Category: Industry Mole

Putting a price on work

Jul 4, 2012 |

Politics aside, I squirmed at the recent hubbub over our political elite being named and shamed for not knowing the price of milk and by inference, appearing out of touch with price-sensitive shoppers. I writhed because I too would have waffled and wriggled. I’d squirm further if I was asked the price of a kilowatt-hour of electricity, a low-energy light bulb or a roll of three-ply. At least I couldn’t be accused of being a cynic. Oscar Wilde wrote: ‘What is a cynic? A man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.”  In business, perhaps we’re encouraging our customers to become commercial cynics.

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The Industry Mole May

May 9, 2012 |

“Waiter! There’s a fly in my soup.” Customer complaints justified or otherwise, can be as unwelcome as a bluebottle doing the backstroke in your broth. Sure, we all claim customers are important to our business, but how we handle customer complaints, especially those we deem unfounded, is our litmus test. Most of us are big enough to hold up our hand and admit when we’ve messed up. Whether we’ve innocently mismanaged customers’ expectations or let them down catastrophically, lessons can be learned. 

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Being in business is inherently risky

Mar 1, 2012 |

Being in business is inherently risky. Being successful, sustainable and bankable has more to do with foresight than fortune. In life, nothing is certain but death and taxes. In business, it’s change. Technology and globalisation are inevitable levers for change. 40% of the Fortune 500 companies in 2000 were gone just ten years later. Who saw the writing on the wall predicting Amazon and Waterstones would report e-book downloads eclipse printed book sales, or how we now enjoy online music, TV, films, news, articles, and information would decimate entire industries? When Kodak filed for bankruptcy protection under chapter 11 in the US, the winds of change swirled and chilled. This may not be Kodak’s finest hour, but for the rest of us it’s a wake up call. What risks threaten, if not our survival, then our sustainable success?

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Cloud computing

Feb 14, 2012 |

Cloud computing – what am I supposed to do about that then? Having spent a fair whack of time online over the Christmas holidays, trying to find out a bit more about how this ‘trend’ is likely to impact upon business in general, and trying and get some sort of insight into what I should be doing about it, I’m more bamboozled than I was before. And I’m no technophobe – we use some of the most leading edge printers and software applications around – but it’s a case of where to start when it comes to investigating how cloud computing should be used in my business.

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Upcoming Events

21 February to 23 February 2027
Printwear & Promotion LIVE!

www.printwearandpromotionlive.co.uk

Where?

Hall 20, NEC Birmingham

What is it?

Printwear & Promotion LIVE! is the UK's leading exhibition for the garment and promotional product decoration industry.

The 2026 event saw more than 120 exhibitors showcase the very latest bits of garment decoration equipment and blank garments to thousands of visitors.

Key players from across the marketplace, including Gildan, Roland DG, Fruit of the Loom, Resolute, UPM Metamark, and Stahls’ UK, have already signed up to exhibit.

If you are looking to diversify in 2027, this is one exhibition you should not miss out on!

22 February 2027
The Sign Industry Awards

www.thesignindustryawards.co.uk

Where?

National Conference Centre, Birmingham

What is it?

The Sign Industry Awards, presented by Sign Update, celebrate excellence in the visual communications sector by honouring past achievements, present innovations, and future advancements. These awards recognise outstanding suppliers, sign makers, and individual traders in sign making, digital printing, and visual communications.

6 April to 9 April 2027
FESPA Global Print Expo 2027

www.fespa.com

Where?

Messe Munich, Germany

What is it?

FESPA Global Print Expo is Europe’s leading exhibition for screen, digital and wide-format printing, textile printing, and signage.

Discover the latest technology, materials, and applications across print, personalisation and signage. You’ll experience live demonstrations, get hands-on with the latest tech and get your business ahead making new connections at networking events. It’s the perfect chance to explore how print is evolving. Co-located with the European Sign Expo, WrapFest and Textile it features product launches, live demonstrations, expert talks, and competitions like World Wrap Masters. With a strong focus on business growth, automation, and investment-ready buyers, the expo is an essential platform for professionals seeking the latest print solutions and industry trends.

Whether you’re a print service provider, a brand owner, or a creative professional, see the future of print coming to life at FESPA 2027. Secure your place at the heart of print innovation.