Remembering Geoff Broadway: The Visionary Behind CFH Docmail's Rise

Family, colleagues, and the print industry are mourning the loss of Geoff Broadway, the founder of the business that evolved into hybrid mail, print, and digital communications specialist CFH Docmail. He passed away peacefully on 18 May at the age of 92.

Born on 1 January 1934 in Peasedown, Broadway left school at 15 and began his career at the Standard Check Book Company. Over 27 years, he rose through the ranks and played a key role in the company's expansion into business forms in 1966.

Seizing Opportunity: The Birth of Continuforms

By 1977, the business forms market was booming, and Broadway spotted an opportunity. He founded Continuforms in autumn 1977, starting in a modest carpenter's shop in Radstock, Somerset. Within two years, the business outgrew its first site and moved to larger premises in Midsomer Norton. By 1984, revenues exceeded £7 million.

Building the CFH Group

In the mid-1980s, Continuforms Holdings was formed, and CFH Security Printers was established in 1983, specializing in cheques and PIN mailers. The group gained full APACS accreditation in 1996, leading to the launch of its own cheque brand, Topcheque.

Under Broadway's leadership, CFH grew rapidly, encompassing multiple subsidiaries. In 1995, turnover peaked at £43.5 million. Recognizing the decline of traditional business forms, Broadway invested in transactional mailing, selling Stock Tab to Rexam in 1998 for £1.6 million to fund contract mailing operations. The group's print management division was sold in 2003.

A Legacy of Culture and Community

Broadway's son Mike Broadway recalled, "Dad knew a deal when he saw one and knew the print industry inside out. He did some incredible deals... but his greatest achievement was the culture he created." Employees didn't shy away from him; he knew everyone's names and circumstances, even as the workforce exceeded 300 by 1988.

Broadway was a strong supporter of the local community, buying instruments for a marching brass band, supporting a bowls centre, and giving all employees membership. He hosted lavish staff Christmas parties and children's parties, with gifts personally chosen by his wife Maureen. He promoted from within based on trust, earning immense respect.

Transition and Tributes

Broadway gradually stepped back from active involvement in 2007, handing the reins to his son Dave. The Docmail hybrid mail system launched in 2008, followed by a management buyout in 2019. CEO Bill McFedries paid tribute: "Geoff Broadway was the foundation upon which everything at CFH has been built... The warmth he brought to CFH... is our culture, and it is very much alive today."

Broadway leaves behind his beloved wife Maureen, five children, and a large extended family. His funeral will be held at St John the Baptist Church, Midsomer Norton, on 4 June at 11am, followed by a celebration at the Centurion Hotel. Donations are requested for Dorothy House, the British Heart Foundation, and Cerebra.