“We have made conscious efforts to increase our capacity, reduce lead times, and help our clients have an advantage in their marketplace with our additional offerings such as 316 grade stainless steel used throughout as opposed to 304 with no premium price, structural calculations included in the costs on our totems as examples,” Hodgson says. “Since Brexit the threat of European rivals seems to have diminished, however other influences on the economy have also meant inflation and raw material cost increases have meant sales prices have had to increase significantly. “We have countered cost rises by purchasing our materials and resources in different formats and on larger scales. Our aim is to ensure we remain competitive while increasing the durability and product quality we manufacture and supply.” As to where the market may be heading, Hodgson comments that when speaking to clients, SignFab is noticing an increasing trend for sign companies to cut back on their overheads by reducing production space, in-house manufacturing, and stock. Another trend is that sign companies are outsourcing finished products from trade manufacturers rather than producing themselves. However, he goes on to say that if you have a strong sales team and customer base, then why not cut back on the manufacturing overhead, and instead buy and sell on from reliable trade supplier networks? “Reduced overheads, total flexibility on capacity means far higher profit levels,” Hodgson says, adding: “Everyone should be looking for a market advantage. Find your point of difference. That starts by taking a view on your own outlays and overheads, it can sometimes be very obvious that some areas of the business are not profitable – tackle or remove those and concentrate on what you are good at.” As to what SignFab can offer to companies looking to move ahead in the market, Hodgson says SignFab delivers a broad trade supply service, with the idea of supplying clients with a one-stop-shop and team that can support their signage needs. “Our two factories have up-to-date manufacturing equipment in the industry,” Hodgson says, adding: “From the workhorses of three laser cutting machines, three routers, 4,000mm capacity brake presses, and guillotines, through to having a huge team of experienced and CE/UKCA qualified fabricators.” New to SignFab is an eight-stage powder and paint line, which Hodgson says allows for high-quality finishing, offering over 700 stock colours and a wet paint mixing system. In addition, the company only uses 316 marine-grade on all stainless steel fabrications and letters, so all external signage can be installed at any UK location, including coastal areas. “The production team is in regular contact with all customers,” Hodgson explains, adding: “To make sure they have agreed production slots and delivery dates, supported by a comprehensive after-sales service means all our customers and their end clients have the reassurance of our ongoing three-year warranty.” Building for the Future Circling back to what Hodgson says about a reduced labour market, the onus is now on sign-makers and other companies in the industry to do whatever they can to bring in new talent, especially when it comes to skilled work such as sign fabrication. One company to have done exactly this is FASTSIGNS St Albans, which last year elected to grow its team by bringing in a Level 3 Signage Technician apprentice. The 24-month program is tailored to the requirements of the industry and covers the design, manufacture, fabrication, and installation of signage. As part of the program, Charlie Gordon has been taking on tasks including preparing signage illustrations, designing, and using machinery, as well as familiarising himself with new equipment and tools such as Computer Aided Design (CAD). Lee Simpson, franchisee of FASTSIGNS 35 Issue 253 - June / July 2024 email: news@signlink.co.uk ▲ SignFab uses 316 marine-grade on all stainless steel fabrications and letters SIGN FABRICATION
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