Looking through our review of the year, there are events featured that I could have sworn happened years ago. Perhaps because it feels that while the year started as it finished in terms of someone pressing a pause button, the industry managed to cram in what seems like at least two years’ worth of activity in between, certainly in terms of M&A if nothing else.

And despite the mild sense of déjà vu after the recent change of government advice and its impact on business confidence, we’re in a significantly different place than we were at the start of 2020. Because in the same way that the majority of the population are protected by the vaccine, the majority of print businesses have built up significant reserves of ‘antibodies’ after the challenges of the past two years to fend off pretty much anything. 

So, while it may feel like nothing has changed as the Covid hokey-cokey continues into the new year, a helluva lot has has in terms of the industry’s natural resilience.

And one other thing that will definitely be different for 2022 is that it will play host to the first Printweek Awards since 2019.

The entries are in, the venue and host are booked and come 3 March when the industry is fully boostered up – in every sense – I’ve no doubt that the pent-up enthusiasm to celebrate everything we’ve
achieved during one of the most challenging periods in the sector’s history will have reached fever pitch.

But until then, stay safe and the Printweek team wishes you and yours a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous print year!