As we conclude our Women in Print series, we shift our focus beyond CDS Print Services to the wider network of partners who help us deliver excellence every day. The print industry is shaped not only by those within our own organisation but also by the talented individuals across our supply chain. Among them are women whose careers reflect the same determination, adaptability and passion expressed by our own CDS team.
Today we highlight Lucy Langmead of Aura Brand Solutions and Ann Hall of Allsopp Bookbinders—two women whose journeys demonstrate how opportunity, resilience and representation continue to transform the print industry.
Lucy’s entry into print was anything but traditional. After completing a degree in French and European Studies, she joined 3M and began her career in the automotive sector before transferring into Commercial Graphics. There she managed major accounts and worked directly with fleet end users and London-based global creative agencies, specifying 3M films for leading brands including British Gas, The AA, Royal Mail, Hilton and McDonald’s.
Her journey echoes the experiences shared by women across CDS:
Like Claire Brown, who described how skills from other sectors strengthened her print career, Lucy’s background outside of print demonstrates how transferable experience can elevate the impact women have across the industry.
Her progression into technical and advisory roles mirrors the experiences of Michelle Watkins, who spoke about building deep technical knowledge to gain credibility in what was once a male-dominated field.
Lucy’s career exemplifies the breadth of opportunities available to women in print today—far beyond traditional pathways and increasingly central to brand, production and technical decision-making.
Ann Hall’s story is a powerful reminder of how supportive workplaces and personal resilience can shape long and fulfilling careers. She entered the industry “largely by chance” as an office junior, but a company culture that encouraged curiosity, initiative and learning helped her build a 37‑year career culminating in co-ownership of the business.
Her reflections—and her evolution from junior to business leader—align strongly with themes highlighted by CDS contributors:
Like Katie Tillotson, who described how every challenge became a learning curve, Ann attributes her success to resilience and embracing the opportunities presented to her.
She recalls entering a male-dominated industry in 1989, a landscape similar to what Michelle Watkins and Claire Blythe experienced during the early stages of their own careers.
Her journey also reflects Sian Buckland’s belief in the importance of visibility, particularly for women in technical or traditionally male roles. As Ann notes, she has seen the industry shift from a predominantly male environment to a far more balanced one.
Ann’s progression, supported by strong mentorship from the company’s former owner, mirrors the emphasis on leadership support discussed across CDS interviews—from Nicole Fletcher’s “pivotal” manager to the broader encouragement many women described throughout their careers.
Although Lucy and Ann’s paths are distinct, their experiences echo the same themes expressed across CDS Print Services:
1. Representation and visibility continue to matter
Whether working with clients, specifying materials or leading businesses, women in print repeatedly emphasise that seeing other women succeed helps change perceptions—something voiced strongly by Sian Buckland, Kirsty Colley and many others.
2. Resilience remains a defining strength
Ann cites resilience as a career-shaping skill, Lucy built confidence navigating new industries, and CDS contributors like Katie and Claire describe strengthening through challenges. The message is universal: print is fast-paced and demanding—but deeply rewarding for those who persevere.
3. Mentorship and leadership support transform careers
Ann’s trajectory was shaped by a leader who believed in her potential. CDS contributors such as Nicole Fletcher and Claire Brown shared similar stories of managers who opened doors, encouraged development and built confidence through trust.
4. The industry is changing—and women are driving that change
From digital workflows and automation to evolving customer expectations and more inclusive workplaces, both suppliers and CDS team members agree: print has changed dramatically in recent decades, and women are increasingly central to shaping its future.
As we close this year’s Women in Print series, one message rings louder than any other: our industry is stronger because of the women within it.
Across CDS Print Services and throughout our supply chain, the stories shared by our colleagues — from early challenges and steep learning curves to leadership journeys and technical mastery — reveal an industry transformed by perseverance, curiosity and collaboration. These women have navigated male-dominated environments, embraced new technologies, challenged expectations and proven time and again that print thrives when diverse voices are heard and valued.
The experiences of partners like Lucy Langmead and Ann Hall show that this progress extends far beyond our own walls. Their careers — from global brand consultancy to co-owning a historic bookbinding business — mirror the resilience, confidence-building and innovation championed by the women of CDS.
Together, these stories paint a future that is bright, balanced and full of opportunity. A future where representation continues to grow, where more women step into technical, creative and leadership roles, and where the path into print is clearer, more welcoming and more inspiring than ever before.
To every woman who shared her voice in this series — and to every woman shaping the print industry today — thank you. Your expertise, your perspective and your leadership are not just valued; they are vital to the future of our sector.
Here’s to visibility.
Here’s to progress.
And here’s to the women who continue to lead the way in print.