Women are increasingly making their mark on the traditionally male-dominated signage and printing industry. For those who want to enter this industry, or want to grow their businesses, the Sign Africa and FESPA Africa expo, co-located with Africa Print and Africa LED, offers many opportunities for entrepreneurs. The event will take place from 13-15 September at Gallagher Convention Centre.
 
Diane Jacobson, Managing Director at Ellis Lehman Signs, has been in the industry for 25 years, and enjoys being in a career that is dynamic, creative and interesting. 'No two jobs are identical, and because it is an industry that serves a variety of businesses, it offers exposure to many types of people and companies,' she said.

'I've worked with fantastic people and managed very interesting projects, from manufacturing plants to religious institutions, to petrochemical companies to retailers and sports events. I have met wonderful people over the years and have had the opportunity to travel to interesting places. It is an industry that has allowed me to grow my business skills in a creative space.' 
 
Lehman's key to success is understanding and servicing the needs of customers. 'They are the lifeblood of all business. There is so much poor service out there, so doing things better and paying attention to detail and the final finished item sets anyone apart,' she said.
 
Printing SA, the official trade federation representing printing, packaging and associated businesses in the industry, has a number of projects to empower women. The organisation runs a screen printing programme, which most recently trained 10 unemployed women from Cottonlands. The programme includes three elements: the theory of screen printing, practical application, and basic business skills that would assist in growing a small business. 
 
A success story from the programme is Eunice Ngwenya, Managing Director of Eunique Printing, who completed Printing SA's very first screen printing pilot course during 2014. Printing SA recommended Ngwenya to Konica Minolta South Africa. Eunique Printing, which operates from Konica Minolta South Africa's Johannesburg campus, has been in business for almost a year, employs three people and prints books, magazines, business cards, calendars, receipt books, brochures, invitations, photographs, as well as offering ring binding and glue binding services. 
 
Ngwenya has always been interested in printing, and had done silk screening on plastic for 25 years. She is glad that she applied for the Printing SA training as it has led her to where she is today. 'I've learnt so much from Printing SA, I wouldn't be where I am without them, and with the help of Konica Minolta South Africa, I see myself going very far,' she said.
 
Sonja Groenewald is CEO of Colourtech Design & Print CEO, which has operated for 26 years. Its main focus is the publishing and education markets. The business has a unique set up as in addition to printing, there is also an in-house dispatch and deliveries division, which helps service 350,000 students.
 
Being in the printing industry, you'd think technology would be Colourtech's most important asset, but it's not. 'Our staff are our most valuable resource - we consider each and every one of our employees as part of our family,' said Groenewald. They are integral to the business' success. 'I've always told my employees to treat each customer like royalty - whether a client is just popping in for a small pack of business cards, or taking on a major order. Good service is crucial.' 
 
For more information about the Sign Africa, FESPA Africa, Africa Print and Africa LED expo's, and to pre-register online, please visit: www.signafricaexpo.com/ www.africaprintexpo.com