Linda Edwards, Managing Director, BSGA, reflects on the second Women in Signs & Graphics face-to-face event.
On Wednesday 14th October, I joined colleagues from across our signs and graphics industry for the second face to face Women in Signs & Graphics event, hosted by Very Displays in Market Harborough. Accompanied by our Office Manager, Sue Hewick, it was a welcome opportunity to bring together women working in different roles and businesses across our industry, creating the space to talk openly, exchange views and gain a better understanding of the experiences and perspectives of others.
This event also marked the first collaboration between Women in Signs & Graphics and the British Sign & Graphics Association (BSGA), which I was delighted to formally champion. Having worked in the industry for more than three decades, I recognise the value of creating opportunities for women to build confidence, share their knowledge and experience, and raise their visibility across the sector. Our industry has an enormous depth of talent, and recognising the achievements, expertise and contributions of women is an important part of celebrating what makes our sector so diverse and dynamic. Visible role models help bring those achievements to life, offering inspiration, sharing their experiences and demonstrating the many different opportunities and career paths available within our industry.
The programme offered a great balance of practical insight and discussion. Kirsty Corcoran and Beatrice Spencer from Very Displays delivered a marketing masterclass, sharing ideas around modern marketing, social media and the opportunities available to businesses through digital channels. There were useful takeaways, alongside a rather ingenious audience participation activity that certainly got everyone involved!
I was also delighted to join Verity Fox and Sarah Fenna for a panel discussion. We shared our individual experiences and perspectives before opening the conversation to the audience. Every career takes a different path, and hearing how others have approached challenges, opportunities and navigated their own professional development made for an interesting and engaging exchange. The questions and contributions from those attending brought additional perspectives to the conversation and made the session all the more valuable.
Marianne Steel also shared insights into the wonderful work of The Printing Charity and the support it provides to people working across the print and related industries. It was another valuable opportunity to learn more about the organisation and the assistance available.
The conversations that take place around events like this are just as valuable as the sessions themselves. Having the opportunity to meet people from different businesses, hear about their experiences and exchange views reminds us just how much knowledge and talent exists across our industry. Making time for those conversations and connections is something worth encouraging.
As Managing Director of the BSGA, I believe it is important that the Association engages with the wider industry and supports initiatives that bring people together. Our sector benefits when businesses, individuals and organisations work alongside one another, and this collaboration is a positive example of what can be achieved.
My thanks go to Sarah Fenna and Izabella Ivanovici for continuing to develop Women in Signs & Graphics, Very Displays for hosting the event, and Kirsty, Beatrice, Verity and Marianne for sharing their time and knowledge.
A very big thank you also to everyone who took time out of their busy working lives to attend, travelled to be with us and contributed so openly to the discussions. Your time, enthusiasm and willingness to get involved helped make the day such a success.
And the conversations don not stop here! Following the success of our October gathering, I am delighted to share that the next Women in Signs & Graphics event is already in the diary.
Unwrap & Wrap Up 2026 – A Festive WSG Get Together!
Taking place on Friday 4th December, from 3.00pm to 4.00pm, this time we are bringing Women in Signs & Graphics together online via Microsoft Teams for a special end of year session.
It will be an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, welcome new faces, share experiences and reflect on the year, whilst recognising the people and achievements that continue to shape our industry. We will be keeping the format relaxed, with no presentations or formal agenda, but with plenty of opportunity for conversation and connection.
Whether you have joined us before or are discovering Women in Signs & Graphics for the first time, everyone is welcome.
I hope you will be able to join us!
To find out more, visit womeninsignsandgraphics.co.uk or contact the BSGA team at ask@uksigns.org.