But things are far from normal.

Energy prices are spiraling out of control. Labour costs are rising and look set to rise further.

Barely a day goes by without another paper or consumables price increase; this year alone some paper grades have shot up by 25%.

And the bitter icing on an already spectacularly yucky cake is that now there are very real challenges around getting hold of the paper you want at any price.

It seems even the weather is against us, with the country being battered by storm Eunice as Printweek goes to press.

Seriously, I’m beginning to think as an industry we could justifiably start to feel a teeny bit persecuted.

But then I remember that there’s hardly a single sector that isn’t facing the same or similar challenges in terms of rising prices and straitened supply chains.

So, my hope is that as they share the same pain, clients will be understanding and be prepared to flex with you – to rise to the various challenges ahead, and perhaps forge closer relationships as a result. And if not, simply cut them off.

Because like Winston Churchill is credited with saying ‘never let a good crisis go to waste’.

And if you think that even Winnie would struggle to see an upside to being hit by so many simultaneous crises…

…allow me to try instead: at least there will be plenty to talk about at the upcoming Printweek Awards.