What positives are you able to draw on from the experiences of 2021?
Much like the previous year, 2021 has been a year of turbulence, where successful pivoting and fast reactions have been crucial to many businesses. Nevertheless, this turbulence has continued to remind us that the stability we’ve previously become used to shouldn’t be taken for granted.
It’s important for us to be able to see the new opportunities that unfold in the midst of a crisis, and not be solely fixated on the fear that the change may bring. In fact, some of our greatest achievements can be found when we’re taken out of our comfort zones. It’s critical to keep moving and pushing ourselves and our ideas forward.
What trend (business or technology) do you think has been accelerated because of the impact of Covid?
Being a firm advocate of automation and integration, one of the biggest areas of change I’ve noted as a result of the pandemic is the astonishing increase in businesses of all sizes getting online and streamlining their services to offer a consistent omnichannel experience.
Integrating a digital experience has never been more crucial. Not only does this allow businesses to remain as competitive as possible but also relevant in the current market.
That being said, having been lucky enough to move over to our new luxury book brand, I think it’s clear that anyone with a specialism has a massive opportunity in the market whatever the climate. We’ve seen some incredibly bespoke and beautiful products move through the factory, which are often being used to add a personal touch while we’re all encouraged to stay apart.
What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2022 and why?
We’ve seen a notable increase of bespoke work coming through from our clients, and I don’t anticipate that trend ending any time soon.
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, personalisation has become a huge part of many business’s strategies as brands have achieved some of their best engagement through adding a human element to their communications. While we’ve all been isolated from loved ones, this has become a welcome approach to marketing and something I think a lot of consumers now expect.
Whether it’s providing the option to print single quantities of custom prints, or leaving space for a signature or handwritten message, I believe offering a variety of bespoke printing options will be key in 2022.
What are your hopes for 2022?
As ever, I’m hopeful for a happy and healthy 2022. We’ve faced so much uncertainty in previous years, and there will likely be much more to come. But one thing I am certain about is our ability to come together and make the most of any situation we’re thrown into. New year, new challenges – and I for one am ready to face whatever comes our way.
Describe your ‘new normal’?
As well as adapting my responsibilities during the pandemic, having started in a brand new role in our recently acquired premium book printing arm of the business, my ‘new normal’ has definitely evolved over the last couple of years.
At Bluetree Group, we’re known for our strong workplace culture. I’m surrounded by a group of incredibly talented people who are all working towards the same goal – and it’s an honour to empower our new team members at Kingsbury with our well-established values.
As head of client success, my ultimate aim is to provide an exceptional, professional service and lead a team that’s as dedicated to our clients’ success as our clients themselves!
What piece of advice do you wish you had been given and when?
Like many people leaving education and entering the workforce for the first time, I used to feel a lot of pressure to not make mistakes when I was younger. If I could go back in time to my late teens or early twenties, I’d tell myself not to be afraid of making mistakes. We all inevitably make them, and we should make them. Otherwise, how will we learn and improve? Whether my younger self would have taken that advice on board or not is another question!
What, if anything, will you do differently in 2022?
In 2022, I’m going to worry less – or at least try to! If this year has taught me anything, it’s that there’s no use worrying about things that are out of my control. Instead, I’m going to take each challenge as it comes and face it in the moment, rather than retrospectively focusing on ‘what ifs’ and ‘could have beens’.
What’s your favourite Christmas cracker joke?
What’s E.T. short for? Because he’s got little legs!
Sprouts: yes or no?
Always, yes!
Are you making any New Year's resolutions? If so, what?
It might sound cheesy, but I try not to make New Year’s resolutions. We don’t need a New Year to start good habits! Whatever goal it is you want to accomplish, you’ll achieve more progress by starting it right now rather than waiting for a particular date to come around.
