What positives are you able to draw on from the experiences of 2023?
While we wouldn’t choose them, crises come and go, and our sector is more resilient and better than we often think at adapting, adjusting & thriving.

What trend do you think has been accelerated because of the impact of inflation?
Difficult to be definitive, but, as it feeds through to organisation’s costs, nudging companies towards productive investment in technology and skills. It’s also supported more robust conversations between printers and clients about the need to reflect the value the sector delivers, as it’s impossible to ignore the impact of rising costs on margins.

What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2024 and why?
Lots of things to bear in mind and keep an eye on – increasing environmental focus, especially with a number of EU initiatives, that will impact on us (like it or not), AI starting to impact obviously, and a lot of good work being done on the effectiveness of print with JICMail and the like. So rather than pick one, I’d say the opportunity for each of us is to be externally focussed and engaged, look at all the different initiatives and factors impacting on our markets, and think carefully about what they mean for our business development. Then take action.

What are your hopes for 2024?
No more crises please, inflation receding, interest rates the same. A fabulous Drupa. A government that engages fully with the business community (and print in particular), working with us to support greater investment for the medium and longer term – in both skills and technology.

What was your word or phrase of the year in 2023?
Started with omnicrises, ended with “new normal”!

What, if anything, will you do differently in 2024?
More focus on looking further ahead – we do that already, but, with so many issues impacting the sector at the start of this year, it did limit bandwidth a little. With so much change and exciting developments happening, we’ve got to get our heads out of the day to day as much as we can.

Will you be going to Drupa 2024?
Definitely, looking forward to it. Can’t wait to see what’ll be on display. I also really value the ability to look across the event as a whole to see what the trends and developments are, and of course it’s fun and stimulating to meet so many across the industry all in one place together.

Sprouts, yes or no?
Definitely – par boiled then sauteed with pancetta. Don’t overcook!