In the vibrant world of packaging and print, women are breaking barriers and driving innovation like never before. Leading this transformative wave is Ursula Webber, the managing director of Banbury Colour & Dosing Solutions. Ursula exemplifies the blend of expertise, vision and tenacity that is propelling the industry forward.

Under Ursula’s leadership, Banbury has evolved into a beacon of sustainability and innovation, thriving in the competitive African market. ‘We assist customers in making sustainable products cost-effectively and efficiently,’ Ursula proudly states, capturing the essence of Banbury’s mission.

Reflecting on her journey, Ursula recalls her early days in the industry: ‘I started in administration, handling most of the internal functions for Banbury. Many women in our industry begin this way and then move into more strategic positions.’ Her keen marketing skills and customer engagement experience quickly propelled her into roles that involved working closely with suppliers and customers, showcasing the dynamic progression opportunities available within the field.

Ursula emphasises the critical importance of women’s representation in packaging and print. ‘Women’s attention to detail in critical areas of the business is vital,’ she asserts. ‘From quality control to customer trials and marketing, women excel in areas that are crucial to the industry’s success.’ She notes a promising trend of more women moving into technical roles, which she believes should be encouraged to diversify and strengthen team dynamics.

Engaging young women in the industry is a cause close to Ursula’s heart. She passionately advocates for showcasing the vibrant and exciting career paths available. ‘Our industry offers so much, from chemistry to advertising and everything in-between. The world is constantly changing and products and technology are becoming better and better,’ she explains. Ursula calls for educational institutions to offer courses aligned with the industry and for companies to provide internships that offer hands-on experience. For women already in the industry, she suggests instilling a passion for the field in their daughters from a young age, fostering the next generation of female leaders in packaging and print.

Navigating the challenges of her career, Ursula reflects on the significant hurdles she has faced, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. ‘Turning the business around has been a hurdle, but we have definitely seen significant growth since then.’ Despite these difficulties, Ursula’s resilience and leadership have propelled Banbury to new heights.