Signs Express has been shortlisted in seven categories of the Sign & Digital UK 2012 Awards. With over 75 franchise sign centres, the company has demonstrated its success during 2011 with a wide range of high quality projects.
Alan Caddick of Sign & Digital UK, organiser of the Awards, comments, “The awards entries were of an exceptional standard and displayed some of the best creative talent in the industry. Competition was high and the judging panel of industry experts had a real challenge to narrow down the nominations to produce the final shortlist”.
Signs Express received two nominations for the ‘sign company of the year’ award for its Gateshead and Falkirk franchises. Both centres have taken their businesses to new heights and the latest recognition follows success in the British Franchise Association franchisee of the year awards in 2011 and 2010 respectively.
During 2011, Signs Express (Gateshead) owner Malcolm Lant used his strong business focus to capitalise on opportunities to showcase the Signs Express brand including offering free branded banners to supporting crowds at the X Factor final which appeared both on the local news and on the X Factor final itself. He has also used local influence to raise valuable funds for a local charity Ben4Ben which included organising a trek to Ben Nevis. Activities raised a total of ￡40,000 to send a 5 year old boy for life changing surgery enabling him to learn to walk.
Steve McMurray, owner of Signs Express (Falkirk), has achieved considerable business growth and has an enviable level of repeat business. Offering specialised products including signage for 30 offshore wind farms in the particularly difficult conditions of the North Sea and a range of bi-lingual signs for Ski resorts in the area, Steve and his team have developed customer relationships through excellent customer service working as supply partners on both long and short term projects. His support for Age Scotland is an indication of the business’ strive to support the local community.
Signs Express (Manchester) also impressed the judging panel with two nominations in ‘individual sign project’ and ‘multiple sign project’ for 10+ employees. Its striking monolith for Princes Dock takes centre stage at the regenerated dockland and an ongoing contract with world-leading cycling team Sky Pro Cycling has seen the sign making team travel across Europe to provide a wide range of vehicle graphics and supporting signage.
Named as a finalist in both the ‘individual sign project’ and ‘multiple sign project categories’ for 1-9 employees, Signs Express (Leeds) has completed some striking work during 2011. Its innovative solution for floating halo illuminated signage on behalf of Hush Puppies to a glass fronted retail store has lead to additional work with the leading brand and a wide range of sign solutions provided to Bridgewater Place prestigious development in Leeds shows a true understanding of the needs of their customer.
Signs Express (Peterborough) was named as a finalist for ‘vehicle wrapping project of the year’ after working with local theatre arts company Top Hex. With the design completed in house, the client reports a great reaction from their target audience to the graphics which feature full colour digitally printed graphics depicting dancing legs – a bright and colourful contrast covering three quarters of the black vehicle.
Commenting on receiving the news of the extensive finalist positions, Signs Express Managing Director Craig Brown said, “We are delighted to hear the news and wish all of the finalists every success in the awards. We are very proud of the high quality work we complete on behalf of our clients and always strive to achieve the best possible results from our signs and graphics, understanding the needs of the customer and ensuring our solutions match the objective."
He continued, “Signs and graphics are one of the most powerful advertising tools and are very cost effective, with many solutions having a long life. In a recent survey of over 1000 businesses, 94% of past customers would recommend Signs Express* – testament to our strong brand reputation for providing excellent quality products which exceed customer expectations.”
The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony being held at the National Motorcycle Museum on the 28th March. The ceremony is being held on the evening of the middle day of the Sign & Digital UK exhibition, held at the NEC.