What positives are you able to draw on from the experiences of 2021?
It’s nearly over and we are still here! The testing times during the last year have thrown into sharp relief the crucial importance of building a strong, reactive, proactive, resilient and agile team. Above all else, they will help get you through tough times.
What trend do you think has been accelerated because of the impact of Covid?
Remote working and virtual meetings have both been instrumental in keeping the wheels of commerce turning and proved their worth as a workable and effective method of doing business, especially after our recent investment in a business-wide ERP system, which allows staff remote access across our operation.
What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2022?
Getting on the front foot with sustainability. Whilst a challenge, this has become a non-negotiable priority for 2022, and we are committed to delivering measurable and progressive progress.
What are your hopes for 2022?
A more balanced commercial environment. And a bit of peace and quiet!
Describe your ‘new normal’?
Nothing has been 'normal' for the last two years – maybe that’s the new normal. It may well be that the uncertainty of 2021 will produce a positive for future years, highlighting the positivity and commercial importance of business model agility.
What piece of advice do you wish you had been given and when?
In the absence of a crystal ball, I guess a little forewarning of the extent and reach of the pandemic would have been useful, rather than the rather ad hoc, reactive delivery of updated plans, but I realise that no one can predict the impact of such a once-in-a-lifetime event. Maybe a lesson in contingency and planning for the worst but hoping for the best is advice I can take forward.
What, if anything, will you do differently in 2022?
Embracing opportunity. Constant reassessment of our capabilities and skillsets to maximise our exposure to new markets and sectors.
What’s your favourite Christmas cracker joke?
How does Good King Wenceslas like his pizzas?
Deep pan, crisp and even… (sorry…)
Sprouts: yes or no?
Yes please! Bring it on!
Are you making any New Year's resolutions?
No. Let’s see what happens!
