The Times increased its circulation significantly in 2016. A return to the printed word?
Printers and suppliers share their thoughts on the industry in 2016 and look forward to 2017.
1. What was the most significant development in the printing industry in 2016?
Richard Leach (RL), managing director, Leach
The outcome of the EU referendum had a significant impact. We remain confident despite the Brexit decision, but it has to be one of the most significant developments we’ve encountered.
Andrew Hall (AH), marketing manager, Oki Systems (UK)
A huge take up of personalisation and on demand print.
Gerard Heanue (GH), managing director, Heidelberg UK
Inkjet developments and the partnerships forged between litho and digital companies.
James Jarvis (JJ), channel director for print, Antalis
Print volumes may be in decline, but demand for high quality, creative print continues to rise and printers are embracing new technologies, new markets and new revenue streams.
Keith McMurtrie (KM), managing director, Tharstern
We’ve seen a big increase in personalised products that have been ordered online. More and more printers want the ability to process these hands-free.
Sarah Crumpler (SC), marketing manager, Duplo UK
Printers are focusing on finishing options that add value. There has been a significant drive to greater workflow automation.
Stephen Palmer (SP), director of production print business, Ricoh UK
The acceptance of inkjet. Printers in the UK have begun to adopt this technology that now meets the speed and quality demands to offer an alternative to litho.
2. How would you describe the state of the print industry in 2016?
Jon Bailey (JB), CEO, ProCo
Competitive and challenging but upbeat! There are jobs out there to be won and, with some creative thinking, margin to be gained too!
RL
In one word, encouraging. Forward-thinking companies are innovating more than ever before. That constant eye on the future and a commitment to adding value for clients is what has continued to excite me during the year.
Bryan Godwyn (BG), managing director, IFS
It is in a state of change but it is in a very exciting and healthy condition for those forward thinking printers.
GH
Heidelberg carries out regular customer surveys and our latest one found that 90% of printers were optimistic about increasing their revenues. Brexit has led to a weakening of sterling but companies have continued to invest where there is a clear business rationale and measurable ROI.
SC
There is a sense of optimism despite the Brexit vote, and customers are continuing to invest.
3. Have you detected any sign of a swing back towards print?
JB
Price stops people going down the print route, and postage plays a massive part in that. However, people are beginning to understand that digital just doesn’t do it on its own and that DM delivers the best ROI.
Antony Paul (AP), marketing manager, Neopost
There does seem to have been something of a return to direct mail from email. Although not necessarily visible in pure volume terms, DM does seem to be an increasing part of the mix.
JJ
Yes absolutely. The initial rush to move online has plateaued. Consumers are growing immune to the barrage of digital communications. Marketers are increasingly considering print within a multi-channel approach to maximise response rates.
Rob Fisher (RF), Ipex event director, Informa Exhibitions
I have noticed a swing towards print. The central theme is a ‘kick-back’ on the digital world with people wanting to see and touch an analogue version like vinyl albums covers and books.
SP
Most definitely. Print forms part of an increasingly complex marketing mix. There is a swing towards direct mail because brand owners are realising the chance to cultivate an emotional response. Clients have reported double-digit growth in this area in the past year.
4. What was your favourite printed job of the year?
AH
Our Oki Print my Ride campaign.
BG
The new £5 note.
GH
The Times, which increased its circulation significantly in the last 12 months. A return to the printed word?
JJ
The standout piece was ‘Don McCullin: Irreconcilable Truths’ printed by Opal Print and designed by The English Group.
Peter Bray (PB), managing director, Durst UK
A project created for the Sumburgh Marine Life centre by Leach Colour, including an interactive 12-metre glass wall that uses 50 hexagonal lightboxes.
5. What was the most significant development in your business in 2016?
Bob Usher (BU), managing director, Apex Digital Graphics
The adoption of LED-UV litho presses by digital printers.
BG
Tony Hards retired after 50 years in print and Jason Seaber became a shareholder.
David Smith (DS), marketing communications manager, Vivid
2016 was the year that foiling and spot UV-style effects using the Matrix really came into their own.
GH
The recruitment of three new apprentices: Elliott Brettle; Harry Thomas; and Ryan Watts. People count and teams matter. Our industry must invest in the future by recruiting, training and re-training staff to optimise skills and business performance.
KM
Launching in the US – we invested hundreds of thousands of pounds. We’re very happy to say it was worth it.
PA
The launch of partner services. We now have six commercial partners and a base of pro-photographer customers that shows our approach working. The partner model has been instrumental in finding customers that really appreciate and demand quality.
PB
Durst Water Technology. It’s a long-term strategy to offer systems an alternative to UV and solvent.
SP
The inkjet Pro VC6000 and its latest capability to print on coated litho stock. The need to expand the media is critical to our customers.
Steve Giddins (SG), partner, PBS
The introduction of on demand and short run luxury box making by IML.
Read the rest of the answers here.
