email: news@signlink.co.uk PEOPLE / NEWS FESPA UK has named Paul Noble as its new president and Nathan Swinson-Bullough as its new vice-president following their close work with the association over recent years. The announcement was made at an official ceremony held at FESPA Global Print Expo in Amsterdam in March. Noble has spent the majority of his career at Specialised Canvas, a contract sewing factory that supplies custom-made textile products and repairs. He takes over the role from Nicole Spencer, managing director at RMC Digital Print, a trade supplier of large-format print and signage solutions. Speaking about his career on LinkedIn, Noble says: “My career has largely been spent with one organisation but in that time it has transformed from a cottage industry to a vibrant SME with multiple business activities and several different trading divisions. “My experience has grown as the company has developed, having started when the business was very small I had to be hands-on doing everything from cutting materials to delivering the goods.” Swinson-Bullough has worked in the wide-format print industry for over 20 years and recently has become well-known for his commitment and championing of sustainability, winning several green awards in the industry as well as being involved in Make it Happen’s Sustainability Bootcamp. Currently, Swinson-Bullough is managing director of Imageco, a provider of wide-format print and signage which has won many of the aforementioned sustainability awards and worked on green projects for brands like Dr. Martens and Samsung. Swinson-Bullough comments: “I am very proud to be named vice-president of FESPA UK. I have worked with the team for a long time and have admired the work they have done to provide opportunities for the print community both in the UK and Europe. I am excited to work with the team to continue FESPA UK’s legacy well into the future.” Speaking about his appointment on LinkedIn, Noble adds: “We have a wonderful team led by Suzi Ward who is doing a huge amount to champion the causes of print and Jay Burfield who is getting recognition by the global board for the pioneering work he is doing to bring through our next generation of print and graphics specialists.” FESPA UK names new president and vice-president [L to R] Molly Jackson, Paul Noble, Nicole Spencer, Suzi Ward, Nathan Swinson-Bullough, Jay Burfield, and Jon Hutton FASTSIGNS Milton Keynes will now be headed by entrepreneur Anil Shani who has a “wealth of business experience” in various industries including small-format printing, post and parcel logistics, and dry-cleaning. The Milton Keynes branch of FASTSIGNS is part of the franchise’s growing network which is currently made up of 24 centres around the country. Shani is taking over the Milton Keynes branch which has been serving Buckinghamshire-based businesses with signage solutions since 2006. Shani says: “Milton Keynes is a hidden gem, perfectly located with easy commuting access to London and the Midlands - right in the hub of a booming business community. “In my previous business, signage has always been something that my customers have wanted. So, joining a signage franchise, bringing everything in-house, and offering end-toend business solutions to local businesses, was the natural next step for me.” Shani plans to grow the business which currently employs three members of staff with more hires in the future as well as to offer further support to businesses in web design, uniform embroidery, and a consultation service. John Davies, managing director of FASTSIGNS UK, adds: “I look forward to seeing how an already established branch will continue to flourish under [Shani’s] leadership.” New owner for FASTSIGNS Milton Keynes Anil Shani has a range of experiences within local businesses and creative industries Astra Group, a full-service provider of traditional and digital signage solutions, has announced David Mulligan as the new managing director of its Signage and Digital division. Mulligan previously held the role of operations director at PFI Group, a company which has experienced a lot of turmoil over the past year due to job losses and the closure of many of its subsidiaries. Mulligan concentrated on operational excellence and process change at PFI before the business suffered from the cost pressures experienced after the pandemic. Before PFI, Mulligan held managerial positions at Cestrian and Service Graphics. Mulligan will now be responsible for driving Astra Group forward in the next stage of its expansion which includes the increase of its national and international footprint. Mulligan will also be responsible for all design, fabrication, and installation services including the new project delivery team led by Tony Bright. Astra Group has also announced the promotion of Stephen Burns to operation director following his role as head of production. Burns has accepted the role after just under six months of being with the company having worked as operations manager at isGroup for over 14 years. New appointments at Astra Group (L to R) David Mulligan and Stephen Burns from Astra Group By David Osgar By David Osgar By David Osgar 11 email: news@signlink.co.uk Issue 253 - June / July 2024
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