What positives are you able to draw on from the experiences of 2023?
We have seen a return to some trading patterns at last. Which is most welcome after the last few years of uncertainty. While we are sadly seeing a reduction in volume from clients, we are also finding that there is more commitment to longer term campaigns from customers, there is a confidence starting to come back, although I feel it is still quite fragile. Seeing prices on paper stabilise and the Royal Mail dispute finally being settled have also been positives for the end of the year, although both have harmed our industry.

What trend (business or technology) do you think has been accelerated because of the impact of inflation?
Technology is by the far the biggest single trend that has rocketed in 2023. It is so exciting to share with clients the innovations and added value tech can bring. The conversations with marketing teams big and small are now so much more data led and we can really showcase the opportunities to drive clients' ROI up. From how you enclose to tracking of results, tech is enhancing what we can bring to the market.

What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2024 and why?
It must be all the election work that is planned. Some good volumes, and due to the changes in the market capacity, some work will find new homes for sure.

What are your hopes for 2024?
It's all about momentum, let's keep this positivity moving, let's keep building on tech and data led marketing and ensure that the confidence continues to grow.

What piece of advice do you wish you had been given in December 2022 to prepare you for the year you’ve just had?
Get better at juggling many balls in the air at one time.

What was your word or phrase of the year in 2023?
Automation.

What, if anything, will you do differently in 2024?
Focus will stay on the tech led solutions and innovation, but it has to be combined with better communication of what is possible. 2024 will see a much more combined strategy around marketing, which is much needed.

Will you be going to Drupa 2024?
Sadly not.

What would be your fantasy technology (or trend) you would like to see on show in Düsseldorf?
Print that responds to human emotion via physical contact.

Sprouts, yes or no?
Yes, they get a bad press!

Are you making any New Year's resolutions? If so, what?
No resolutions, just always find ways to be a better version of yourself and look to learn every day.