What positives are you able to draw on from the experiences of 2021?
Following COP26, the UN climate change conference, governments are increasingly committed to reducing carbon emissions and addressing climate change. This will inevitably bring more scrutiny on industry and the sustainability of products and our sector has a great story to tell. Paper-based products are made from sustainable, renewable raw materials that are highly recycled.
What trend do you think has been accelerated because of the impact of Covid?
A survey by Two Sides, published in April 2021, showed how the transition to digital has been accelerated by the Covid pandemic.
With the economy, and therefore some businesses, under pressure, we have also seen a significant increase in 'greenwashing', where companies have made misleading statements to support a move to digital communications. Too often they cite false 'environmental benefits' to encourage consumers to switch to online bills and statements, when in truth it's simply to save their own costs. By tackling companies greenwashing, Two Sides has preserved £11.2 million of value for the UK paper, print and mail sector (€44.7 million Europe). Left unchallenged, it threatens the further loss of €337 million of value in Europe.
What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2022?
As the economy recovers, and organisations look to rebuild their brands and markets, there is an opportunity for advertising and marketing print. Research from Royal Mail and JICMAIL, show the power and effectiveness of putting your brand physically in the consumers hand and the ROI print can deliver.
What are your hopes for 2022?
Probably, like everyone, that we can get back to some form of physical meetings and events.
Describe your ‘new normal’?
My new normal is 4-6 time efficient and effective Zoom or Teams meetings a day, opposed to 1-2 physical meetings and much wasted time travelling. Long-term there is a balance to be had, but am much more aware of being effective with my time.
What, if anything, will you do differently in 2022?
With cancelled holidays abroad, I only took 10 days holiday last year. I will take more holiday and spend more time on me and my family.
What’s your favourite Christmas cracker joke?
What did the snowman say to the aggressive carrot?
“Get out of my face.”
Sprouts: yes or no?
YES – Make sure they are fresh, not frozen, and you can even make healthy crisps by baking them. They still cause wind though…
Are you making any New Year's resolutions?
As always to eat and drink less. But, having lost some family this year, a reminder that through all the stress of uncertainty to look for, and appreciate more, the good things.
