How did you find your way into the industry?
I answered a Facebook advert for a small printing company in Leeds, I went in the next day and started immediately doing hand finishing. I worked in many departments including large-format, sublimation and dispatch until eventually after the company achieved substantial growth, I joined the leadership team as head of operations.
Did you know anything about print beforehand?
Nothing. I remember being scared going in on my first day because I was worried there would be lots of heavy machinery and oil and that I wouldn’t fit in! When I got there, it couldn’t have been more different
What does your role entail?
I look after our ISO 9001, 14001 and 27001 management systems, FSC chain of custody, health & safety systems and have recently been involved in the implementation of lean manufacturing tools and methods across manufacturing
What’s the most enjoyable or interesting thing about it?
My role has a focus on continuous improvement which is super exciting as I can see the difference that small or large changes make
Do you have an ideal career path mapped out?
I left my role as head of operations so that I could focus on the CI aspects that I loved. This year I won a Print Futures Award so that I can complete a course in Lean Six Sigma at black belt level. I want to continue to work on large projects, gaining more experience, with the aim of eventually getting back to leadership level in my chosen specialism
What would be your dream job?
Global continuous improvement manager, working at multiple sites with different people and cultures… this would ideally include travel to tropical locations
What’s your most-used app?
Instagram, I think it’s great for looking back on memories. I probably wouldn’t take half the photos of things I do without it
What has surprised you most about working in the printing industry?
The technology, I didn’t realise how complicated it could be to print a sheet of paper and turn it into something
What could the printing industry be doing more of to entice millennials into print?
The industry could take part in open days, etc, so that young people could see that the industry is creative and forward thinking.
If you ruled the world...?
Everything would be labelled!
