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

Beard Baubles. (Can be viewed here if you haven't seen them.) 

What trend (business or technology) do you think 2014 will be remembered for?

Nothing. There was no quantum leap forward that will make 2014 stand out. However one trend that caught my attention was the shift in focus by the original low cost airline in the UK, Easyjet, from the pursuit of low cost at any cost (even customer dissatisfaction) towards one that offers added value features and rewards loyalty. I wonder if the print sector can do the same?

What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2015 and why?

Consolidation. The current UK market is still too fragmented, we need to see some large-scale consolidation combined with greater collaboration so that price competition can abate somewhat.

What do you think will represent the single biggest threat for printers in 2015 and why?

There is no single threat, printers will continue to fight a battle on many fronts; new tech creating alternative methods of communication, advancements in print technology creating overcapacity, intense competition exacerbating price erosion.

What’s the one thing that the industry should do more of, or do better, in 2015?

We need to collaborate. At the beginning of 2015 PrintWeek will launch their review of the top 500 print companies in the UK. Of those, only a handful will have double-digit profitability and the average will probably be around 4%. We need to work out how to avoid handing back every profit we make to the equipment manufacturers only to then hand back every efficiency gain we make directly to the customer.

What was your highlight of 2014?

Winning the Dads' race at my children’s sports day.

What are your hopes for 2015?

That the economy continues to grow and we avoid isolationism from Europe.

What was the most important thing that you learnt in 2014?

When you have a stone in your shoe, deal with it.

What if anything will you do differently in 2015?

More exercise.

What’s your favourite Christmas cracker joke?

What do you call Santa’s little helpers?

Subordinate clauses!

Are you making any New Year's resolutions? If so, what?

More exercise.

Who will win the Rugby World Cup in 2015?

I’m glad you asked. Despite our slightly off par performance in the Autumn Internationals I believe the Springboks will have what it takes. If not then I hope for England.