Women in Sign and Graphics UK, a new initiative that aims to inspire, encourage and promote women in the industry, has extended an invitation to celebrate its launch in Leeds on 3 December.

Taking place at The Sign Group, the physical event has been organised by Sarah Winterbottom, business development manager at Josero, and Izabella Ivanovici, specialist recruitment consultant at INV Recruitment, founders of the initiative.

They put the idea into action after realising they ‘shared a passion for encouraging female talent, opening up opportunities for women, and promoting diversity in a male-dominated industry.’

December’s launch event will see speakers offer their perspectives on working towards a more gender-balanced industry, with a particular focus on apprenticeships, education, and helping the next generation kickstart their careers.

The Sign Group are supportive of the initiative and enthusiastic about the event, and offered their premises as a location for the inaugural event.  The Printing Charity is also getting involved, and a representative from the organisation will be speaking. Other speakers include Sam Armstrong of Make It Happen, Marcus Timson of FM Future, Karis Copp of Karis Copp Media, and both founders.

‘Our purpose,’ explained Ms Winterbottom, ‘Is to unite Women in Signs and Graphics UK to inspire, encourage and promote women in the industry whilst being part of a group of like-minded individuals sharing ideas and working with male and female ambassadors to help in our quest for the industry to be more equal.’

Ms Ivanovici added, ‘A massive part of the conversation will be how can we inject new blood into the industry and of course, how can we keep moving forward post-COVID. We want everyone to leave our events with a wealth of information and ideas as well as new relationships.’