What positives are you able to draw on from the experiences of 2021?
We feel incredibly fortunate that despite the onset of the pandemic, after hitting our forecasts in 2020, we have actually experienced record months in 2021. With the lockdowns and more consumers eating at home, rather than out, we saw food industry label demand increase while the hospitality sector dropped. We’ve benefitted from this alongside increasing demand in our other sectors like logistics labels for home delivery. Another positive is that we’ve been able to continue investing in technology, both in terms of expanding our offering but also ensuring we operate more efficiently and in line with our sustainability strategy.

What trend do you think has been accelerated because of the impact of Covid?
Obviously, sustainability remains a key trend in this sector, but whereas just a few years ago the industry was mostly paying lip service, now it really is a key ticket to doing business. Customers want to know that efforts are being made by suppliers on these matters and working with a supplier like Aztec, that’s a given. We are seeking as many ways as possible to reduce, reuse and recycle and I’m proud of the gains we’ve made in recent years.

In more general terms, while print complexity is certainly increasing with reduced run lengths and fast turnaround work being demanded, we’re really seeing an increasing attention to quality. In today’s fast-paced markets, customers need right-first-time production at best-in-class standards. This demand is what is driving our commitment to investment – making sure our customers get what they need, when they want it, with the quality they need to drive competitive edge.

What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2022?
Embracing technology is not just an opportunity, but frankly it is now essential. As brands seek higher quality and speed to market, the main challenge that we face is the need for reduced run lengths and reduced lead-times coupled with increasing complexity of jobs. While many converters have invested in digital to solve some of these needs, we are a flexo house. We manage this challenge with a skilled team that maximises our efficiencies at all times. Our in-house repro and platemaking helps keep costs down and ensures a speedy turnaround.

What are your hopes for 2022?
I hope that the label industry will keep investing in its own future. This is a fantastic sector – the innovation, commitment and diversity of companies is huge – and that’s what makes it a great business to work in. But to thrive in 2022, we need to keep investing in the future of the industry, attracting and retaining young talent who might not even know anything about the labels and packaging sectors. Otherwise, we are going to end up with a significant skills gap in the next ten years or so.

In addition, sustainability must come to the fore of our focus if we are to be respected for what we do and considered a viable industry of the future. Sustainability is truly becoming a key differentiator for businesses and a core demand from end customers – the consumer. At Aztec Label, we’re already focused on delivering an environmentally sustainable business. We were an early adopter of the BPIF Zero Labels 2 Landfill scheme, which seeks to divert label waste from landfill in the UK for use as a replacement of fossil fuels in blast furnaces. We’re also looking to extend our current solar power energy system to the roof of the new extension to help us meet our long-term goal of becoming completely self-sustaining in terms of electricity use. But if, as an industry, we don’t act now, I’m sure there will be legislation and taxes that will force change so better to get ahead and do the right thing, now.

Describe your ‘new normal’?
Honestly, I think we’re just adapting to whatever gets thrown at us in order to ensure we meet the demands of our customers while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our workforce. Over the last two years, we have continued to service a significant number of customers from across the pharmaceutical industry, and I’m pleased we have been able to quickly adapt to continue operations and ensure the availability of safely labelled medicines to those affected across the country.

We continue to have excellent supplies and stock management systems, and our operation is set up to operate safely. Hygiene is of the utmost importance to us and it is already routine that our facilities are kept immaculately clean at all times, which means we are facing minimal disruption during production. All colleagues are aware of the latest government guidelines and we address any individual staff issues on a one-to-one basis with their wellbeing front of mind.

I don’t doubt that we will at some point be affected by the same issues as other businesses in the sector, such as logistics and support suppliers, but we are set up and flexible enough to continue operations and overcome each obstacle as they develop throughout what continues to be a challenging time for the whole country.

What piece of advice do you wish you had been given and when?
Being given the correct advice is one thing…whether you listen is another! I think the advice I wish I had been given early on is the advice I now dish out - take the time to make the best plan that you can, but don’t be surprised if you have to change it. Expect it and be ready for it.

What, if anything, will you do differently in 2022?
Go on holiday! I don’t think we will do anything differently - just work hard, seize the opportunities, commit and invest. That has worked well for us for many years.

What’s your favourite Christmas cracker joke?
There are no good Christmas cracker jokes, they are supposed to be corny.

Sprouts: yes or no?
Definitely yes, plain boiled is ok, but roasting with a little spray oil then brings out a sweetness.

Are you making any New Year's resolutions?
Health and fitness, and wellbeing. Being in my late 50s, I have to keep reminding myself it’s important. So I will join the rest of the country on the predictable weight loss programme.