What do you think will be the greatest opportunity for and threat to the print industry next year?
The greatest opportunity is that the top 500 are making money and increasing profits.
A key threat is posed by higher raw material costs, which will further increase, driving investment away from print and towards alternative media.
What do you believe is the most under-recognised aspect in printing that is likely to gain more prominence in 2012?
We need more recognition of the fact that print is not coming back after the recession. We must accept that it will continue to decline, while still representing a large share of UK manufacturing (currently 10%).
Also, large print buyers will start to move away from print management, to in-house print procurement.
What do you hope to get out of Drupa 2012?
New business in added-value digital presses, and specialist security print arenas.
What new technology do you expect to see at Drupa 2012 in your sector?
We anticipate greater automation, inkjet developments and increased sophistication in high-end inspection systems.
What new technology do you expect to see at Drupa 2012 in other sectors?
It's not too difficult to envisage ink jet developments.
What do you think the main trends will be at Drupa 2012 in your sector?
Drupa is always a place for rumours, but this time there could be a lot more than just gossip. As has happened with printers, print equipment manufacturers will need to adapt to the smaller market place (Manroland could be just the tip of the iceberg).
What trends do you think will emerge at Drupa 2012 in any other sectors?
Productivity – how to make more for less.
What can the industry do to increase its profile next year?
Why does it need to increase its profile? However, the increasing success of the top 500 should provide a sufficiently high profile.
What will you do differently next year?
Support companies moving away from print management. Further develop activities in specialist print areas and expand customised training programmes to support customers achieve their ever increased productivity targets.
