Next Generation event hailed a success

The Next Generation Networking Day held at The British Motor Museum has been celebrated by attendees, speakers, and sponsors for its commitment to supporting and encouraging young people in the print and signage industries.

Including a presentation from The Apprentice winner Mark Wright, and workshops from industry professionals like Colin Sinclair McDermott, the event was a day filled with inspirational lessons, crucial networking tips, and handy resources for 18- to 30-year-olds.

FESPA UK held the event after forming its Next Generation initiative at the start of the year which led to training days and the formation of a dedicated committee of young people in the industry to bring forth new ideas and initiatives, whilst also shadowing the main FESPA UK board.

Jay Burfield, creative coordinator at FESPA UK, says: “Whilst planning the event and speaking to a huge number of companies about getting their team to attend, it became very clear that there are two major issues the industry faces that directly affect the younger generation.

“The first is the severe lack of 18- to 30-year-olds within the print and signage industry. More than half the business owners we spoke to were unable to send anyone from their team as they had no one under the age of 30 working within their teams.

“Secondly, the lack of willingness by business leaders to encourage their younger employees to network outside their companies, through either fear of them being poached, or a lack of forethought that investing in them will increase their self-worth and ultimately make them more valuable to the business and more confident within their job role.”

Speaking to SignLink at the event, Sinclair McDermott said: “Networking is a huge aspect of any business. I work with a lot of businesses that say that it’s something they’re not very confident with, but without it, it can be really harmful to your business. It’s really great to see a hunger here today, and it can only be a good thing for the industry.”

Check out more from Burfield, Sinclair McDermott, and FESPA UK president Nicole Spencer in our recap video of the event on Sign7:

FESPA UK has stated that more in-person and online events will be announced in the coming months in order to encourage young talent into print, graphics, and signage.

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