New year predictions: Nigel Toplis, Kall Kwik UK

Kall Kwik UK managing director Nigel Toplis hopes the industry will become more customer-driven in 2017.

What’s at the top of your Christmas wish list this year?
A more peaceful world in 2017, a government that doesn’t put more barriers in the way of small business and further success for all my brands in the year ahead.

What trend (business or technology) do you think 2016 will be remembered for?
I am taken by the expansion and creativity in the large-format marketplace.

What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2017 and why?
Moving away from being production-led to being customer-driven – people still buy from people and the sooner we believe that building relationships with customers is the way forward then the more successful we will all be.
 

What do you think will represent the single biggest threat for printers in 2017 and why?
Continuing to believe that producing ink on paper faster is simply good enough.
 

What’s the one thing that the industry should do more of, or do better, in 2017?
See more customers! Ask yourself this question – if you sat down with only one new customer per week, how much would this add to your turnover? And, more importantly, what would their lifetime value be?

What was your biggest disappointment in 2016?
I don’t remember disappointments – too many good things to look forward to.

What was your highlight of 2016?
Leicester City winning the League.

What are your hopes for 2017?
For Kall Kwik centres to continue to diversify and change their product mix, such that customers value us not only for the professional print job but more so for our intellect and ability to positively affect their business.
 

What was the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Hard work begets good luck.
 

What was the most important thing that you learnt in 2016?
You can’t rush change but equally you must be resolute in your belief that change is good for business.

What if anything will you do differently in 2017?
Not differently but continue to question how we can best help our centre owners and franchisees to maximise the opportunity they have in their businesses.
 

What was the best Christmas present you ever received?
My first bicycle.

Are you making any New Year's resolutions? If so, what?
Work hard, do more, encourage my team to stretch themselves and, above all, let’s all have fun!