Industry insights

New year predictions: Gary Wallace, Wallace Print

Wallace: Most concerning aspects in the print market have now levelled out
Wallace: Most concerning aspects in the print market have now levelled out

Gary Wallace, managing director at Rochester large-format firm Wallace Print, is looking forward to a bustling 2025 after a tough few years for the industry.

What positives are you able to draw on from the experiences of 2024?
Our clients have hit record numbers of revenue and have been incredibly loyal and after trading through the pain of Covid and on the back of 2024 being our best year for 10 years, we have managed to assemble the best team we have ever had.

What trend (business or technology) do you think has dominated 2024?
Without doubt, ChatGPT or AI, which are an incredible phenomenon, but with print needing its physicality's most employees will not be threatened.

What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2025 and why?
Any printers that have worked as hard as us cannot wait for 2025 as most concerning aspects [in the market] have levelled out, which will support growth.

What are your hopes for 2025? 
We took a team to the print show at the NEC and had a very successful trip. We will be making significant investments very early in 2025... Watch this space!

What was your word or phrase of the year in 2024?
The future is looking very bright.

What, if anything, will you do differently in 2025?
We are in the middle of a complete factory revamp to enable us to improve on all efficiencies and workflow, just in time for our brand new printing kit. We will differentiate by concentrating on the most profitable sectors.

What did you think of Drupa 2024?
N/A

What’s your favourite Christmas cracker joke? 
My friend died of heartburn, we can't believe that Gavin's gone!

Sprouts, yes or no?
NO!!!

Are you making any New Year's resolutions? If so, what?
To continue our exponential growth and remain resilient.