What do you think will the greatest opportunity for and threat to printers next year?
2009 has been like a war zone in the print trade, and I know it sounds like a cliché, but if you’ve come out the other end of it you should be the fitter for it. Sadly, the most obvious opportunity comes from the contraction in suppliers, so inevitably if your still trading your market share will increase.

As for threats, you’ve got to have a good relationship with your banking and funding partners. Here at Colourworld, we believe that the Credit Crunch is easing, but the industry is still in for a rocky ride for at least the next 6 months. Without knowing that your banks are right behind you it’s going to be difficult to sleep at night and focus on your business.

What do you believe is the most under-recognised aspect in printing that is likely to become more important in 2010?
Well, it’s all about service! Quality and value for money are a given. With so many of our customers own marketing being purely tactical we need to be able to respond and deliver efficiently and within break neck timescales.

How important do you think Ipex will be?
Ipex will be smaller and leaner and the better for it, It will only be important for those with the appetite to invest.

What can the print industry do to raise its profile?
We must make sure that as an industry we raise the stakes with our PR. Over the past 12 months the motor and construction industry has been perceived as the bedrock of the UK economy. As an industry we are a massive employer and contributor to the wealth of the nation, both directly and indirectly. Our industry needs to, quite rightly, be linked to an economic recovery and be supported, by whatever needs necessary, to do it.

What will you do differently next year?
Get more sleep and spend time with my family, if they’ll have me! Keep an even tighter grip on cash to take advantage of the growth opportunities we’re confident are on their way.