Signs Express

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Plympton Magazine November 2024

29th October 2024

Published by info@oracle.uk.net on 28th October 2024

It’s hard to believe it’s already been two years since our last visit to the Signs Express workshop, where we first met with Simon and Tracy, as they took on their new role as Directors following Chris’s retirement. Back then, Simon and Tracy were in the midst of a major transition, taking the reins of the well-established business after Chris’s 25 years of dedication. Now, with two years under their belt, we thought it was the perfect time to catch up with them and their team to see how things have progressed. Has the transition gone as smoothly as hoped? What new developments and challenges have they faced? We’re excited to dive back in and find out how Simon and Tracy have shaped the future of Signs Express Plymouth.

Signs Express Plymouth is part of the UK’s largest signage franchise network, providing high-quality, custom signage solutions to businesses across the region. Opened over 27 years ago, the Plymouth branch has built a strong reputation for delivering creative and professional signage that meets the unique needs of its clients. As a franchise, Signs Express Plymouth combines the benefits of being part of a nationally trusted brand with the personal touch of a local, family-run business, ensuring that every client receives exceptional service and expert advice.

Offering a comprehensive range of services, Signs Express Plymouth specialises in everything from vehicle graphics and shopfront signs to interior displays, large-scale outdoor signage, and more. Their highly skilled team handles every aspect of the process, from initial design concepts through to manufacturing and installation, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience for their clients.

Over the years, Signs Express Plymouth has worked with some of the region’s most prominent businesses and organisations, including Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, Plymouth Gin, and Plymouth University. These high-profile partnerships showcase the branch’s ability to take on large, complex projects while maintaining its commitment to quality and attention to detail. Whether you’re a small business looking to enhance your brand visibility or a large organisation requiring bespoke signage solutions, Signs Express Plymouth is equipped to bring your vision to life.

Although Simon stepped into the role of Director in October 2022, he’s certainly no stranger to Signs Express. In fact, he has been part of the team, on and off, for nearly 17 years. With a Fine Arts degree and training as a Brush Lettering Artist, Simon has worn many hats throughout his career. His journey took a life-changing turn at 17, following a motorbike accident that reshaped his outlook on life. From that moment, Simon adopted a “say yes to every opportunity” mindset, leading him on an eclectic path—from working as part of a hot air balloon crew (logging an impressive 70 flights a year for four years) to running a music venue with his wife Tracy, all while balancing his work as a subcontractor for Signs Express.

Tracy also has a background in the sign industry. Starting her working life as an auto stylist; fitting stripes and graphics to vehicles, to setting up and running a small sign business with Simon, when they were first married. Running the sign business led to Tracy’s training as an accounting technician. All while running the business with Simon and looking after their two young daughters. When qualified, Tracy went on to work in the accounts departments of various businesses, including Plymouth Gin and the Alzheimer’s Society. This rich and varied background has given them a unique perspective and a wealth of experience, which they now bring to their leadership role at the Plymouth branch.

So, what’s been happening over the past two years? Since Simon and Tracy took on the role of Directors, they have placed a strong emphasis on nurturing and developing customer relationships. One of their major clients, Babcock, has seen a significant strengthening of ties, culminating in Signs Express being entrusted with all signage for their recent rebranding earlier this year. This focus on building solid partnerships has also led to an increase in projects with the University of Plymouth, including a successful collaboration on the signage for their Smeaton building.

Within the first 8 months of Simon and Tracy taking the reins, they made quite an impression, winning the prestigious “Best Newcomer of 2023” award and winner of “Best Vehicle Graphics 2023” award. That’s an incredible way to kick off a new role and a testament to Simon and Tracy’s leadership and vision.

A proud Simon shares that 68% of their business comes from repeat clients, a testament to their exceptional service and quality. Signs Express has become a go-to for commercial customers, largely because they offer the broadest range of capabilities in the area. Being an artist at heart, Simon didn’t just explain why—they showed us. Leading us into their impressive on-site workshop, Simon beamed, calling it, “my happy place.”

What truly sets Signs Express Plymouth apart is their ability to craft everything in-house, rather than outsourcing. With a skilled team and equipment. From CNC cutting and aluminium work to welding, they have the skills, with Sam, their production manager, who’s been working for Signs Express Plymouth for 14 years and is their go-to problem solver. To Steve their in-house design and vehicle graphics expert, who’s also worked there for 14 years. To new recruits, Lorna their daughter, who’s the queen of safety signs, Ian who is the first point of contact for new customers, and Tris who brings a unique skill set with a background in electronics, allowing Tris to handle both the circuit creation and design process. They have the materials, and facilities to handle any project, no matter the size. Their commitment to quality and sustainability is further highlighted by their use of an electric van for eco-friendly transportation.

When it comes to staff, Simon emphasizes that it’s more about skills and creativity than formal qualifications. The ability to visualize projects in 3D and bring an artistic flair to the work is key. For the installation side of the business, Simon looks for individuals with building or carpentry expertise. This further reinforces Simon’s point that Signs Express Plymouth thrives on a foundation of knowledge and experience, enabling them to deliver high-quality, versatile signage solutions.

Now as Director of the franchise, Simon doesn’t get to do as much hands-on work as he used to, but there’s one project he’s currently involved in that has become a personal favorite. A pub in Brixton reached out to Signs Express for new signage, and Simon has loved every moment of it. The client has given the team full creative freedom, which has allowed Simon to truly showcase his skills. Trained as a Brush Lettering Artist, Simon has had the opportunity to hand-paint intricate details on the new 3D sign using liquid gold—a task he’s thoroughly enjoyed. If you ever find yourself in Brixton, make sure to stop by the Fox Hound Inn and admire their beautiful new signs.

So, what is next for Simon, Tracy and the team?

“We’d like to have another three years of business development by bringing in new facilities, machinery and even a premises expansion to further increase what we can offer. Then after we’ve reached those goals, we would then like to take a step back.”