Ah, 2011. What is there to look forward to apart from higher costs for just about everything?

Note to self: must think more positively.

A couple of notable personnel changes are already known knowns. The BPIF has appointed its first female CEO so there's a landmark for a start. I feel confident in predicting that Kathy Woodward will make her mark on the federation when she takes over from Michael Johnson when he retires in the summer, and her industry experience and renowned people skills should be a winning combination.

Prior to Johnson being piped off, we'll be saying farewell to Agfa UK's Laurence Roberts who retires this month. It always amuses Laurence greatly when I say this, so I'll repeat it. He's not everyone's cup of tea, but I wish we could bottle his commercial nous and sprinkle it about a bit.

No big print shows on the small island this year, and the next Drupa is a mere 17 months away, but in the meantime let's see how IIR gets on with revitalising Northprint. Judging by some of the comments from PrintWeek readers about the show, it's going to be something of a challenge.

Other items to keep an eye on include Richard Desmond's plans for a new newspaper printing plant that will eventually print his magazines too. According to my sources he wants the newspaper bit at least to be up and running in time to cash in on a full-colour run-up to the London 2012 Olympic games, so if that's correct we can anticipate some action in the Luton area (if that's correct too) sooner rather than later.

Talking of Olympics, we had some exciting news of our own here at Haymarket Towers just before Christmas: Haymarket Media Group has won the programme contract for London 2012 after a lengthy pitch process. And the various items involved will definitely be produced and printed here in Blighty.

And on that positive note, here's hoping for more good news than bad in 2011.