What trend do you think 2012 will be remembered for?

The industry is changing rapidly. We have seen more printers go out of business this year than we have done for some time. This trend will continue as companies fail to respond to the shifting needs of the market.

What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2013 and why?

It is essential that the traditional print company can offer a broader mix of communication mediums than just print. They need to embrace the digital age not just in terms of digital print but communication via electronic mediums.

What do you think will represent the single biggest threat for printers in 2013 and why?

The industry is changing rapidly. We have seen more printers go out of business this year than we have done for some time. This trend will continue as companies fail to respond to the shifting needs of the market.

But for those that embrace changing technology the future looks very exciting.

What does the industry need to do differently in 2013?

Industry in general needs to be far more responsive to their customer needs and react much more quickly than in the past. This will put great pressure on all their suppliers to be able to respond quickly and effectively. The implication for print is that the lead time to provide product and services will get less and less. Customers will put more value around the ability to respond to their needs rather than the technology involved in producing the printed material.  To be able to do this the modern communications business will need to embrace technology like they have never done before. This will enable them to turn work round quickly and cost effectively but also enable them to offer their customers a portfolio of products and services to enhance their communications strategies.