2022 Rising Stars in leadership & management

With six years of print industry knowledge, Tayler started as a Business apprentice, working her way up to Manager at Ideal Point of Sale Ltd. Now Kellogg’s Innovation and POS Manager at Paragon Customer Communications, Tayler is passionate about her role and seeing a project through to delivery. With her Award, Tayler will be studying a behavioural science course intending to become an Account Manager with her own team in five years. 

After finishing university, Sophie knew she wanted a career, not just a job. Her first role after graduating was with Bluetree Group in customer services. Eight years later, her experience has developed her personal and professional skills and is now a Quality Assurer. She loves that no two days are the same and takes any opportunity to meet fresh faces. Sophie is now ready to upskill further with a PRINCE 2 qualification, expanding her project management and organisation skills. 

Dominic made his start in print at 18 as an Apprentice with FFEI Ltd and has now completed a degree in engineering and management. The continuing technological innovations in print have kept Dominic excited about the industry, and he now looks to move into a management position to inspire future engineers, taking on a CMI Level 3 Diploma in Leadership and Management.  

Ben’s interest in mechanics and engineering was sparked when he purchased a classic VW Beetle for restoration. Following in his Dad’s footsteps, he entered the world of print. As a Floating Printer Trainee at Paragon Customer Communications, Ben has no issue with getting his hands dirty and loves to see how machinery is maintained. His dream job would be in engineering management, and he intends to spend his award on an Institute of Leadership and Management course.  

Working within the Bloomsbury team allows Chelsea to do something she loves; making books accessible to all. Outside of her role, Chelsea runs The Publishing Post, which has over 850 articles to date tackling subjects from wage inequity and the challenges this brings, to top tips for upskilling as well as providing work experience for new writers. She sees this going from strength to strength and aims to create real change across the industry. 

Gerard studied Mechanical Engineering at Lancaster University, with a focus on physics and natural sciences. His degree introduced him to 3D printing technologies which fascinated him. Moving to Oxford after his studies, Gerard started Printpool, a 3D printing service company. The company is steadily growing with local clientele and Gerard was named in  The Manufacturer Top 100 in 2021. Gerard most enjoys the initial stages of a product and relishes the freedom of prototypes. Keen to gain further understanding of how a successful project is run, he will be taking Project Management courses. 

With experience in customer-facing roles, it wasn’t until he joined Bluetree Group three years ago that Jack knew he had found an industry where he could really grow and develop his skills. He uses his passion for design and print daily, which has resulted in several promotions over the years, and he is now a Client Service Team Leader. He loves supporting his team and delivering world-class service. Jack now intends to spend his Award on a professional development course and will be undertaking a CMI Level 3 Diploma in Management and Leadership.  

Once Jessica started her Publishing MA, she knew she had made the best decision of her life so far in choosing to pursue a career in Publishing. Work placements as part of her course gained her invaluable experience, which led to her first position at Liverpool University Press as Sales Administrator. In August 2021, a Library Sales & Marketing Executive role was created for Jessica at LUP in direct response to her contribution to the growth of the digital collections over the Pandemic. She is now looking forward to starting a Strategy and Management course with the ALPSP, furthering her professional development.  

After travelling and working a variety of customer-facing jobs, Charlotte joined Tradeprint in their customer services team in 2017. Building her knowledge of print and rapport with customers, Charlotte was promoted to Deputy Customer Success Manager after identifying opportunities for improvement within her team. Looking to progress further and develop her skills, Charlotte will be enrolling on a Diploma in Digital Marketing.   

Starting out as a Customer Service Executive at Coveris six years ago, Chelsea has progressed her career with management and training experience to become an Account Manager. Incredibly goal driven and organised, she sees herself as a Key Account Manager in five years’ time, helping to mentor and develop her team. To achieve this goal, Chelsea will be taking short courses with the BPIF, supporting her Level 4 Sales Executive Apprenticeship with Coveris. 

At age 19, Sara found an HR Apprenticeship at Mamas & Papas after being unsure which career path to take. It was in this role she discovered the work she was passionate about. Over the last eight years, Sara has continued to develop her skills whilst facing furlough and redundancy but is now happily working as an HR Advisor at Communisis. She will undertake HR & Management courses with ACAS to help her reach her five-year dream of becoming an HR Manager.