32 Issue 252 - April / May 2024 www.signlink.co.uk Continuing 40 Years of Success IIf you’ve attended trade shows and industry events over the past year or so, or are an avid user of LinkedIn, you may have come across a friendly and passionate duo – Sam Morgan and Donna James, the co-owners of Signspeed based in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. Founded just over 40 years ago by a husband and wife team, the company started out by specialising in screen print and cut vinyl for sign creation. Over time, the business evolved and transitioned into digital print. In its early days, Signspeed operated from converted barns, spanning across two buildings and various other smaller rooms. In late 2019, the owners decided to retire and the option of a staff buyout was on the table. Having worked in different departments, Morgan and James realised their skills would be compatible and they quickly formed a strong partnership. With this, they decided to seize the opportunity and in early 2020, took on an advisor and solicitor and set about securing funding and carrying out the purchase – all during the Covid-19 pandemic causing additional disruptions. However, despite these challenges, on October 1st, 2020, the purchase was complete. Taking Over the Helm “It was one heck of a learning curve and a baptism by fire for sure,” says James. “We were both very involved with the day to day running of the company and taking on the management has massively personally developed us both.” One of the first jobs for the new owners was sourcing and relocating to a new premises. Moving 38 years of things including all the machinery and the team, the business settled into its new home on March 1st, 2021 – a 4,000sq ft unit including a showroom featuring product examples, an office area, and design space. In addition, the company has a spacious workshop equipped for printing and production, complete with storage facilities. “We moved here three years ago and one of the main features we looked for in the move was an area which had a roller shutter door, allowing us to bring vehicles in and complete vehicle graphics undercover, furthering our offering to customers,” Morgan says. Today, with Morgan and James at the helm the company is made up of a team of six, each contributing unique skillsets in various areas such as design, production, and installation and the company prides itself on its exceptional customer service skills. Servicing both the print and sign industries, Signspeed offers a broad spectrum of printing services from business cards, letterheads, brochures, menus, and leaflets to roll-ups, pop-ups, banners, stand-off lettering, projecting signs, window graphics, vehicle graphics, and various other promotional items. “Our commitment extends beyond traditional printing,” explains Morgan. “Our adept graphic designers are dedicated to crafting logos and overseeing our clients’ branding, ensuring a unified and comprehensive visual identity.” Branding is something that the co-owners have refreshed within Signspeed itself, creating a coherent and revamped look and feel in its marketing and networking efforts. The team also provides an extensive range of more traditional signage from flat signs and sign trays to the fabrication of custom-made structures. “Our objective is to provide versatile and personalised signage solutions tailored to meet the distinct needs of our clients,” Morgan says, adding: “With our dedicated installation team, we offer a seamless one-stop-shop experience, handling the entire process from design to installation. “We strive to provide the highest level Having transitioned from employees to owners of a 40-year-old business, we speak to Sam Morgan and Donna James about how they plan to continue building on the legacy of West Wales-based Signspeed COMPANY SPOTLIGHT / SIGNSPEED ▲ [L to R] Sam Morgan and Donna James took over ownership of Signspeed in October 2020 1983 – Signspeed was founded 2020 – Sam Morgan and Donna James became owners of the business 2021 – the team moved into new 4,000sq ft premises 40 – the company is celebrating its 40th anniversary Statistics Not every day will be smooth sailing and having a network of people offering advice, support, and even a shoulder to lean on can be indispensable
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