Women in Print
As another year passes and the time has come around again for us to mark International Women’s Day (March 8th), I have been looking back over research, statistics, and my own writing on the topic. I have to say, I have found more positive than negative reports on diversity within business and the disparity between female and male entrepreneurs and leaders does seem to be improving.
Two years ago in an article I wrote for Print Monthly to mark IWD 2022, I referred to the BPIF's 2018 study which found that the ratio of 69% men and 31% women in the print industry had improved since 2013, this gap was even wider in production roles which were made up of 72% men and 28% women. Since then, I have personally noticed an increase in women in leadership roles as well as attending industry events, so I do feel the gap is continuing to improve but more can still be done.
According to research by the World Economy Forum, the share of women hired into leadership roles has increased by 3.6% in the past six years from 33.3% in 2016 to 36.9% in 2022. Whilst not a groundbreaking statistic it’s still encouraging to see the figure rising.
Additionally, a Rose Review Progress Report 2023 found that in 2022, women in the UK established over 150,000 new companies – more than twice as many as in 2018.
There is also plenty of research to back up the fact that a diverse leadership results in improved business performance. This makes sense when you think about the variety of skills and qualities both men and women can bring to a business and when you use these together to complement each other, it can only be a good thing.
According to McKinsey, businesses with diverse executive teams are 25% more likely to be highly profitable. Women-led businesses are also more likely to provide training and upskilling opportunities to their workers (European Investment Bank).
When the topic of women in the industry is raised, there can be a few who question the need for equality and challenge whether there is even an issue in the first place. On that note, I would say it’s worth remembering that despite waves being made and improvements being noticed, Globally, only a quarter of countries have equal legal rights for women and men (World Bank).
Out of 141 countries covered in the Women, Business and the Law database, only 38 countries have set out equal legal rights for men and women. This can affect women in areas such as their marriages and relationships as well as their careers.
This also feels a fitting time to mention that celebrating International Women’s Day and in turn championing for equality, within the print industry and further afield, does not mean that we feel women should take over the roles of men, and it very much does not mean this is only an issue for women. We need men and women to be working together to create a diverse and balanced workforce across the industry for optimum performance and success for all.
Lessons and Achievements
So, in celebration of International Women’s Day 2024, let’s hear from some of the women in the print industry and find out how they got into their roles and what the journey has looked like for them.
Gill Tress, business service director of SF Taylor
Having started out in the industry as an office junior, Gill Tress, business services director of SF Taylor has very much risen up the ranks having recently celebrated 40 years at the company. Tress joined the company in 1983 and remembers how most companies didn’t use computers at the time with everything being done manually. Since then, Tress has experienced the industry changing significantly.
Starting out at SF Taylor, Tress learned all the basic processes of the business, but not one to become complacent in her role, she expanded her knowledge and became office manager. Then, when the opportunity arose and she felt she had much more to contribute to the growth and development of the business, Tress became a shareholder and director.
One of the steepest learning curves for Tress has been constant adaptation to market trends and technological advancements. “Staying ahead of the game in the ever-changing world of commercial printing demands an innovative mindset, so there is always a learning curve there,” Tress says. “We’ve learned to leverage the newest technologies, anticipate market shifts, and diversify our services to meet the evolving needs of our clients.”
Staying ahead of the game in the ever-changing world of commercial printing demands an innovative mindset, so there is always a learning curve there”
Tress adds that it has been an important learning experience mastering commercial growth, with innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability at the forefront. Inclusivity has been, what Tress describes as, the key pillar of SF Taylor’s success. “We have strived to create a workplace where everyone feels heard, valued, and included,” she says, adding that this inclusivity applies both internally and in client relationships.
Having been in the business for 40 years, Tress says her proudest career moment was becoming a shareholder and director and being a key part in the continual growth of the business and the transformation of the workforce. On what advice she’d give to herself at the start of her career, Tress adds: “Learn as much as you can about the business and the sector that you work in, so that you will always be in touch with changes within the marketplace, as well as new innovations and technology available to drive efficiencies.
“Knowing exactly how the business is run allows you to anticipate needs and requirements of the future and predict how things might change, as well as how you will need to adapt and respond.”
Santha Hope, head of marketing at Tradeprint
Santha Hope, head of marketing at Tradeprint, first joined the industry back in 2008 where she spearheaded marketing for a leading superwide print specialist for events, retail, experiential, and displays. When these sectors were affected in 2020 by the Covid-19 pandemic, Hope moved to a large-format printer specialising in branded spaces, particularly with construction and property clients who had continued to operate during this time.
Hope then joined Tradeprint in June 2023 as head of marketing, bringing with her 15 years of large-format marketing experience. This meant Hope was well positioned to support the company in its wide-format growth following the acquisition of Tayprint in 2022. The company’s recent move to consolidate all production under one roof has seen the Fulton Road factory double to 40,000sq ft.
Learning the Industry
For Hope, the transition from a creative agency background heading up client services and marketing teams to the specialist industry of print back in 2008 was the steepest learning curve of her career.
“Understanding the intricacies of supply chain dynamics, deciphering diverse search terms used by different customer audiences, and mastering an understanding of substrates and production techniques opened up a whole new world,” Hope says, adding: “Segmentation and personalisation also became critical for success, manoeuvring carefully around the law changes in GDPR compliancy.”
Looking back, Hope says she is proud of being involved in a number of industry awards and the moment that stands out in particular was the Gold CIMTG Award for the integrated marketing campaign ‘England Rocks!’ with Visit Britain. “The campaign not only propelled tourism to visitor attractions, but it also attracted a wave of exciting new music and youth brands to the agency portfolio.”
Reflecting back to when she was just starting out, Hope adds: “One piece of sound advice to my younger self would be to work to your strengths and pursue your passions. This is integral to building a rewarding and, above all, happy career path. And yes, I am extremely passionate about print!”
Kirsty Corcoran, marketing manager of Very Displays
Also in the marketing sphere and Kirsty Corcoran, marketing manager at Very Displays came into print and graphics from B2C FMCG marketing and was attracted to print and signage having used the medium to promote previous brands.
Over the past two and a half years, Corcoran has worked on a vast range of projects from building a social following, creating yearly marketing initiatives, upgrading the company’s look and feel, as well as creating new unbranded marketing materials to help trade customers and become a useful marketing aid for them to sell their products.
Corcoran has been working with the team over the past five months to develop the company’s new price list and this is something she is particularly proud of. “We have really changed it up this year with new features, new products, and a new design and I’m excited to see it launch.”
Similarly to Hope, Corcoran found the physical act of print to be her biggest learning curve to date. “Understanding the intricacies of how we go from creating artwork to printing and assembling a final product, and everything in between is something I have had to delve into in detail.
With that comes an understanding of print machinery, finishing techniques, and proof setup to be able to promote Very Displays and what we do as a business through all marketing channels, but more importantly what our customers need from me as a marketer to help support them.”
With the industry such a complex one and recognising the time it took to get to grips with the various technologies and processes of print and signage, Corcoran says the one piece of advice she’d give herself is: “Just ask!” She adds: “I found the easiest thing to do when I started was to ask lots of questions and utilise the experience of others to gain insight and knowledge! My advice is to immerse yourself into it, be a sponge to other people’s wisdom, keep learning and growing, and you’ll achieve a higher understanding of the industry quickly.”
Working Pattern Changes
Reflecting on the 2018 BPIF study that showed under half of the industry was at the time made up of women, Carlotta Maria Basile, production portfolio marketing manager of Canon says the industry has seen an uptake in the level of consciousness around the subject of diversity, equity, and inclusion over the past few years despite the industry traditionally being male dominant.
“It is now more common to see women at the forefront of the technologies and equipment advancing the sector,” Basile says. This something Basile personally experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic having joined Canon just before this period.
“Suddenly there were new ways of working,” she says. “The remote and hybrid work patterns meant that I had to have the knowledge and expertise in my chosen field to navigate working on my own. It was difficult at times, but it forced me to somehow be stronger and in turn, provide help when people reached out to me.”
Carlotta Maria Basile, production portfolio marketing manager of Canon
Because of this period, Carlotta says she has learned to believe in herself, her knowledge, and her skillset. As workforces became dispersed, Carlotta says the company saw a boom in the technology industry that brought people together. As a result, the conversation shifted to what meaningful contributions were being brought to the table – male or female – and the impact this had on meeting business goals.
Basile adds that social media has been a valuable tool for encouraging more women in print to share their stories and keep the conversation going on both professional and social platforms. Basile says this has also helped to promote the study of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) at an educational level with more awareness needed to attract talent into this area.
“At Canon, I’m proud to work closely to the philosophy of Kyosei – ‘living and working together for the common good’. I have truly felt the company’s desire for a more inclusive and equitable world,” Basile says, adding: “We encourage everyone to bring their whole selves to work, as a place where not only do we contribute to achieving our business goals, but where we can thrive on a personal level.” This has been recognised with Canon’s recent 27th position in the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List of 2023.
Women Throughout The Printing Charity’s History
With its history dating back to 1827, The Printing Charity has had a number of successful and notable women supporting its initiatives and as its presidents throughout its history. The Charity’s Rising Star Awards have also seen a high percentage of female winners over the past five years with an average of 71% of winners being female since 2019.
These statistics show the ambition and drive of women in the print, packaging, publishing, paper, and graphics industries to succeed in their careers. “The Rising Star Awards were an amazing way to be recognised as a young female working in the print industry, and to develop my skills to help with my future within it,” says Chelsea Davis, account manager at Coveris and 2022 Rising Star Winner.
Women at The Printing Charity: A Timeline
1865 - The Charity’s Royal Charter is signed by Queen Victoria from what was then called the Printers’ Pension, Almshouse and Orphans Asylum Cooperation.
1964 – Southwood Court, the Charity’s Almshouse in Basildon, is opened by HRH Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother
1971 – Beaverbrook Court is officially opened by HRH the Duchess of Kent on May 27th, 1971
1980 – Dame Vera Lynn OBE LLD, who devoted a lot of time and energy to her charity work, becomes the Charity’s first female president
1981 – HRH the Duchess of Kent GCVO is the second female president
1984 – HRH Princess Alexandra GCVO is president
1989 – The Princess of Wales opens Butlin House, one of the Charity’s previous Homes on May 25th, 1989 whilst she is Charity President
2017 – The Baroness Dean of Thornton-le-Fylde is president
2024 – Nicky Morgan, the Rt Hon the Baroness Morgan of Cotes, becomes the sixth female president
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