What positives are you able to draw on from the experiences of 2024?
After multiple challenges to the economy, it was a more settled environment, at least through to the autumn. Drupa was obviously a high point, after all the changes and adjustments of the pandemic, it was brilliant to see a confident and progressive industry show up and show its best. It’s also great to see the continued increased collaboration in the industry between print organisations and between trade associations to advocate for the industry, celebrate its wins and find solutions to issues.

What trend (business or technology) do you think has dominated 2024?
It's really been more of the same, move towards more targeting, better use of data, technology to support both those, a lot of investment and progression in the sector.  The focus on environment, and reducing impacts continued to strengthen.

What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2025 and why?
Difficult to pick out one single opportunity in such a diverse sector. Overall, it’s about looking at how to improve efficiency, effectiveness and environmental performance, while anticipating customer needs. There’s a world of opportunity out there, but it’s a competitive place so we must all be very good at what we do!

What are your hopes for 2025?
A vibrant growing economy, the value and effectiveness of print in all its forms fully recognised!

What piece of advice do you wish you had been given in December 2023 to prepare you for the year you’ve just had?
I would of liked to have anticipated the impact of legislation and regulations introduced and updated in 2024, with the change of government and the impact EU legislation still have on UK businesses – that’s kept us really busy, with a lot of help from our European partners at Intergraf.

What was your word or phrase of the year in 2024?
I’m not sure we used it a great deal, but “new-normal” springs to mind, encompassing a return to a more business as usual environment, coupled with a few surprises/ changes in the political world.

What, if anything, will you do differently in 2025?
More of the same, collaborating across our sector to ensure that the voice of print is heard within government, through completing the continued consultations with all the legislative, working closely with other sector organisations.  Promoting and developing all that we do to develop skills in the sector; to lead in sector training and support the future of print.

What did you think of Drupa 2024?
Fantastic, great to be there, to see how the industry continues to adapt and evolve, and to meet up with so many great people in the sector.

What’s your favourite Christmas cracker joke?
Oh the pressure! All the ones coming to mind are the typical ones everyone has probably heard before. If any wants to provide some new ones, please do get in touch.

Sprouts, yes or no?
Of course, but as I say every year, don’t overcook them.

Are you making any New Year's resolutions? If so, what? 
Too early to say, I’ll think about that on New Year’s eve, after a glass or two!