What’s at the top of your 2017 wish list this year?
A really good deal on a new digital lithographic print machine

What trend (business or technology) do you think 2016 will be remembered for?
Nationally – the growth of digital printing within the packaging industry – this is an area we are investing new technology in.
For us – the internal development of tailored software for our clients that not only generates additional revenue for them and us but at the same time, strengthening the supplier-customer relationships we already enjoy.
Not a trend but in terms of remembering... the Brexit Blip – in the short term, orders pre- and post-Brexit became scarce for many printers and then picked up in the last two quarters.

What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2017 and why?
Offering an unbeatable customer experience from enquiry to supply and follow through. As the number of printers in the UK is contracting, we see a growth in the number of customers looking for a printer who has the specialist skills to help them overcome their particular problems. One thing that will help with this is developing digital printing capabilities, combining these where possible with ecommerce portholes to maximise order runs and minimise handling requirements.

What do you think will represent the single biggest threat for printers in 2017 and why?
Not diversifying and not developing into niche print service areas by developing internal skill sets and making a concerted effort to listen to the customers’ needs. Although the orders are there, printers often need to fight harder for regular orders nowadays and this can result in lower margins as some are forced to buy market share. Working hard at offering a plethora of print services under one roof will enhance the sales opportunities available and developing niche print services will provide gross margin improvement

What’s the one thing that the industry should do more of, or do better, in 2017?
More technology investment – the industry should take advantage of every opportunity presented through internal or government funding projects as well as by taking advantage of R&D tax claim arrangements. Knowing that significant amounts of money invested in specialist print projects that scientifically advance production capabilities can be reclaimed, will provide UK printers an incentive to take on demanding projects whilst at the same time playing a part in driving the UK print industry forward as the “go to country” for printers throughout Europe.

What was your biggest disappointment in 2016?
Without wanting to sound blasé – as a company we don’t think we had one. Life and business is often about two steps forward and one step back. Here at Boyall Graphics & Print whenever we are faced with some issues, that’s great because it won’t be long and we will be moving forwards again. Everyone in the company has this attitude and I find it inspiring watching production overcome one issue after another.

What was your highlight of 2016?
Developing software for clients and beginning to integrate with customer web purchasing portals. These two actions have/will strategically place us for growth over the next two-to-three years and provide an opportunity to become a dominant player in one of our targeted market sectors.

What are your hopes for 2017?
Investing in new machinery for the reasons mentioned above.

What was the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
When I got married the person who gave a speech said “whatever you do, do it together” – we’ve been married 28 years and I love every minute of it because we have applied that advice.

What was the most important thing that you learnt in 2016?
“It doesn’t matter how many problems you have – it is how you deal with them that makes the difference." Some chap said it and I think that if we can get our heads around such a viewpoint – it makes the difference in being successful or not.

What if anything will you do differently in 2017?
I will spend more time investing in people internally as the last few years have been about investing in sales features and benefits of the company.

What’s your favourite Christmas cracker joke?
I don’t have a favourite joke but I do have a favourite Joker. I have been laughing at my wife’s jokes for the last 28 years. Many are the same and some I am only just getting but the way she tells them – I could laugh at them for another 28 years ?

What was the best Christmas present you ever received?
When I was 12 my mum and dad gave me a racer bicycle – the next summer holidays I was never at home – always out riding in the countryside.

Are you making any New Year's resolutions? If so, what?
No.