What’s at the top of your Christmas wish list this year?
Sleep. It’s been a busy year and I am ready for the break but I am excited about 2016.
What trend do you think 2015 will be remembered for?
For those of us in POS we saw the continuation of clients requiring omni-channel campaigns – the store cannot be considered in isolation. Shoppers can access brands and information through multiple touch-points so it is has been important to deliver a consistent experience.
Our clients have remained under pressure in terms of budgets and time. Therefore data and proving ROI has been crucial.
What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2016 and why?
The drive for data provides an opportunity to identify all areas of spend to determine for our clients how cost and waste can be removed from the process and which items of POS are delivering the best ROI. We want to help our clients make informed decisions on their POS spend.
What do you think will represent the single biggest threat for printers in 2016 and why?
We continue to see downward pressure on margins. In many instances the industry is the biggest threat to itself as people submit pricing which in the long run will prove unsustainable.
What’s the one thing that the industry should do more of, or do better, in 2016?
Show the value of what is being delivered and always look to continually improve.
We also need to work on how we attract – and keep – talent within the industry
What was your biggest disappointment in 2015?
Every year has its trials and tribulations but despite the challenges and the odd few sleepless nights I think we have had a good 2015 and our investment makes us well placed to push forward next year.
What was your highlight of 2015?
Completing a 3,720sqm extension to our Aylesford factory. Operating through this upheaval, whilst delivering a record breaking turnover year is a real testament to our people. I actually feel immensely proud of the support they have given the business.
What are your hopes for 2016?
Firstly, to realise the potential of our new site. Secondly, to further enhance and develop our Opus campaign management system. We have made significant strides this year and it is now used across 63 countries worldwide with over 33,000 assets stored and 165,000 orders processed.
Finally, from an internal point of view, our colleagues are hugely important to us and we have a goal to be the best place in the industry to work for. We have introduced new benefits this year such as subsidised gym memberships and we will be continuing to look at how we deliver more for all our colleagues.
What was the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Even if you think you immediately know the answer to something that your team bring you, always take your time to consider their ideas first.
What was the most important thing that you learnt in 2015?
Patience – I am sure that anyone who has been involved in a large scale build will know that a myriad things can and do go wrong. That goes for many of the other challenges we face on a daily basis.
What if anything will you do differently in 2016?
I have recently been reading an interesting book on what motivates people – Drive by Daniel Pink. It has given me a lot of food for thought about the way I work and what effect that has on others. Creo has experienced significant growth and allowing people to be responsible for their own areas will be key to our continuing success.
If you’re thinking of going to Drupa next year, what are you keen to see?
I will not be attending Drupa, but our Operations Director probably will. I would ask him but no doubt I would then be given far too long a shopping list…
What’s your favourite Christmas cracker joke?
How did Scrooge win the football game?
The ghost of Christmas passed!
What was the best Christmas present you ever received?
The first card my daughter drew for me is still the best thing I have received.
Are you making any New Year's resolutions? If so, what?
No, it’s not something I’ve ever done.
