven and a half years. I began my life in print in 2001, it started with a broom and worked my way through print finishing where I mastered the art of folding, anything in the book. Also learnt running the Muller Guillotine all the way to production, quoting and general manager of print finishing at Elite Print Finishers. After 9 years at Elite I joined Solopress in the very busy Sales department where I look forward everyday to come to work and deal with customers, quotes and anything else print related to help the company grow bigger and bigger. I started my solopress days in 2007 and have loved every minute of it working with the Sales team led by Managing Director Greg Ralph, where we have great team and have a super atmosphere that makes for a happy and hard working place.
When I’m not working I have a love for Football where I have played semi pro and now playing for 2 very good sides on a Saturday and Sunday where I enjoyed winning league titles for both last season. Also had an awesome record as a goalkeeper conceding less than a goal a game for both Saturday and Sunday, also have 5 player of the year awards in the last 6 years. I am also about to become a father for the first time which I’m very excited about and looking forward to having a family with my beautiful girlfriend Tina.
Liz Leslie
I have been working for Solopress since July 2010. I started in Reception where my role was to feedback from customers to find out what their thoughts were on our service. I have now joined the Sales team. I'm also the baby of the business so everyone looks after me :) In my spare time I enjoy going out with my friends and going on holiday.
Gary Toomey
Before I joined Solopress I was managing a sales team in the UK banking industry then the "credit crunch"hit hard on my sector so I abandoned ship and joined Solopress in early 2010. During my time here I have worked in a few departments. I started off in the main reception then after 6 months moved to to our digital department working evenings. In april I decided to move to our sales department where I have finally found my place here. My spare time is occupied with the usual socialising, reading and cycling, walking my little puppy and building my graphics portfolio outside of Solopress. I enjoy my music and try to make sure I get time to see live bands and summer festivals.
Paula Barrell
I have worked in the Printing industry since 2001 starting at Wizard Print moving on to Five Star where I worked my way up to Production Manager and temporary Factory Manger. I then joined Solopress in 2007 as Production and Sales. I have been known in the past to get involved with the finishing side by helping out making up folders etc to keep deadlines and thus in turn keep customers happy. In my free time I enjoy socialising with my buddies and the Doris's, getting out and having fun.
Sarah Larman
I started working for Solopress in October 2010. I currently work in the Sales department and am responsible for quoting customers and booking in jobs. In my spare time I enjoy reading, going shopping, socialising with my friends and spending time with my family.
Carly Roache
I have worked in print since 2007 and started working for Solopress in 2009, I work in the order processing department where I deal with online orders.
When I’m not working I spend my time shopping and socialising, I also play football for West Ham ladies where I am 1st team captain.
Bobby East
I have worked in print & design since 2006. I started at Solopress 6 years ago when my intentions were to be a graphic designer. After 3 years I chose to try something different in a skateboard scene where I designed skateboards and ran a website. In the process I got in to sales and really enjoyed the social side of selling. After 3 years I was offered an opportunity in sales at Solopress which I couldn’t refuse. I really enjoy the lively, uptempo environment we work in.
When I’m not working I spend most of my time skateboarding, designing, relaxing and socialising with friends. I have a serious love for footwear and am not ashamed to say I have over 30 pairs of exclusive / limited edition footwear.
Jenny Fryatt
I have worked at Solopress since the Beginning of August 09 as an order processer.
My Job Role within the company is to look after all the orders that come through from our website. So if you order online, there is a good chance that you will end up liaising with myself. I love working at Solopress, I love my colleagues, looking after my customers and the job itself.
In my Spare Time I like to spend time with My Family, My Close Friends, My Fiancée Paul and little miniature yorkie Monet. I love eating out however I love staying in with a good DVD just as much. I love shopping silly amounts, I should have shares in Topshop! I also love going out on a Saturday night with the girls having a good old dance, a drink and a giggle...and then spending the next day recovering and feeling extremely sorry for myself. Ha ha. Overall I think of myself as a happy, loving social person. Xxx
Barry Lewis
I started at Solopress in April 2011 after working for a major banking organization as a customer service representative. I have previously worked heavily in sales/customer service based environments and enjoy making sure our customers are always happy.
Outside of work I enjoy playing football and badminton and spend a lot of my time listening to music, watching tv whilst drinking one or two glasses of Jd and coke, I do all these things with my great family, friends and my girlfriend.
Jack Clifford
Jack (THE HAT) Clifford - Reason for this is Greg gave to me when starting at Solopress. I have worked for solopress since 2009, my job role is to assist the sales team and speak to customers regarding quotes and orders, and also follow up on customer orders to see if they were happy with them.
When I'm not working I enjoy drinking and going out clubbing with my mates.
Richard Kemp
I work in the artwork department. I design printed materials for customers based on their briefs. I have been working as a designer since 1998 and have been working at Solopress since 2004. Outside of work I enjoy making a god awful racket in my band, going to Kung Fu, playing Frisbee, reading popular science books (i.e. Richard Dawkins and Steven Pinker), writing comedy, drawing, cycling and spending time with my daughter.
Jamie Smith
I've worked for Solopress since April 2009. My job role mainly entails processing bespoke print orders, this also means having to liaise with customers and the sales team to ensure everything is correct with the job before going to print.
In my spare time I do the odd bit of photography and design work, but when I'm not staring at a computer I like gymin" it up, playing football and socializing with my mates.
Samual Watson
Before I started working at Solopress for the first time a few years ago I was a student studying graphic design. After completing the course and building up a portfolio I was informed by a friend of a position at Solopress.
I decided to apply and found after being introduced to the current team members that the whole company was very friendly and helpful in finding me a position within the company that would suit me, my interests and the opportunity to grow.
I began working for Solopress in 2005 and stayed for around 2 years I had plans to travel and Solopress were very accommodating of my plans and said I was welcome back should I need another job so in 2010 I was back.
When I first started at Solopress my role was within the digital department. This was a great foundation for me to start it gave me the knowledge to build on what I learnt in college post the design phase in aspects of print and design. Once I had settled into the company and knew the basics of the whole process I was moved into the artwork department and given the task of proofing client artwork. This role gave me more responsibility within the ever growing company.
My spare time is occupied with the usual socialising, reading, learning and building up a portfolio of work outside of Solopress. I enjoy strains of all types of music and enjoy seeing bands and live music
Adam Edwards
Nick name AdWood. Reason; well my first name is Adam and my last name is Edward,
and at the time of wirtting this the annoying XFactor sensation JedWood had started hitting the redtops.
So the two parts of my name where amalgamated and formed this, rather 'cool' nickname. It seems to roll off the tounge.
Lets hope the nickname has a longer shelf life than the afore mentioned band. I started at Solopress in January 2009,
my job role is to check artwork that customers have supplied and set it up ready for print.
I provide the customer with a PDF or posted proof to ensure they are happy before commencing to print.
In my spare time I enjoy going down the pub, or relaxing at home on my computer.
Trevor Priest
My nick name is SUPER T, I’ve no idea why it’s just stuck. I’ve worked in print for 45 years and seen many changes, started at the age of 15, planning film and plate making, and now doing a similar job on computer.
In my spare time I like to play badminton, and play guitar with friends in a local band, I'm also a keen gardener.
Stuart Watson
I have work for solopress since 2007 years as a prepress operator.
When I’m not working I like to spend my time mountain biking, playing poker, snowboarding and going to watch motor sports.
Leah Bosley
I have worked for solopress since 2008. My role is in the digital department printing posters, roller banners and all the digital jobs along with one other team member.
When I am not working I enjoy photography and drawing. I also love watching live music specially at festivals and of course lots of shopping! I would love to own a Fiat 500 Abarth Essesse as I spend quite a lot my time day dreaming about them!
Shaun Slater
I started working at Solopress in April 2008. I am currently in the digital department printing mainly roller banners along with all other digital jobs. I enjoy what I do and the people I work with. Outside of here I enjoy music and going out and having a good time.
Steve King
I currently work in the printing department here at Solopress. My role involves printing all litho work and making sure it is all done on time for the finishing department. It also involves maintenance of the machines and making sure they are all clean and always working 100%.
Graham Rose
Nick name Rosie could it be the colour of my cheeks? I have been in the print game since 2000 and have been involved in all aspects one way or another i.e. making plates, finishing and machine minder from small offset to larger format.
Recently becoming part of the Solopress group, where my main task is operating one of their 5 colour Speedmaster printing all types of work.
In my spare time I enjoy mountain biking, running, any outdoor activities including walking the dogs, Frank and Lilly minature Schnauzers! I also enjoy going to the cinema and of course having a good drink and knees up.
Gary Edwards
I have worked in the print trade since 2000 and have spent all that time at Solopress. At present I am a print machine operator on the nightshift.
In my spare time I like watching and playing football, birdwatching, spending as much time as I can with my two daughters and generally enjoying myself.
Derek Stafford-Smith
I have been in the printing industry since 1965 since leaving school at the age of 15. I served a 5 year apprenticeship, and attended the London College of Printing where I gained City and London Guilds qualifications with distinction.
Joined Solopress 4 years ago, returning to the presses after 20 years in Production Management. I currently run a Heildelberg Speedmaster on night shift.
Kevin Stanbrook
I have been printing since 1986, giving me plenty of experice in the printing trade and have worked in London running 2 - 4 and 6 colour 102 Heidelberg Speedmasters. I also have experience in numbering and perforating and now thoroughly enjoy working for Solopress on one of their 5 colour 74 Speedmasters.
When I am not on shift I practice flying on the flight sim and if I have any spare cash have a flying lesson. I also enjoy playing Call of Duty on my PS3 and racing games. I then enjoy sitting in front of the TV with a glass of scotch.
Rob Aldridge
I have worked in the print trade since 1988 years prior to joining Solopress, running various printing presses. At present I run the Heidelberg 74 machine on the night shift where it is my job to ensure that the work is completed on schedule, and to keep the press maintained when possible.
When not at work my hobbies include sleeping (when my children allow me!). I also take part in historical battle re-enactments, and llama trekking (weather permitting).
Rob Moran
I have worked in the printing industry from school, (over 20 years). The majority of the time operating presses. I have recently joined the expansion at Solopress and my job is to put print on paper (Guilty). I also help out to keep the machines fully maintained.
I am married with two children so I have no sparetime, however I do enjoy "advanced" D.I.Y. for which my wife provides plenty of encouragement. I do like to spend as much time as possible with the family, trips out, playing with the toys, (when they are in bed), and reading from a book with real pages, pages that you turn by hand the "old fashion way".
Paul Stanbrook
I have been in the print industry for since 1986 year sand worked for Solopress for the past two and a half years. My job role is print machine minder, printing the jobs that come in and maintaining the machine. Also experienced in numbering, perforating and creasing, cutting and folding.
My hobbies are photography, experimenting with photoshop and keeping top of the leaderboard on Bejeweled in Facebook. (Very Addictive).
Alain Vervoort
I started my working life in the late sixties in the French Inland Revenue in Paris checking tax declarations between employers and employees. In 1975 I transfered to the Freight Office of Paris Inland Waterways. I moved to England at the end of 1975 and joined Eden Fisher who were based just across the road from AGA Print. I was trained as a Print Finisher and was taught how to operate different machines. I joined AGA in February 2007 for the launch of the Finishing Department and my role is Muller Cutting and Creasing Operator.
I have been a fan of the Rolling Stones while still at school in the early sixties. From a younger agdae I enjoyed concertos from Vivaldi and Handel. Loving nature and the great outdoors. Since a holiday off the coast of Corsica I discovered sailing and scuba diving and have since participated with these sports in several parts of the World.
Ian Harvey
I started working in the finishing department in march 2011. My role involves working on the majority of the machines we have here and making sure that all jobs have a crisp finish before been boxed to go.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family wether it be a cosy film in or going to watch football.
Andrew Freeman
I started working in the print industry in 1988 as a trainee guillotine operator, I then rained on patterns learning numbering, die cutting and also acquiring the skill of a compositor. I then moved on to computer type setting and the Stahl folders. Shortly after I went into laminating, running Billhofer and Paperlast laminators as well as Heidelberg cylinders.
I moved into commercial print working as folder and guillotine operator. I enjoyed 7 years until I was made redudant in the recession in 2009. At that point I decided tot take a break from printing and after 2 years have returned to Solopress, with whom I joined in April 2011.
I have been married to my wife Katie for 3 years and have3 wonderful children, Lauren, Abigail and Bradley (No Max Branning jokes please).
I love heavy metal especially Iron Maiden and drum and bass. I played bass in a Rock 'n' Roll band for 12 years and still love to play the guitar. I also enjoy playing snooker and have played for my local club for the last 18 years in the prettyman league. My main interests are amateur astronomy, metal detecting, golf and gardening, especially growing chillies.
And lastly everyone here knows I support West Ham United.."Come on you Irons"
Gary Plant
I started here at Solopress in January 2011. My main job role is to maintain the whole company. I also do the odd DIY job around here.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
Lee Mayes
I have worked as a print finisher since 1997, having started at Grainger House on a five year apprenticeship. I have been working at Solopress for since 2007 years, my roll is to use the Folder, Muller and Laminating machines, plus general finishing. I also oversee the work that is done ensuring it is of the best quality and standard that is expected of us.
In my spare time I am a family man with 4 children and like to spend as much time as I can with them. Once a week I bowl in a league team called Black Jacks.
Clayton Robinson
I have been here at Solopress for a little over a year now. Since been here I have learnt many finishing skills on the majority of our machines.
In my spare time I enjoying music, cycling and swimming.
James Caten
I enjoy my job here at Solopress as a printer and finisher. I dabble in both job roles to gain a wider experience. I have been here for over 2 years now and take pride in my job.
Outside of work I enjoy kite surfing, hang gliding and sky diving.
Paul Boast
I have been here at Solopress for a almost 2 years now. I am currently a finisher and enjoy my job thoroughly. At weekends I enjoy my long walks in the country side and spending quality time with the family.
Steve Wheeler
I have been here since March 2010. I currently work in the finishing department whilst learning in the printing department.
My hobbies include sky diving, water skiing and snow boarding (mainly extreme sports).
Jim Pugsley
Working here for over 2 years now has given me a wide knowledge of how the print industry works. I enjoy my job here and the colleagues I work with. We work hard but its nice to be able to have a laugh.
I enjoy spending time with my mates and going out clubbing.
Alan Stean
I have worked at Solopress since September 20090. I can operate most finishing equipment. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my 3 boys, friends and family.
Love my music, partying hard and a little sport. I enjoy working at Solopress as I work with a great team of work colleagues.
Jo Foreland
My name is Joe and I have been working at Solopress for 6 months now. I play football Saturday’s and Sundays. I enjoy socializing with my friends usually down the pub or for meals. I also enjoy a good film at the cinema and a game or two or bowling.
AWAITING STAFF PROFILE
David Appleton
I've been in the print trade since leaving school and seen the trade changing from just printing to all encompassing multi media and direct mail. In my spare time you'll find me out in my caravan. I love the outdoors and also a keen rollerskater.
Jackie Raby
Known as the Jackster. I have worked for Solopress since 2006 and they are a great bunch to work with! My job roll is in Dispatch and Customer Care.
I make sure that the customers receive their printing on the appropriate date, take payments and generally ensure that our clients are happy with our service. I really enjoy my job as no day is the same.
When I am not working I like to spend time with my family, especially my Grandson who keeps me on my toes. He is a football fanatic and an ardent Chelsea Fan! I like gardening and cooking (when I have time).
Vicky Stevenson
I have been working for Solopress since the beginning of 2010. I started as a receptionist and now Im currently now in dispatch. I enjoy working for the company and the people I work with. In my spare time I enjoy swimming and spending time with my friends and boyfriend.
Simon Gunn
I have been working at Solopress now since July 2011 as part of the despatch team. I liaese with the drivers to ensure everyone gets there deliveries on time. In my spare time I'm out with my friends, or watching a film. I also enjoy listening to music and playing FIFA!!
Matt Monk
My name is Matt and Ive been working here at Solopress for 8 months now.
My job role consists of multi drop delivery driving throughout London and the
home counties.
My spare time consists of fishing, mountain bike trail riding and participating
in endurance riding competitions too.
Although these hobbies and pastimes may be put on hold as my fiancée and
I are expecting our first child in March next year.
Dan Latham
My name is Dan Latham and I currently work at Solopress as a driver. I really enjoy my job and the people that I work with. In my spare time I paly football, cricket, and enjoy going clubbing with my mates.
Ash Smith
My name is Ashley Smith, better known as Ash. I started working for Solopress in September. In my spare time I play golf and rugby. I am also a keen musician, and when I get some time I play the drums and guitar.
Jim Prior
My name is Jim and I am currently a driver here at Solopress. I have been here for around 10 months now and enjoy what I do. My hobbies include fishing, waking, swimming, holidaying and sightseeing if I get some time.
Dave Axford
I moved to Essex from the North about a year ago “Its warmer here” . I enjoy anything to do with cars and bikes and eating out. I also do love my job and the people around me.
Steve Furness
I have been here at Solopress since September 2009. I currently work as a driver delivering all over London. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
Ola Omonijo
HI, My name is Ola and I've been working for Solopress since 2008. My job description is driving and in my spare time I enjoy reading a good book.
