If possible, what positives are you able to draw on from the experiences of 2020?
The people who have stepped up and shown remarkable resilience and courage in leading their businesses through a situation that was so fast changing and had no clear outcome.
What trend (business or technology) do you think has been accelerated because of the pandemic?
A more flexible approach to working remotely and the use of online meeting and conferencing platforms has, I think, changed our business life more quickly than anyone thought possible.
What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2021 and why?
Change is inevitable and many print businesses have taken stock and made decisions about restructuring and investing so they can face 2021 leaner and in better shape for whatever may come.
Through our EPIC initiative, we see there are signs that marketers are using print again in a more creative and effective way so the opportunity to add value has never been better. We have also seen supply chain issues bringing production back to the UK in some areas like short run packaging, which is a great opportunity. So, as I bang on about all the time, the single biggest opportunity is to ensure as an industry, we sell our services and tell our customers how we can give them great results. Every business needs to tell its story and digital overload during lockdown means print is even more relevant.
What are your hopes for 2021
UK print manufacturing grows.
We can't believe we're asking this question for the fourth year running: what is your one-word view on Brexit?
Challenging.
What was the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Do something and something will happen – do nothing and nothing happens.
What, if anything, will you do differently in 2021?
Work less.
What’s your favourite Christmas cracker joke?
What is round and bad tempered?
A vicious circle.
Sprouts: yes or no?
Yes.
Are you making any New Year's resolutions? If so, what?
Explore more places to walk in the UK with my dogs.
