▲ Nixon speaking to David Osgar for the SignLink YouTube channel 25 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 263 - February | March 2026 our clients. Today, I manage and support my team to deliver the same level of service, accountability, and professionalism. Last year, we successfully delivered our largest project to date: a nationwide rollout covering 796 fast-food restaurants, including survey, print management, and installation. It was a complex operation, but it ran smoothly, and it’s something we are incredibly proud of as a business. Learning Not to Underestimate Yourself With March just around the corner, so too comes Women’s History Month, and International Women’s Day (March 8th, 2026). With this in mind, it’s impossible not to acknowledge that print and signage remains a male-dominated industry, particularly on the installation side. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a woman in the industry is gaining respect. That respect doesn’t come overnight; it’s earned over time through consistency, knowledge, and confidence. For me, the solutions have been simple, though not always easy: Learn relentlessly, absorb the knowledge around you, and never be afraid to ask questions. Having a mentor has also been invaluable. Danny (Daniel Yates, managing director at IPL) has played a huge role in my development, and I now want to be the person passing that knowledge on. I want members of my team, especially those new to the industry, to feel comfortable approaching me. Everyone has to start somewhere, and a supportive environment makes all the difference. Looking back, attending and exhibiting at The Sign Show 2025 was another pivotal moment. In an industry where it’s easy to get stuck behind a screen, face-to-face interaction is vital. Building connections in person boosted my confidence and reinforced my sense of belonging within the industry. Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come in such a short time. I love this industry and the opportunities it offers, and I feel an immense amount of pride when I walk past a project that I’ve helped bring to life. Although I’ll admit, my friends and family are probably getting a little tired of hearing me say: “We worked on that one!” If I could offer one piece of advice, particularly to women entering print and signage, it would be this: Throw yourself in, believe in your ability to learn, and don’t underestimate the value of your perspective. With the right support and determination, there is space to grow, lead, and become a trailblazer in this industry. FRESH PERSPECTIVES | RACHEL NIXON Everyone has to start somewhere, and a supportive environment makes all the difference ▼ IPL (Leeds) exhibited at The Sign Show in September 2025
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