If possible, what positives are you able to draw on from the experiences of 2020?
One of the biggest positives has been the resilience of the team and the speed of adaptability. 2020 for most businesses saw workloads completely dry up inside 24 hours. We then entered six months of rebuilding. It was a superb team effort to get us back to almost 90-95% of usual workload.

With quite a number of industries still remaining closed certain target markets will remain fairly inactive, but as we approach 2021 and restrictions relax further this should bring a period of optimism and more business as a result. Having recently been acquired [in November 2020] by the North West News Group you can imagine this in itself opens the door to endless opportunities, increased financial backing and as a result a more positive outlook as we approach 2021. These are very exciting times for us as a business.

What trend do you think has been accelerated because of the pandemic?
Underneath the umbrella of Kaizen Print Ltd we have two strands to the company – Kaizen Print and Kaizen Brand Evolution. Kaizen Print undoubtedly saw a huge spike in Covid-related printed materials. As a mainly small-format and large-format digital [printer], we were perfectly positioned to produce all such materials quickly and efficiently.

This is a whole new health and safety market we had never really targeted previously. Where we lost in other areas due to forced closure we picked up here. On the Kaizen Brand Evolution side of the business (which houses a team of 10 graphic and web designers) we saw a huge shift in clients eagerly wanting to have an online presence. Consumers switched to buying online and as a result businesses had to act quickly to capture this market.

What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2021 and why?
Personally, I believe that Q1 of 2021 will be equally as tough as 2020. However, if the Covid vaccine proves successful we should see normality return hopefully Q2 but most definitely Q3. As businesses reopen, feelings of optimism will return.

I believe the biggest opportunities for print companies lies with each and every member of your workforce. You can fall into a negative mentality and await the storm to pass or each and every team member can carry an optimistic approach, a hunger and desire to venture into new markets, to pivot and adapt until we are out the other side. Your opportunity always sits closer to home than most business leaders realise. Look after your team and your team will look after your business.

What are your hopes for 2021?
I personally hope we do see that sense of normality return early in 2020. Not only because it affects our business but we have watched many clients suffer so much more than us, fighting for survival month on month. We’ve got to know so many clients on a personal level and we wish them nothing but a speedy recovery as early as possible. These clients have supported us for over 11 years and we will be here on the other side to help them get back on their feet. 

We can't believe we're asking this question for the fourth year running: what is your one-word view on Brexit?
Unsettling.

What was the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Always under promise and over deliver.

What, if anything, will you do differently in 2021?
I’ll most definitely go on holiday. Personal life aside, I’m hopeful on a business front we can remove ourselves from 'firefighting' mode and back into good business practices such as coaching the management team more regularly, training and knowledge sharing across various departments. December has seen us shift back into these good practices and we have already noticed improvements.

One thing that also slipped as a result of Covid and team members working from home was our 'Well Being Wednesdays'. Something we carried out once per month, 20-30 mins activity which the team greatly benefited from. This ranged from group chats from health workers or nutritionists to office yoga sessions. This is something we will implement again in 2021.

What’s your favourite Christmas cracker joke?
Heard this one recently so here goes…
Why won't Santa lose any presents this year?
He's downloaded Sack and Trace.

Sprouts: yes or no?
Absolutely not. Give me any vegetables but not sprouts.

Are you making any New Year's resolutions? If so, what?
I’m a regular 6.30am gym fanatic. New Year's resolution would be to kick things on a level here. On a general note, another resolution would be to make up for lost time outside of work in 2021. Everything was on pause in 2020 so looking forward to family trips and a few adventures next year.