What positives are you able to draw on from the experiences of 2022?
In a year of changes and challenges that, at the end of 2021, no-one could have predicted, the print industry continued to show its resilience. It’s driven by passionate, talented and innovative people, who are optimistic about the future, and this is why it will continue to adapt and move forward in the face of whatever comes next.

What trend do you think has been accelerated because of the impact of inflation?
The last few years have shown that uncertainty prevails which impacts everyone one way or another, not just at work but outside work, too. For businesses, being there for staff is more important than ever. Against this backdrop, I think the wellbeing trend is brighter than ever, but there’s still more to do. More companies will be searching for ways to support their staff as pressures mount. Within this context, it’s crucial that we continue to push for greater cross-industry awareness of the practical and emotional support we at the Printing Charity provide, so we can be there for those in the industry, and their families, when they need us.

What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2023?
The print sector will need to continue to innovate, as it has done so brilliantly over the past few years. There are job roles in the industry now that would not have been thought of ten years ago, and with the current pace of evolution, I expect the same thing will be said ten years from now.

A focus on skills and developing people remains key to continuing this sector innovation, both through people with these new skills joining; and through a focus on professional and personal development for those already working within it. This will help the sector retain the talents and experience of these people, while equipping them to shape the industry of the future.

We need to continue to show young people the potential of a career pathway in print, which at the Printing Charity we support through our annual Rising Star Awards, which provide grants for successful applicants to invest in their personal development, for their benefit and for the benefit of the industry overall.

What are your hopes for 2023?
Some respite from uncertainty for everyone, though I may be better off hoping for a lottery win!

What piece of advice do you wish you had been given in December 2021 to prepare you for the year you’ve just had?
Going into 2022 I thought we’d lived through enough unreal changes and experiences, and then everything changed…again! “Expect the unexpected” is possibly the advice I’d give myself at the end of 2022…and indeed probably for all subsequent years!

What was your word or phrase of the year in 2022?
None that can be published!

What, if anything, will you do differently in 2023?
Honestly, it’s less about doing this differently and more about taking the good stuff from the previous year and keep moving forward with that. Adapt in the best way possible to whatever comes next. Keep connecting to the sector and its people so that we move onwards together.

Are you making any New Year's resolutions? If so, what?
No New Year resolutions. Just keep looking forward.