New year predictions: Liz Smith, LG Davis

Smith: proud to see LG Davis' apprentices blossoming
Smith: proud to see LG Davis' apprentices blossoming

LG Davis managing director Liz Smith has presided over a record-breaking year for the business in 2022, with growth at an all-time high - a trend she hopes will continue into next year.

What positives are you able to draw on from the experiences of 2022?
As our 60th year in business, 2022 has certainly been a very positive year for us at LG Davis. Despite the challenges that the current climate brings we have been able to post record figures for growth and are still seeing our business go from strength to strength. A lot of this has been due to the resilience and hard work of our staff as we continue to grow our team. We decided to invest in a new business towards the end of the pandemic, which was a giant leap of faith, and to see that begin to bear fruit in 2022 was a great positive. We also recruited a couple of apprentices during the pandemic as we believe it is important to support the next generation in the industry. To see them blossom and grow as they become true agile team players has been fantastic.

What trend (business or technology) do you think has been accelerated because of the impact of inflation?
I believe that inflation has triggered us as a business to completely focus on achieving more with less. We have always striven for continuous improvement, but this year we are leaner, greener and keener throughout the business. This is demonstrated by our recent project to complete the fit out of LED lighting throughout the business with low traffic areas also controlled by PIRs [passive infrared sensors]. It is all about thinking differently and providing efficiencies wherever you can.

What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2023 and why?
Print is a powerful marketing tool and I think that printers need to take the opportunity to demonstrate that print is not only sustainable but also one of the most effective tools in a business’ marketing strategy.

What are your hopes for 2023?
It would be wonderful to maintain our growth trajectory and continue to look at how we can improve as a business. Print is an important part of the marketing mix and I hope we can continue to cement our position as market leaders in the area. Our team have been such a huge part of our success and I hope we can continue to support the next generation of print workers as we continue to grow and develop the business.

What piece of advice do you wish you had been given in December 2021 to prepare you for the year you’ve just had?
Take a five-year gas and electricity contract!

What was your word or phrase of the year in 2022?
We can!

What’s your favourite Christmas cracker joke?

What happens to elves when they are naughty?

Santa gives them the sack!