I believe there is a divide appearing in print. More printers will disappear next year, possible even more than this year. This will create more opportunity to print companies that are diverse to grow turnover and more importantly margin.
What do you believe is the most under-recognised aspect in printing that is likely to become more important in 2011?
I feel the most under recognised part of print is the death of the trade finishers. A printer that can't keep its turnover in house will not make enough of a margin to continue, so fold and stitch trade finishers will cease to exist. However, perfect binding finishers will get stronger and more profitable as their competition disappears.
How important do you think Northprint will be?
It is not an event that I take much notice of.
What will you do differently next year?
My mission next year is to cross-sell all diverse areas – so, cardboard engineering clients will be introduced to heat-set web and direct marketing for example.
This could grow my turnover immensely without the need to find new clients, meaning I am only taking risks with clients I already know.
