20 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 266 - August | September SignLink SignLinkMagazine printmonthly_signlink PEOPLE | NEWS FESPA UK appoints Sarah Lees as Next Gen ambassador FESPA UK has announced the appointment of Sarah Lees as its Next Generation ambassador, in recognition of her commitment and continued support for the Association’s Next Generation initiative. Next Generation is FESPA UK’s programme designed to support young people starting out in the print or signage industry by providing a network of likeminded individuals and mentors where they can learn, develop, and have a safe space to ask questions. The programme is open not only to FESPA UK members but to anyone aged 18 to 30 working in the print, signage, or graphics industry. Sarah Lees, who is head of marketing and communications at Business Compass Finance, has been involved with the initiative as an advocate since its early development, serving as a mentor from the very beginning of the Next Generation programme. Over the past four years, she has played a key role in supporting its growth, sharing her industry experience, and helping to inspire and guide emerging talent across the print, signage, and graphics sectors. In addition, Lees has acted as a mentor to Molly Jackson, the head of Next Generation and marketing manager at FESPA UK, working closely with her and the Next Generation committee throughout the evolution of the project. The new role for Lees reflects a more strategic and visible level of involvement, focused on strengthening engagement within the online community, raising awareness across the industry, and acting as a respected senior voice representing the programme. Speaking about Lees’ appointment, Lees says: “I’m excited and honestly quite humbled to have been asked to support the FESPA UK Next Generation community as an ambassador. “For me, it’s about encouraging and empowering young people within our industry to build strong networks, feel more visible, share ideas, and stay excited about a future in print, signage, and graphics.” FESPA mourns passing of ‘founding father’ FESPA has shared the sad news that Michel Caza, one of eight founding board members of the FESPA federation, has passed away at the age of 90. Caza helped establish FESPA in 1961, with the organisation growing to become one of the leading print federations in the world. Caza remained a FESPA board member until his retirement from the role in 2014. He also spent time as the organisation’s president from 1996 to 1999 and again from 2000 to 2002. Away from FESPA, Caza was a print business owner and prolific author of technical and art books and articles. Among these was ‘Screen Printing: A Guide for a Clean Planet’, which, published in 2001, was later extended to become the first ‘FESPA Planet Friendly Guide’. By Jonathan Pert By Rob Fletcher Soyang Europe hires new sales manager Soyang Europe has announced the appointment of Dave Murphy as its new sales manager for Ireland with immediate effect. Murphy arrives to the role with over 20 years of experience working in the print industry. As sales manager for Ireland, he will work closely with customers across the country, helping them to identify the right solutions for their businesses while also developing new commercial opportunities. Murphy's appointment follows the opening of Soyang Europe’s dedicated Dublin facility in February 2025. Established to provide local stockholding, faster delivery, and enhanced customer support, the site serves as the company’s Irish hub and aims to reinforce Soyang’s longterm commitment to customers in Ireland and the wider print industry. Oliver Mashiter, sales director of Soyang Europe, says: “Dave joins us at our Dublin HQ after a great first year of sales and a strong second year of growth in the first two quarters of this year. He has a wealth of industry knowledge both as an end user and a supplier spanning over 20 years. “It’s an exciting time for Soyang in Ireland, as we continue to invest in our future here with new members of staff joining us, alongside new product launches. Dave has already fit right in with the rest of the team in Dublin.” By Jonathan Pert Pictured: Damien Martin [L], sales manager for Soyang Europe, welcomes Dave Murphy [R] to the Soyang Ireland team Caza accumulated more than 350 industry awards during his career Sarah Lees has supported and championed FESPA UK’s Next Generation programme since its inception
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