What possible gift could you buy the managing director of PrintWeek’s SME of the Year for Christmas? Simples, the exact same present he got when he was an impressionable eight-year old, well that or a Ferag stitching line anyway.
What’s at the top of your Christmas wish list this year?
A Ferag Unidrum stitching line. Do you think Santa could install one of these ready for the 4 Jan? Seriously, I hope all my friends, family, colleagues and customers have a wonderful Christmas and happy New Year. (Printweek Team included too.)
What trend (business or technology) do you think 2015 will be remembered for?
The continued dominance of the mobile ‘App’ and features like contactless pay or Apple Pay. We now have an App for everything in our lives from controlling our heating and lighting to arranging our finances or paying for a coffee.
What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2016 and why?
Surely overcapacity is finally reaching a ‘tipping point’ in the industry and the time has come for print to be sold at a fair price.
What do you think will represent the single biggest threat for printers in 2016 and why?
Continuing to chase unprofitable revenue streams.
What’s the one thing that the industry should do more of, or do better, in 2016?
Collaboration and convincing clients that Print and Direct Mail continues to be an effective ‘driver’ alongside other advertising streams in the modern media market place.
What was your biggest disappointment in 2015?
I genuinely have had no major disappointments at all. It has been a great year on many fronts.
What was your highlight of 2015?
First 4 Print Finishing winning our third Printweek SME of the Year Award and from a personal perspective, the imminent arrival of our second child due in April.
What are your hopes for 2016?
McLaren return to the front of the F1 grid.
What was the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Be careful how you treat people as you never know where you will meet them again – very useful in this industry.
What was the most important thing that you learnt in 2015?
The importance of time away from the office.
What if anything will you do differently in 2016?
Every day is a school day, so who knows….
If you’re thinking of going to Drupa next year, what are you keen to see?
We are indeed, but that’s for me to know and you to find out.
What’s your favourite Christmas cracker joke?
Q: What do you get if you eat Christmas decorations?
A: Tinsillitis!
What was the best Christmas present you ever received?
My first Scalextric, I was around eight-years old. Come to think of it, I would be pretty happy with one this year too.
Are you making any New Year’s resolutions? If so, what?
I’m terrible at keeping to them, so no.
Ref: www.printweek.com