​Why It Was Created

FESPA UK recognised the importance of succession planning for long-term industry sustainability. By forming a dedicated sub-board consisting of young people within the industry, we can tap into their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, ensuring the sector evolves in line with new trends, technologies, and challenges.

 

The initiative isn’t just about skill-building—it's about fostering a strong sense of community, creating valuable networks, and empowering individuals to contribute to lasting industry change.

 

The print, graphics, and signage sectors face a pressing challenge: ensuring the next generation of leaders is ready to take the industry forward. As many experienced professionals begin to retire, there is a growing need to engage young talent and encourage them to take on leadership roles.

 

The Next Generation Initiative was designed to address this gap, offering a structured, supportive space for emerging professionals to develop both personally and professionally..

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Building Skills and Networks
Since its launch, the Next Generation Initiative has become a central point for young professionals to connect, learn, and grow. More than 130 emerging talents have already attended our events, where we tackle a wide range of topics essential to their careers.

 

These events cover key areas such as:

• Workflow Optimisation: Enhancing operational efficiency and understanding the complexities of modern production processes.

• Communication and Sales Skills: Developing confidence in client-facing roles and mastering effective communication techniques to drive business success.

• Social Media and Marketing: Leveraging digital platforms to boost brand visibility and engage with broader audiences.

• Technology and Innovation: Exploring the latest advancements in printing technologies, ensuring that participants are ahead of the curve.

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At the heart of the Next Generation Initiative is the desire to provide relevant, practical knowledge.

The sessions are designed to give participants the skills they need to navigate the challenges of today’s fast-paced industry and prepare them for leadership in the future.

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The FESPA UK Advantage
What sets the Next Generation Initiative apart is its focus on training and networking specifically for young professionals. FESPA UK is proud to be the first association to offer such a comprehensive programme tailored to the needs of the younger demographic within the print, graphics, and signage sectors. We understand the unique challenges that younger professionals face in the workplace and aim to address these through tailored content, meaningful interactions, and ongoing support.

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Each event is carefully curated with feedback from participants in mind. We actively listen to their experiences, suggestions, and concerns, continuously adapting our offerings to ensure that every event is relevant and impactful. This commitment to feedback-driven improvement means that the Next Generation Initiative remains dynamic and responsive to the ever-changing needs of the industry.

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What’s Next?
Looking ahead, FESPA UK will continue to build on the success of the Next Generation Initiative, expanding the scope and variety of events and training opportunities. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where young professionals can not only grow their careers but also shape the future direction of the print, graphics, and signage industry.

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By actively supporting the next generation of professionals, we are investing in a brighter, more sustainable future for the entire industry. We invite you to be part of this exciting journey—whether you’re a young professional eager to learn and grow, or an industry leader passionate about nurturing the next wave of talent.

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Get Involved

The Next Generation Initiative is open to all young professionals within the print, graphics, and signage sectors. Join us at our upcoming events and become a part of a growing network that’s shaping the future. Stay tuned for our next round of workshops and networking sessions—and let’s build the future of the industry, together.

 

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