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

My wife and daughter wanted me to go for the Frozen Elsa doll and GHD Curve curlers, they are really tough to get hold of... Or, that the UK economy continues to grow, and the hope that we are able to create more jobs in 2015 (50 jobs created in 2014) and Mosaic group of companies to pass the £40m turnover for the first time in 2015. To have a total workforce of 200 by the end of 2015 (currently 180) and to see more companies understanding the value of paying staff the living wage as the absolute minimum and to see more jobs created for the next younger generation.

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

The adoption by printers of the value of using clever enabling software to give their customers marketing tools and provide business process solutions that drive efficiency and value, which in turn has made doing business easier and more efficient, clients are pairing up with solution providers and there is less ad hoc spend available.

And the understanding that multi-channel communication doesn’t exclude the printed form. Print is a very valid and successful channel that when used in conjunction with digital communication delivers real measurable results. Mosaic Group is using a great software product developed by Complisoft, which is following the trend we have seen in 2014.

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

Diversification into added-value services, don’t invest into more metal it is not the answer, invest in data analytics, creative services, brand control software, W2P and integrated marketing tools on a single platform incorporating DAMS and version control.

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

Overcapacity, and printers who think they can solve the problem by buying new tin to do it faster – it’s not the answer. Be prepared to do less and focus on added-value services not just turnover. It’s a cliché, but turnover is vanity and profit sanity. When in a hole, stop digging!

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

Collaborate with other printers and find partners that have complementary services, form alliances and talk with your peers and your customers to find out what they want.

What was your biggest disappointment in 2014?

The possibility of not getting the Elsa doll and the GHD Curve curlers.

What was your highlight of 2014?

Seeing my people grow and for them to demonstrate the value of working as a cohesive family unit. There is no 'I' in 'team', it’s so true and I am humbled by my fantastic multi-talented committed team, all the credit for our outstanding growth and success goes to them, and of course our great clients .

What are your hopes for 2015?

To keep learning, to always have an open mind, embrace and expect change and keep a look-out for our next team member and the next expert and to create jobs and to do it with old-fashioned values. The three most important things in our business are our staff, our customers and our suppliers and we strive to treat them as equals. The carrot always works better than the stick.

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

Never eat yellow snow and stop talking and do more listening – it’s amazing what you learn when you shut up.

What if anything will you do differently in 2015?

More of the same, put the customer at the centre of everything we do, when we are asked for a solution by a client we will work hard to find a solution and to employ the relevant experts to deliver the knowledge and services the customer requires. Always with expertise and the client will allow you to lead them.

What’s your favourite Christmas cracker joke?

What do you call a cat in the desert? Sandy Claus. Or, what will be missing from Take That’s Christmas stocking this year? An Orange.

Are you making any new year’s resolutions? If so, what?

Not to take myself too seriously, and to reinvest into this fantastic team of people that is Mosaic and to continue to diversify and strengthen our marketing services offering.

Who will win the Rugby World Cup in 2015?

It will be an England vs New Zealand final and England will dominate. 43-23.  Or something very close to this scenario.