17 www.signlink.co.uk June / July 2025 - Issue 259 PEOPLE / NEWS The Federation of European Screen Printers Associations (FESPA) has announced the death of FESPA honorary board member and past president, Lascelle ‘Las’ Barrow. Barrow, who passed away on May 22nd at the age of 79 after a prolonged fight with cancer, was the co-founder of wide-format printer, Augustus Martin, a specialist in point-ofsale (POS) and outdoor media which currently lists roughly 200 employees. Barrow founded the company with partner Barrie Dix after meeting at the age of 19 during their studies at the London College of Printing, starting their printing business in an attic. Barrow has been cited by FESPA as a driving force behind the association’s growth for more than 30 years. He served as president of FESPA from 1992 to 1996, and from 2013 to 2015. Barrow also served on the Finance and New Business committees and was later recognised in 2022 as an honorary FESPA board member. According to FESPA, Barrow was instrumental in the decision to bring the organisation of FESPA exhibitions inhouse in the late 1990s, devising a sustainable commercial model to finance FESPA’s operations without diverting funds from its national member associations. Barrow was a long-standing director of the FESPA UK Association and was said to be an enthusiastic supporter of the role of FESPA’s member assoAugustus Martin co-founder passes away following battle with cancer Lascelle Barrow passed away on May 22nd, 2025 ciations in creating value for print businesses at grass roots level. In a statement about Barrow’s passing, FESPA also highlights that he was a key part of FESPA’s embracing of digital technology, the global expansion of its event brand, and the licensing of the FESPA brand to national associations. FESPA chief executive officer, Neil Felton, says: “With Las’s passing, we say ‘farewell’ to someone who has been the beating heart of FESPA. “He had a razor-sharp mind and an unshakeable focus on steering us forward – motivated by his passion for print, his desire to help print entrepreneurs like himself, and his confidence in the transformative potential of technology.” Speaking on behalf of FESPA, Felton adds: “His commitment, energy and presence will be sorely missed by the global FESPA family. Our sincerest condolences go to Lascelle’s wife Myrtle, his children, their extended family and friends, and his Augustus Martin colleagues.” By Jonathan Pert Soyang Europe has announced the appointment of Mark Mashiter as its new group chief executive officer. Mashiter has served as managing director of the wide-format material manufacturer and hardware distributor since June 2005. As group chief executive officer, he will continue to oversee the running of Soyang alongside a newly revamped board of directors. Board members include sales director Oliver Mashiter, operations director Simon Mashiter, and company secretary Catherine Mashiter, as well as finance director Daniel Dimambro, procurement director Shane Furness, and Lauren Gawthorpe who works in the accounts department. Speaking of the members of the board, Mark Mashiter says: “Soyang has always very much been a family business, with family values and business integrity at the forefront of everything we do. “I have appointed a board which includes both family and long-term trusted employees, all of whom have served their time and worked their way up through the business on merit. The formation of our new board is the next logical step for us. The time is right to let this group of talented individuals take on more leadership within the business and use their knowledge of the industry to further improve the service we offer to customers.” Soyang announces new CEO and board of directors [L to R] Oliver Mashiter, Daniel Dimambro, Lauren Gawthorpe, Catherine Mashiter, Shane Furness, and Simon Mashiter, Soyang Europe’s new board of directors Claire White appointed as new SDEA vice president Claire White, design specification consultant at materials distributor, Antalis, has been elected as the new vice president of the Shop and Display Equipment Association (SDEA). White has almost two decades of previous experience in visual merchandising and retail development which she utilises in her design specification role at Antalis, providing advice and support to a range of clients including interior designers, creative agencies, and retailers. White said: “Having been a council member for the past three years, I am incredibly excited, honoured, and delighted to accept the role of vice president for the coming year.” Mark Chatterton of retail wholesale supplier, Morplan, has also been confirmed to continue in his role as the SDEA’s president. By Jonathan Pert
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