What’s at the top of your Christmas wish list?
Market stability
What trend (business or technology) do you think 2013 will be remembered for?
LED drying
What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2014 and why?
I think mergers and acquisitions will be significant factors in 2014. With many companies still struggling in the post recession mist and others thriving the market seems open for M&A activity
What do you think will represent the single biggest threat for printers in 2014 and why?
I think most would agree that we are seeing a return to better trading conditions, I think the first and most obvious threat is that those better trading conditions should stall for any reason. We also need to be wary of the market revving up too quickly because a move from bust to boom is only good in the short term and more drawn out steadier and more predictable recovery would be more welcome by me.
What’s the one thing that the industry should do more of, or do better, in 2014?
We need to stop being bullied in to the commoditisation of print. As an industry we can do this by focusing on the value added elements and enhancing these for the customers.
What was your highlight of 2013?
Being awarded the PrintWeek Label Printer of the Year Award was great. Also, although we did not win it being nominated for our work on employee engagement at the CIPD awards was pretty special and coming second behind M&S isn’t so slovenly given the size difference.
What are your hopes for 2014?
That we can further reduce the pressure placed on the team at Label Apeel and create an even happier place to work.
What was the most important thing that you learnt in 2013?
That happiness always brings success, but success does not always bring happiness.
What will you do differently in 2014?
I have the most amazing management team and in 2014 I am going to stop interfering with their fantastic work, as all I appear to achieve is to slow them down.
What does the industry need to do differently in 2014?
Education, education, education! Leicester School of Print has got rid of most of its kit and I am led to believe this is the same up and down the country. They are now trying to teach printing without a press. Am I alone in thinking this madness? If we want tomorrow’s print professionals to drive the industry and our pensions upwards we need to give them good sound skills now. Todays NVQ’s are a poor replacement of the City and Guilds I remember.
What will you be having for your Christmas dinner?
The starter is a surprise, as it is being supplied by my brother-in-law who fancies himself as a Jamie Oliver type. The main will be turkey and all the trimmings and pudding will be a brandy oozing xmas pud, so as long as we don’t burn the house down with the pudding it should be a lovely day
Are you making any New Year's resolutions? If so, what?
Be nicer to people. Sometimes when you are running a business it is a bit too easy to become the grouchy hermit who lives in the corner and only raises his head to growl a bit.
