Opinion

QR codes seem to have gotten a bit stale, printed electronics are the preserve of the specialists, then there’s the whole can of worms that is 3D printing.

While the paper market seemed to chug down Paperlinx’s capacity with barely a burp, three months later concerns remain about the potential aftershocks of the demise of the UK’s largest paper merchant.

Following on from our interview with Gary Peeling in the last issue, our online poll question this week was what term best describes your business?

Despite the sad news regarding the seemingly imminent closure of Artisan Press and the death-knell ringing for Tullis Russell, the industry generally seems to be in a happy place.

Writing this on the eve of what looks set to be a record-breaking Fespa, it’s easy to see why there remains such a buzz around the wide-format sector.

With all the depressing news in the world of paper in recent weeks, it would be all too easy for clouds of gloom to overshadow the broader print industry.

One of the many interesting topics thrown up in this issue’s interview was that profit is still too often seen as a dirty word in print.

While a coalition government is a highly likely outcome of the 7 May election, it will be led by one or other of the two big players. So, what are they offering?

Throughout this magazine’s almost 60-year history, its hard to imagine that many stories could have had as broad an impact on the UK industry as the demise of Paperlinx.

It’s safe to say that Andrew Price’s unceremonial sacking by Paperlinx came as something of a surprise last week.

Without wishing to name drop, ahem, last week I was lucky enough to meet Prince Charles when he visited the St Bride Foundation.

Few would argue that Charles Jarrold has got big shoes to fill as the new head of the BPIF.

I hope that you’re all well rested after the Christmas break, because it looks like 2015 is going to get off to a flyer.

Peter Zillig, chief executive of Tag Worldwide EMEA, is hoping for a Red (Devils) Christmas and believes responsiveness and collaboration will be key for the print industry in 2015.

Exaprint UK managing director Simon Cooper hopes the industry at large can find ways to retain more profit for itself in the coming year.