What’s at the top of your Christmas wish list this year?
Good health and peace to all, oh and a new horse!
As the decade draws to a close, what trend (business or technology) do you think the 2010s will be remembered for?
It will be the digital machine cometh; it’s been this decade that we have seen so many machine offerings from many manufacturers with massive technological improvement over the last few years.
What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in the next decade and why?
The improved perception of paper and cartonboard materials versus other packaging mediums. We have a great environmental and sustainable story to tell, let’s shout about it and capitalise this advantage for our businesses.
What do you think will represent the single biggest threat for printers in the next decade and why?
The march of e-commerce success and the effect on the decaying high streets. We cannot let the high street fade to nothing, it will affect printed packaging greatly.
What’s the one thing that the industry should do more of, or do better, in the 2020s?
Shout about our green credentials loud and clear but, more importantly, we as an industry have to convince young people that print is a fabulous career option. We need talented, passionate people to join us in our industry.
What was your biggest disappointment in the 2010s?
Buying an industrial unit and then finding it floods and had no right to its electricity supply. Four years of aggro and a large court case later has somewhat soured us, but looking forward to a good outcome in 2020.
What was your highlight of the decade?
Being the first company in the world to buy the Highcon Euclid in 2013.
What are your hopes for 2020s?
I think the UK will do really well, we need to stabilise after the Brexit and political unrest, then when we as a nation have firm foundations we can look forward to a business boom. Am I dreaming? Don’t think so.
We can't believe we're asking this question for the third year running: what is your one-word view on Brexit?
Sorry, three words: Get Brexit done.
What was the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Follow your gut instinct. I wish I had heeded it more when I was younger, it’s always right! If it does not feel good, don’t do it!
What if anything will you do differently in the new decade?
As Glossop Cartons expands and is set to grow, I am learning to share the workload with my very able team of co-directors. I have to remember there is no I in team.
What’s your favourite Christmas cracker joke?
What do you get if you cross Santa with a duck? A Christmas Quacker …boom boom.
What is the earliest Christmas present you can remember receiving as a child?
A Bridesmaid doll. A thing of sheer beauty, she is about two foot tall and I still have her now.
Are you making any New Year's resolutions? If so, what?
Live life to the full, life’s far too short. Happy New Year to all.
