01732 759725 46 challenge, especially as the balance between remote and onsite work continues to evolve. Tools like Epson Remote Services allow businesses to manage print technology seamlessly across different locations. High-yield, low-maintenance products designed to be ‘fit and forget’ help reduce downtime and support consistent productivity. Meanwhile, our heatfree inkjet technology offers a highly energy-efficient alternative to laser printing, enabling businesses to significantly lower CO2 emissions. These savings are tangible and can be measured using Epson’s optimisation calculator. Q: Looking towards the future, what do you envision as the next big breakthrough or game-changer in the industry, and how is your company preparing for it? A: The broader adoption of circular economy principles is a significant shift that Epson is actively preparing for, as demonstrated by the recent launch of our second-generation in-office paper recycling device, PaperLab. Beyond that, we’re closely monitoring changes in hybrid working trends, refining the deployment of print and scan solutions, and continuing to support the transition from laser to heat-free inkjet printing. These remain our strategic priorities moving forward. Q: What advice would you give a young person starting a career in the industry? A: My first piece of advice is to focus less on the ‘how’ and more on the ‘why’. Understand the value your business believes you can deliver, and the ‘how’ will follow. Second, build a strong network, both within your company and across the industry. You never know where opportunities will come from, and having connections with tomorrow’s stakeholders is just as important as knowing today’s. Lastly, always strive to keep pace with changes in the market, changes in technology and requirements of end-user customers. The voice of the customer is critical to any organisation’s success. Q: How do you stay ahead of the curve and ensure that your company remains at the forefront of innovation? A: While it may sound abstract, we stay ahead by embedding core principles, particularly sustainability and societal contribution, into every level of Epson’s operations, from manufacturing to management. Epson products are designed and manufactured by Epson people, at Epson facilities, using Epson technologies. Coupled with nearly £1 million invested daily in R&D, this approach ensures we remain on the leading edge of innovation. Our longstanding manufacturing philosophy, ‘Sho Sho Sei’ – meaning ‘compact, precise, and efficient’ guides us in delivering sustainable, cost-effective, and robust solutions. Additionally, as part of our environmental vision, Epson is investing approximately €770 million by 2030 in decarbonisation, resource recycling, and the development of environmental technologies. This positions us well to meet both market demands and environmental responsibilities. Q: With artificial intelligence fast becoming mainstream, how do you see this impacting your go-to-market strategy, product roadmap, and indeed the wider channel? A: Epson technologies, particularly our printers and scanners, have long complemented independent software vendors who are now integrating AI into tailored business solutions. We anticipate growing adoption of Epson hardware as a platform for AI‑driven software, and we welcome further collaboration with ISVs. This evolution will further shift the focus to customer needs over available technology and underscore the importance of data security, a longstanding hallmark of Epson products. Q: What do you see as the key challenges or pain points businesses are facing in today’s hybrid working model and how can you help your partners/customers to address these? A: Aligning business efficiency with evolving company cultures is a key Q: What’s currently having the greatest impact on your business? A: In the print industry, hybrid working, document digitisation and workflow, and the increasing need to demonstrate environmental benefits are the key drivers of change we’re seeing at Epson and across our partner network. These shifts are influenced by a range of macro factors, including rising energy costs, climate change, and the lasting impact of COVID-19, to name a few. For Epson, sustained demand for reliable, efficient, and sustainable technologies -both from consumers and businesses - remains central to our success, and we’re addressing this across various sectors and applications. Nick Taylor, Head of OP Sales, Epson UK Industry Insight Q&A Nick Taylor
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