New year predictions: Mike Phillips, The Delta Group

The Delta Group chief executive Mike Phillips says that while Brexit was a disappointment, it might actually represent an opportunity provided the industry doesn’t get complacent.

What’s at the top of your Christmas wish list this year?
I hope that all the Delta team have a really relaxing festive break with their families after what has been another busy and exciting year.

What trend (business or technology) do you think 2016 will be remembered for?
Not exactly a trend, but Brexit certainly had, and continues to have, an impact, especially within retail. This, alongside, the incessant pressure our clients are under, has meant that the use of digital and systems technology to enable them to react quickly to market conditions, has played an increasingly important role.

What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2017 and why?
Be the best at producing printed media – it remains one of the most powerful ways to engage and connect consumers with a brand. The continuing convergence of physical and digital within visual communications; understanding where it can benefit clients and selling the right solution to them.
 
What do you think will represent the single biggest threat for printers in 2017 and why?
Complacency and lack of investment in the right areas.

What’s the one thing that the industry should do more of, or do better, in 2017?
See ourselves as service solution providers; understand what the real challenges of our clients are now and in the future and develop solutions to meet these needs. Never get complacent, be prepared to challenge ourselves to do things differently. It’s a time of change and we need to be agile enough to manage this change effectively. 

What was your biggest disappointment in 2016?
Euro 2016 – football and Brexit!!!

What was your highlight of 2016?
The acquisition of Zone in January 2016 was a big step for Delta and shows our intent for the future.

What are your hopes for 2017?
That the country settles post-Brexit.  

What was the most important thing that you learnt in 2016?
Nothing is ever as it seems; even the things that you assume are a given, often aren’t.

What’s your favourite Christmas cracker joke?
Q: Why did Santa’s helper see the Doctor?
A: Because he had low ‘elf-esteem’!