What’s at the top of your Christmas wish list this year?
Another Onset X3 would be on the top of my list - we’ve been able to increase efficiency and the quality of the work produced is second to none! Also, Sunderland football club getting promoted to the Championship league, and to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
What trend (business or technology) do you think 2018 will be remembered for?
Providing a second to none customer experience on a human level. Human-to-human experiences have become such a big trend in retail, so we expect this will transition across all industries.
What do you think will represent the single biggest threat for printers in 2019 and why?
Brexit is definitely something that has posed a threat to a number of businesses, but for us it would be the rising cost of substrates. However, Brexit could be seen as a good opportunity also.
What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2019 and why?
Whilst Brexit is a threat, as an optimistic person I also see it as an opportunity to push the authenticity and quality of our British made products.
What’s the one thing that the industry should do more of, or do better, in 2019?
I think this is an obvious answer in today’s environmental climate, however I think the industry should consider how much plastic is being used. We have taken procedures to reduce how much we use, however this is just a start!
What was your biggest disappointment in 2018?
Definitely missing out on the PrintWeek Power 100! Was great to see that I made one list - coming in at 23 on the public vote. Maybe next year!
What was your highlight of 2018?
There are many highlights, however the one that stands out the most to me is the installation of our Onset X3 flatbed, which has allowed us to increase our expanding portfolio of client benefitting services.
What are your hopes for 2019?
As the new owners of Simpson Group, I hope to see the new team of directors come to life and continue the legacy of the brand! We’ve had a great start so far so to see this continue would be great.
What is your one-word view on Brexit?
Uninformed.
What was the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
I didn’t listen to anyone when I was younger and was hell bent on doing everything my way. When I returned to the company, [former Simpson Group chairman] Mark Simpson sat me down and said “you have two ears and one mouth for a reason”, and I got much further much quicker when that advice sunk in.
What if anything will you do differently in 2019?
Now the MBO team is in place, I plan on coming out of my shell and fulfilling my role as managing director to its full potential. I also plan on networking more, otherwise I’ll never make a certain list ;-)
What’s your favourite Christmas cracker joke?
What is the best Christmas present? A broken drum, you can't beat it!
What was the best Christmas present you ever received?
1976 – Batman Cape.
Are you making any New Year's resolutions? If so, what?
Like I’ve said for the past few years, this will be our best year yet! Ask me again next year…
