New year predictions: Barry Crich, Adare SEC

27 December 2017

Business

As COO at Adare SEC, Barry Crich has enjoyed a productive year of newfound independence for his company, and hopes to reflect on success before heading into the new year.

What’s at the top of your Christmas wish list this year?

Some new contracts for Adare.

What trend (business or technology) do you think 2017 will be remembered for?

How print is continuing at a rapid pace to keep up and develop, encompassing the digital enhancements.

What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2018 and why?

GDPR is obviously going to influence the way in which communications are printed and the volume involved. There’s masses of opportunity with GDPR in 2018. Brexit will also present opportunities in terms of increasing demand for communications.

What do you think will represent the single biggest threat for printers in 2018 and why?

The single biggest threat is the increase in raw material costs, the ability to pass these costs on and the risk of increasing prices driving customers to other communications channels.

What’s the one thing that the industry should do more of, or do better, in 2018?

To continue to promote itself as a critical communications channel and a key component of the marketing mix.

What was your biggest disappointment in 2017?

Overcapacity in the market and suicidal pricing in some cases.

What was your highlight of 2017?

Separating Adare SEC and Adare International and leaving Adare SEC as a market-leading business in its own right.

What are your hopes for 2018?

To continue to grow and innovate at Adare SEC while winning new customers along the way.

What was the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Don’t look back, look forward.

What was the most important thing that you learnt in 2017?

Having lost close family in the year, we must live life to the full while we can.