What’s at the top of your Christmas wish list this year?
A really good few days break with friends and family - it's been a busy year!
What trend (business or technology) do you think 2016 will be remembered for?
The unpredicted happening - Brexit is an overwhelmingly the big story. For the sector, an amazing, encouraging Drupa.
What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2017 and why?
It'll continue to be helping our customers understand how to use print effectively, complementing and enhancing their communications in ways that other channels can't.
What do you think will represent the single biggest threat for printers in 2017 and why?
In a world that's moving towards more targeted communications, the risk that print's customers don't fully appreciate the unique effectiveness of print. Economically, exchange rates are already creating cost pressures.
What’s the one thing that the industry should do more of, or do better, in 2017?
As an industry, we actually already do a lot of training, building skills for the future. With the changes to apprenticeship funding coming up, there's the scope, and necessity to really scale this up another level, and we need to.
What was your biggest disappointment in 2016?
23rd of June created a bit of a wobble, but as a sector, we've bounced back, as usual.
What was your highlight of 2016?
It's the events that particularly marked the year - for the sector, Drupa, and closer to home seeing our British Book Design and Production Awards win Event of the Year was great, and the Power of Print conference was brilliant. On a more personal level, not breaking a limb. Mind you the year isn't over yet...
What are your hopes for 2017?
As the government decides what Brexit means, that they recognise the critical role of manufacturing to the economy, and make it as easy as possible to invest in both technology and skills.
What was the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
In the context of the last 12 months, expect the unexpected, and plan for it!
What was the most important thing that you learnt in 2016?
That my view of where the industry is going, and the opportunities that it's creating, is so widely held.
What if anything will you do differently in 2017?
We'll have a strong focus on ensuring that the sector benefits as much as possible from the changes affecting apprenticeship training, and, be looking closely at how the BPIF helps companies adapt to the changing nature of print and communications. Personally, try to get out on a bike a bit more regularly...
What’s your favourite Christmas cracker joke?
Q: What did the grape say when the elephant stepped on it?
A: Nothing, just gave out a little wine...
Are you making any New Year's resolutions? If so, what?
See above...amongst other things, try to find the time to get out and exercise a bit more.
