What’s at the top of your Christmas wish list this year?
Let’s get the Polestar work back in the UK.
What trend (business or technology) do you think 2016 will be remembered for?
The growing development of the 4th Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0)
What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2017 and why?
The apprentice levy; if you have to pay into something you want to get value for money. Quality apprentices for all.
What do you think will represent the single biggest threat for printers in 2017 and why?
Brexit and the uncertainty it creates for us all.
What’s the one thing that the industry should do more of, or do better, in 2017?
Training, training and more quality training.
What was your biggest disappointment in 2016?
The Polestar disaster.
What was your highlight of 2016?
The jobs we saved at Polestar.
What are your hopes for 2017?
That the government gets a grip on its Brexit strategy, stop the uncertainty and listens to the voice of manufacturing in the UK.
What was the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
"You will have a job for life if you work for nothing son." (Given by my mum)
What was the most important thing that you learnt in 2016?
The value of having great FoCs and MoCs that understand their business and, even more, understand their industry.
What if anything will you do differently in 2017?
Not much. Things would be different though if job losses eased up in the industry.
What’s your favourite Christmas cracker joke?
Who is Santa's favourite singer? Elf-is Presley (supplied by Tony Burke, no surprise there then, the old rocker).
What was the best Christmas present you ever received?
My first watch, bought by my mum. I was 15, my older brother got the same (thank goodness for the Universal catalogue and the 38-week payment terms).
Are you making any New Year's resolutions? If so, what?
Never do them!
