01732 759725 24 VOX POP …continued Rowan Jeffreys-Hoar, Director, Partner Channel, Ricoh: As 2024 draws to a close, the UK print sector stands on the brink of a transformative year, with innovations in technology, sustainability and digital, set to play an everincreasing importance. As businesses increasingly shift towards hybrid work environments, the role of print is evolving, with demand growing for high quality, versatile solutions like A3 colour and a robust A4 print market. This is a response to the increased customisation and flexibility needs in offices and remote setups alike – catering to smaller-scale, on-demand print requirements while maintaining premium quality. Sustainability will continue to drive innovation across the industry. With eco-conscious consumers and businesses prioritising greener operations, manufacturers are embedding sustainability into every phase of product development. Recycled materials, energy-efficient devices, and waste-minimising on-demand printing are becoming industry standards. We see this as a fantastic opportunity, not only for our own long‑standing environmental commitments but how this resonates with partners and end-users. This is not just about compliance but aligning with broader corporate and socialite consciousness and responsibility. As businesses continue on the path toward digital transformation, scanning and document management solutions have gained strategic importance. Moving beyond traditional print, these solutions ensure easy, fast access to information while minimising paper use, which is both a cost and environmental advantage. Cloud-managed solutions are transforming print and IT services through seamless device management, zero trust security frameworks, and integration with operating software. Cloud-based solutions such as Ricoh’s CloudStream, allow businesses to optimise workflows, reduce downtime, and offer streamlined, secure printing capabilities across dispersed teams. Document security and cloud-connected print environments are critical, especially as companies bolster their zero trust approaches to meet heightened security standards in hybrid workplaces. With the rise of flexible and hybrid work models, we are seeing a new frontier in workspace productivity. This isn’t just focused on the intangible elements of software technology. With the rise of teams sharing workspace or indeed rarely (if at all) visiting a centralised workspace location on the same day there is an increasing requirement for secure document and hardware storage. Solutions such as Ricoh’s Smart Lockers, allow secure, contactless storage and pickup of devices, documents, and packages, streamlining logistics for employees whether they’re in the office or working remotely. For the IT sector, smart lockers also offer a powerful tool for managing hardware distribution and maintenance, eliminating unnecessary administrative burdens and reducing time spent on in-office coordination. Across the industry, convergence is happening at an unprecedented pace. Channel partners who can integrate and align with AI, IoT, and advanced cloud technologies like Cloudstream, stand to become essential consultative specialists. Success will belong to those partners who can step up as trusted advisors, offering solutions tailored to modern business needs rather than merely competing on cost or hardware alone. The evolving demands for sophisticated, high-value services from UK businesses indicate that channel partners rather than acting as technology resellers, will be seen as essential strategic advisors. Those who adapt to the market’s convergence of print and IT with a focus on flexibility, cloud management, and sustainable practices will thrive. The future is bright for those who embrace this shift, empowering organisations through reliable, agile, and innovative solutions. www.ricoh.co.uk Cloud-managed solutions are transforming print and IT services through seamless device management, zero trust security frameworks, and integration with operating software Rowan Jeffreys-Hoar
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