What’s at the top of your Christmas wish list this year?
A cheesy Christmas jumper.
What trend do you think 2015 will be remembered for?
I think 2015 was a point when the industry really realised that print is not dying but instead changing. It’s consistently proving itself to be resilient and sustainable.
What do you think will represent the single biggest threat for printers in 2016 and why?
Myopic views; competing only on price and thinking that the industry hasn’t changed over the past five years. The print market is undergoing huge change, customers’ expectations are shifting, technology is developing the proposition but in many cases we’re approaching the market in the same way.
What’s the one thing that the industry should do more of, or do better, in 2016?
Step back, think about your clients evolving needs and change your business accordingly.
What was your biggest disappointment in 2015?
Not winning sexiest man of the year.
What was your highlight of 2015?
Through 2015 the business made significant investments in two new HP Scitex 11000s, a Heidelberg B1 and new 9,300sqm premises. Decisions around large investments are always challenging but for Bluetree it’s really paying off with clients giving great feedback on both turnarounds and quality.
What are your hopes for 2016?
This year we were thrilled to be selected for the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 awards following three years of significant growth, our aim is to continue this through 2016 – print isn’t dying, it’s changing and creating opportunities for those who can spot them.
What was the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Attitude is key: if you think you can or you think you can’t you're probably right.
What was the most important thing that you learnt in 2015?
Stick to your core values, our proposition is focused on being the print manager’s champion so we need to keep this in mind with everything we do.
What if anything will you do differently in 2016?
Increase the focus on our core values. It’s easy to stray from your values so we’ll be focused on separating opportunities from distractions in 2016.
If you’re thinking of going to Drupa next year, what are you keen to see?
Bluetree has always prided itself in being able to offer clients the latest print and finishing technologies, our focus currently is on automation of finishing processes so offerings in this area will be of interest.
What’s your favourite Christmas cracker joke?
Q: What do Penguins drive?
A: Articulated lorries
What was the best Christmas present you ever received?
A broken drum, you just can’t beat it.
Are you making any New Year's resolutions? If so, what?
Eat fewer Skittles – definitely my guilty pleasure!
