What positives are you able to draw on from the experiences of 2022?
From a business perspective even with soaring costs we still experienced a very high demand for sustainable print and packaging, keeping me optimistic for 2023. From a personal viewpoint the death of Her Majesty the Queen, the war in Ukraine and the ongoing Covid vaccination programme united the country and showed what it meant to be British. I’m also hopeful that Harry and the boys build now for 2024 after a decent performance in Qatar.
What trend (business or technology) do you think has been accelerated because of the impact of inflation?
It has to be renewables, solar panels and wind vanes are just about everywhere and with the current energy costs the investment payback is getting much, much shorter.
What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2023 and why? There are opportunities everywhere, especially with less print and packaging being imported due to transport costs. Versioning and personalisation is still the key.
What are your hopes for 2023?
That the printed product becomes less of a commodity and valued as the tangible, tactile messaging tool that it is. Ink on paper is still one of the best ways to get your brand directly into the consumers hands. Inflation needs to be controlled to keep public sector workers working, to reduce the length of the recession and grow the economy. For that to happen, energy costs must reduce dramatically.
What piece of advice do you wish you had been given in December 2021 to prepare you for the year you’ve just had?
Batten down the hatches!
What was your word or phrase of the year in 2022?
Bloody couriers...
What, if anything, will you do differently in 2023?
Find a new courier service…
What’s your favourite Christmas cracker joke?
What is the best Christmas present in the world?
A broken drum, you just can't beat it!
Are you making any New Year's resolutions? If so, what?
We are planning a Lexon 10km charity run in May so this New Year’s resolution is to run after work every week from 4 Jan – I’m already thinking up excuses…
