The Sign Group

Strategic Growth Programme helps high-growth Leeds signage manufacturer to increase productivity

Established over 20 years ago, The Sign Group, are an award-winning bespoke signage and lighting manufacturer with an eye for fashionable and innovative products. They produce bespoke trade signs for the shopfitting and display industries throughout Europe.

Over the years, the company has branched out to cover almost every aspect of signage, they now manufacture a vast selection of products in house. The company specialise in faux neon and were the first UK company to manufacture a rigid neon product.

The last few years have seen rapid growth for the business. This growth has been supported by the Strategic Growth Programme (SGP).

The first stage of the programme was to complete the GROWTHmapper® diagnostic which was used to scope the project and help to find the most appropriate coach.

The company received coaching from Tony Goodwin who helped to devise a sales strategy that utilised insights from their technology, manufacturing and sales departments. The outcome was a more efficient sharing of technical detail throughout the sales process.

The project was designed to ensure maximum interest in their new NeonPlus® product. Since the project, the business has seen an additional 12% increase in revenue purely from sales of this product.

Ian Hoole, Financial Director for The Sign Group commented, “The choice of coach was great for us, we have a very high regard for Tony Goodwin’s work. He was very valuable for us”.

SGP has supported the company’s rapid growth with capital funding which contributed towards installing a new mezzanine floor. This extra space has created room for a new office and some fabrication processes.

Since the SGP project, 6 new jobs have been created. Through a combination of trade shows and product training courses, The Sign Group are committed to helping trade customers see the benefits of the Neon Vibe product.

Nick Palmer, Strategic Growth Manager for SGP, commented on his experience with the company, “The Sign Group provide a great example of how productivity is a ‘team activity’. Sales, manufacturing and finance departments have all worked together to achieve greater efficiencies. Through the capital grant and support, SGP is proud to have helped an ambitious company to expand.”

Ian Hoole concluded, “I’d encourage any business owner to find out about the Strategic Growth Programme. It’s been an eye-opener how useful business support can be. Just ask to learn more!”

Future plans for the business include continuing growth, securing new products and remaining committed to innovation.

For more information on GA Signs, trading as The Sign Group go to www.thesigngroup.co.uk