What positives are you able to draw on from the experiences of 2023?
Despite what has been another year of global economic instability, the UK print sector has continued to invest in technology, automation and its sustainability performance, which is great to see. It’s been a tough year, but this sector is so innovative, it continually surprises me how resilient it really is.
What trend (business or technology) do you think has been accelerated because of the impact of inflation?
It's been encouraging to see continued investment in automation as a result of inflationary conditions – printers seeking to drive down costs through efficiency and minimising human intervention and errors. This has to be positive for the future competitiveness of the industry.
What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2024 and why?
It has to be automation and digitisation – embracing Industry 4.0 principles to bring down costs, increase efficiency, drive competitiveness AND capture benefits for the environment. What’s not to like!
What are your hopes for 2024?
Stability - but this is unlikely with an upcoming general election. Recovery from the recession combined with settling of the disastrous situations in Israel/Gaza and Ukraine would make such a difference to business confidence.
What piece of advice do you wish you had been given in December 2022 to prepare you for the year you’ve just had?
Don’t lose sight of the big picture! It’s too easy to get trapped in to the day-to-day worries of managing a business, not seeing the longer-term trend and enabling that to guide your strategic decision-making. Particularly around investments in people.
What was your word or phrase of the year in 2023?
Bizarre! People, processes, world issues, climate, legislation changes – many have just been bizarre!
What, if anything, will you do differently in 2024?
Someone recently said to me “You must always be clear to be kind”. In a business with several young people, it’s too easy to fall into the trap of pandering rather than coaching and directing. Being clear and personally caring about them, is so much more powerful in driving productivity and a positive workplace culture and that’s what we’ll be concentrating on moving forward.
Will you be going to Drupa 2024?
Yes. Can’t wait! We have several clients showing including Bobst, Esko, Enfocus, Flint Group, Kongsberg, Sandon Global and more so looking forward to the buzz.
What would be your fantasy technology (or trend) you would like to see on show in Düsseldorf?
Not sure it’s fantasy but if someone could showcase what Industry 4.0 truly could look like for a printer I’d be there. We hear so much about it and understand the principles but can’t imagine what that could truly look like in totality to understand the benefits.
Sprouts, yes or no?
Yes – fried with pancetta and parmesan please.
Are you making any New Year's resolutions? If so, what?
Oh god – that three stone needs to come off again! ☺
