News travels fast

Having exceeded our first month targets by 15%, we've felt a great sense of achievement which is encouraging for the future. The scary part of starting a business is the concern that the work may not be out there. But it isn't until you see the proof that you can start to appreciate the rewards.

Our first main job came shortly after opening our doors to the centre. Smith Bros Contracting is situated right next door to our unit. Richard Smith came wandering in one day looking for vehicle graphics for his fleet of vans. We were only too happy to help. He sent us the logo and text and we set to work.

As an electrical and cabling specialist, Smith Bros use their vehicles constantly throughout the day so it was important that we didn't take up much of their time when it came to application. We prepared the vinyl in advance and were able to slot the vehicles in one at a time at short notice. The vinyl was then applied within the allotted timeframe, leaving us ready for the next vehicle to be brought into the application bay.

It will no doubt be perfect if all our customers are acquired so easily but we all need to work hard to compete with the competition and provide an affordable service to our clients. As part of the Signs Express franchise, marketing at head office supplies us with marketing initiatives to promote the business, including mail shots using signage literature and e-shots to be sent to businesses in our area.

We've already produced signage for businesses in and around Huddersfield. A major solicitors in the area, Armitage Sykes Solicitors, contacted us to produce the signage for their re-brand, which involves brass plaques, panel and post exterior signage, and wall mounted framed signage. An agency carried out the design work initially but Armitage wasn't happy with the result so we re-worked the layouts and received praise for our designs. Armitage were so happy that they've recommended us to other businesses and we've received a number of orders off the back of the project. It just goes to show how providing a fast and efficient service can generate one of the best forms of promotion, word of mouth.

Another recent client, Pixie Boutique, came to us with concerns about their shop positioning and how they were not standing out from the competition. They basically needed more visibility as people didn't seem to notice them as they went past. The original exterior signage just read 'Pixie' in flat black acrylic, so we suggested changing the name to the full "Pixie Boutique" in larger lettering including up-lighting and the client was really happy with the end result.

We have also just completed work for a tyre distribution centre in Elland. Micheldever Tyre Services had previous problems with their signage due to being located in an area subjected to large gusts of wind. Earlier signage had not been secured correctly as the posts had only been sunk 500mm deep which just wasn't enough. After we completed work, the client was extremely pleased with the result.

It's early days, but we've been delighted by the response our work has received. Nearly all our customers comment on the speed of response when an enquiry is made. There is appreciation for speed of service, quality and professionalism. By already having a management background and the training and support provided at the beginning by head office, it's really made the process run more smoothly.