New year predictions: Ian McCloskey, My Print Partners

My Print Partners client services director Ian McCloskey reflects on a year of growth - following the firm's first birthday in June - and discusses why the industry should better promote itself.

What’s at the top of your Christmas wish list this year?

A B2 automatic laminator – we purchased it and had it installed at the end of November. It was an early Christmas here.

What trend (business or technology) do you think 2015 will be remembered for?

Digital technology, from the B2 Indigo to Komori’s sheetfed inkjet, it’s amazing to see how much digital technology is advancing, and doing so quickly.

What do you think will represent the single biggest opportunity for printers in 2016 and why?

Digital personalisation. Certainly here, we are getting more creative with our digital press, it has some amazing features.

What do you think will represent the single biggest threat for printers in 2016 and why?

Not being lean. As price goes down and costs increase, it’s about working smarter not harder.

What’s the one thing that the industry should do more of, or do better, in 2016?

Self-promotion, shout about what we’re doing, certainly when we do it well. We work in a progressive industry, let's tell people about it.

What was your highlight of 2015?

Growing a team with great experience.

What are your hopes for 2016?

Getting my garden fence finished. But most of all getting Richard, our managing director, to smile more.

What was the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

If you don’t have passion, then you have nothing, if you don’t believe in what you’re doing then why should anyone else.

What was the most important thing that you learnt in 2015?

Moving house isn’t easy.

What if anything will you do differently in 2016?

Aim high and set myself new goals.

What’s your favourite Christmas cracker joke?

Q: Who hides in the bakery at Christmas? 

A: Mince Spies.

What was the best Christmas present you ever received?

Sega Mega Drive with Sonic the Hedgehog.

Are you making any New Year's resolutions? If so, what?

Yes, but I’ll decide what at 11.59pm 31 Dec 2015.