“We see print businesses that are doing phenomenally well, with some small companies punching way above their weight because they have good strategy for growth, but we also see many blocks to success within the print sector. The weaknesses we see in companies are a lack of: high quality professional management; strategic direction and business planning; e-commerce capability; modern sales process; and focus on skills development.”
This was a sobering message from Neil Falconer of consultancy firm Printfuture speaking at the recent Fespa Global Summit (a synopsis of the event can be found? on here).
In my role as Image Reports editor, I tend to spend more time talking to those companies that, large or small, have very proactive management who think outside the box - my intention being to use their stories as beacons for the rest of the wide- format print community.
The fact that so many print providers in this sector are doing rather better than those in other parts of the print industry perhaps flags up the fact that the digital inkjet technology deployed not only enables the production of more profitable print, but that those that produce it are more entrepreneurial and/or have faced up to the need to change their business models. But of course there are still plenty of companies where day-to-day logistics take precedence over longer term strategic development.
The reasons for that are understood, but perhaps it’s time to devote some time to establishing the opportunities and threats that are likely to impact upon what you do. The reason I mention it now is because with Sign and Digital UK and Fespa Digital 2014 looming, there will be plenty of opportunity for you to hear stories of developmental change from the horses’ mouths within the events’ educational programmes, not to mention the chance to gain customer/market insight. I’ll be at a number of the presentations so if you see me give me a shout – I’m always interested to hear about what’s pushing you forward and what’s holding you back.
Editor, Lesley Simpson
lesley.simpson@imagereportsmag.co.uk
Tel. 01932 707173
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