What do you think will be the greatest opportunity for and threat to the print industry next year?

Well, opportunity for the print industry as a whole must be seen this way: as companies in all sectors continue to feel the pinch, they need to focus even more on specific marketing. The print industry must be at the forefront of this. Printers can be more than just printers – they must become the marketing arm of their own customers taking in new technology here to help them.

Threat? I would think is that the IT industry may steal a march on the print trade and start doing the marketing instead ! Not as effectively, maybe, but still they could try.

What do you believe is the most under-recognised aspect in printing that is likely to gain more prominence in 2012?
Quality. Tthe quality of printing and print finishing is incredible. Look at beautiful books or catalogues, photo books. What a creative industry we are, but we are not so good at shouting about it.

What do you hope to get out of Drupa 2012?
Business would be nice! Drupa is always a good show; customers come to buy and to see the ways of improving their businesses.

What new technology do you expect to see at Drupa 2012 in your sector?
More automation and smaller footprints. Plus, intelligent finishing and more quality control software – whether it be cameras or bar codes, the industry is moving this way. Draw-on power will be reduced as well, as Ggeen becomes more important, as does actual running costs.

What new technology do you expect to see at Drupa 2012 in other sectors?
I think similar trends will be applied, especially on litho. Digital machines will become more affordable, I'm sure, and quality will continue to improve massively.

What do you think the main trends will be at Drupa 2012 in your sector?
The focus will remain on automation in the finishing arena.

What trends do you think will emerge at Drupa 2012 in any other sectors?
Reduction of power usage and a more joined-up approach

What can the industry do to increase its profile next year?
Trade associations have a big part to play here and can inmprove the profile.The print industry is a large and vitally important one for the UK

What will you do differently next year?
I don't think I will change too much next year. We need to stay focussed on our customers and keep service levels high.