Next year looks like being the make-or-break year for the Euro and possibly the EU. Resolution of the economic and banking problems in Europe will have a major impact on UK printers, because we are still very much a bell wether for the economy as a whole, as well as being hugely dependent on imports of materials and technologies. Opportunities for UK printers include the repatriation of print that had been lost to the Far East over the last decade.
Threats are the continuing shortage of lending to industry by the banks together with the handicaps placed on productive enterprises in the UK by the myriad of non-productive government departments, authorities, organisations and individuals.
Given the choice, I would like to be in currency printing, especially if the Euro breaks up.
What do you believe is the most under-recognised aspect in printing that is likely to become more important in 2011?
Without a doubt the real value and beauty of a printed piece as a functional product and/or a lasting, tangible asset in comparison to the ephemeral nature of new media. Also, that paper manufacture is not about cutting down rain forests, rather it’s an environmentally friendly, properly managed quasi-agricultural activity.
How important do you think Northprint will be?
Not very. Harrogate is far too small and off the beaten track to ever be a serious contender for mainstream exhibitions for an industry the size of print. It probably served a purpose 10 or 15 years ago, but I can’t see it now as much more than a social gathering. Drupa is only 18 months away.
What can the industry do to increase its profile next year?
Firstly, close the door to crooks, chancers and pre-packers. Secondly, pay more heed to the managers of successful UK businesses of all sizes. I am frequently irritated by the relentless ‘spin’, preaching, opinion and self-justification from the periphery and those living off the back of the productive worker in the UK. In contrast, I greatly value and enjoy the opinions, expertise and banter from respected colleagues and friends who post on the PrintWeek community forum and blogs.
What will you do differently next year?
Selling my now almost-worthless RBS bank shares and investing in De La Rue instead. As for Technoprint, we’ll aim to do less commodity print and more of the specialist work. Stability, reliability and continuity are seriously undervalued qualities in UK business, yet there are many successful companies who quietly get on with it year-in-year-out. I’d like to think we are one of those and with that in mind it will be steady as she goes for the twenty-eighth year, hopefully.
