Regulars / The Mike Fairley column | 43“I frst met Mike in the early 1980s when Labels & Labeling was in its infancy, and I was working with Edlon Machinery on the Gallus and Comco accounts. I spent many happy and informative hours in his company at the early Labelexpo shows and other industry events, along with his colleagues Barry Hunt, Tom Lewington, and a young Andy Thomas! We also had some cracking golf days at Moor Park – whatever happened to those? Most of all I’ve valued his friendship, loyalty and the endless knowledge he gives so generously. Many in the label industry have no concept of how much they owe Mike Fairley – he’s a ‘one-off’ and I feel privileged to have known and worked with him.”Nick Coombes, The Publicity Studio who are the company’s managers today. and exhibition, together with workshops, May I, therefore, wish a fond farewell Being at the forefront of helping to masterclasses, seminars, conferences, to all my many friends, colleagues, build and grow an industry has been both summits, the Label Academy, and the suppliers and converters in all the many challenging and exciting. consultancy company support, have all countries I have visited, or have met at A unique combination of earlier come together over these past 50 years shows, association meetings, and through years in publishing, education, research, to help build a global label industry masterclasses and conferences. Indeed, training, consultancy, writing and that is at the forefront of technological wherever people who know me happen to speaking all seemed to come together change, digital innovation and be in the world of labels. at the right time for an emerging and environmental evolution. It has been a privilege to know and work fast-growing self-adhesive label industry As I now come to the end of my 50 with all of you during this historic time.that needed information, help, advice, years in the world of labels, I can happily support and encouragement. retire from the industry by being reassured I would like to think that I have that Labels & Labeling, The Label Academy, indeed played an interesting role as a Labelexpo global shows and, of course, all To read Mike Fairley’s past kind of catalyst in both the growth and aspects of label production and usage, are columns in Labels & Labeling, globalization of the label industry. set to be in capable hands for the industry’s visit www.labelsandlabeling.A dedicated label industry magazine ongoing future and success.com/contributors/michael-fairleyFrom Things to Value.Intelligent IIot Platorm.Enabling Customers toInnovate Faster.Oct - Dec 2022