Bernard Parker, joint managing director at Apex Digital Graphics has retired, bringing to close a career in print that spans more than 40 years.

Parker held roles at a raft of print businesses before joining Apex in the late 1980s. His career started with a demonstrator role AM Multigraphics, showcasing its Multilith 1250 single colour press. Following that he joined London-based Itek Graphix Products selling its range of direct image platemakers and its Itek badged Ryobi A3 presses. Itek was subsequently acquired by AB Dick in the late 1980s and shortly after, joined Bob Usher and Terry Bratt at Apex to form the company's equipment sales division.

By early 2000 Apex was supplying Screen's range of metal platesetters and several years later Apex expanded after being awarded the Ryobi agency for the UK and Ireland. Bob Usher, fellow joint managing director at Apex, said Parker would be remembered for his "steely grin, perfectly groomed hair, and sartorial elegance".

He added: "It has been a huge pleasure to work with Bernard and build a very well respected and successful business supplying equipment to the printing industry. On behalf of our customers and the staff at Apex I would like to wish him a long and happy retirement."

Parker leaves Apex to pursue other interests and to spend more time with his family.