What positives are you able to draw on from the experiences of 2024?
The resilience of our industry is truly amazing. And it's part of our industrial culture that has been built since Gutenberg in the mid-15th century.
Our sector democratised knowledge and this technological breakthrough laid the groundwork for the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Scientific Revolution.
The print industry has spurred literacy and education, empowering individuals and fostering critical thinking. It has standardised languages, enabling the creation of national identities and fostering cultural exchange. Economically, it has created millions of jobs, from printing and publishing to paper manufacturing and distribution.
Our industry has fundamentally reshaped human history. It transformed how people learn, connect, and innovate, leaving an indelible impact on civilisation that continues to resonate in our information-driven world.
In 2024 we have continued that proud tradition and I feel pretty positive about that.
What trend (business or technology) do you think has dominated 2024?
The print industry has continued to evolve and even in the digital age, it retains influence, coexisting with digital media to cater to diverse audiences. 2024 has been a clear case in point, as software and hardware have combined to leverage data and made print more impactful, engaging, beautiful, measurable and powerful than ever before.
What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2025 and why?
I would suggest diversifying into areas such as programmatic direct mail marketing supported by trade providers, and developing services that prove to your existing customers how print has the ability to be an incredible trigger to engage with consumers - before pushing them back to digital platforms.
What are your hopes for 2025?
I hope for a calm and stable economy, with low inflation, and reducing energy prices so that our industry can breathe easier than in recent years.
What piece of advice do you wish you had been given in December 2023 to prepare you for the year you’ve just had?
The rollercoaster isn't coming to an end, it's just cranking back up to the top of the drop.
What was your word or phrase of the year in 2024?
A New Narrative for Print.
What, if anything, will you do differently in 2025?
Spend more time speaking one-on-one with each of our print business members to assess how we can best support them.
What did you think of Drupa 2024?
It was a stunning marvel of technological ingenuity.
What’s your favourite Christmas cracker joke?
What did the snowman say to the aggressive carrot?
“Get out of my face.”
Sprouts, yes or no?
No – unless they are chopped and fried in butter with bacon.
Are you making any New Year's resolutions? If so, what?
Yes. Keep calm and carry on.
