Securing major contracts is integral to any industrial business, from architects to engineers, and this includes sign-making firms. One franchisee has shown that getting involved in local projects can be extremely beneficial and aids an increase in turnover, especially when that project is a £23.3m refurbishment.

Signs Express in Central Lancashire has been busy providing 1,500 signs for the redevelopment of Preston’s Grade II-listed bus station. The building and refurbishment work was undertaken by Conlon Construction, which passed on the sign work to the local firm.

Ben Hall, director of Signs Express, comments: “As a Preston company, we are very proud to have been appointed to this important regeneration project for the city. The work we have been carrying out has also been fascinating as the regeneration project includes restoring a lot of the bus station to its original 1960s look, including the signs and the distinctive numbers on each original bus bay.

“We’re spending a lot of time getting that look right. The bus station is a very special and distinctive building and requires this special approach. The result will be fantastic.

It’s a very competitive market out there, but the advantage we have is being able to take on work of all sizes and to successfully project manage them”

”It’s a very competitive market out there, but the advantage we have is being able to take on work of all sizes and to successfully project manage them.”

The success of securing major projects like this one has seen Signs Express Central Lancashire increase its turnover to over £800,000.

Hall continues: “Our design department is using the latest software to create powerful messages. We pride ourselves that we are more than just a sign company. We’ve got graphics and fabrication workshops that are also equipped with the latest technology. It means we can produce all aspects of sign work, including illuminated, tactile, and braille signs.

“It’s a very competitive market out there, but the advantage we have is being able to take on work of all sizes and to successfully project manage them.”

Other contracts for the firm include jobs with universities, hospitals, and the local authorities. The growing client base in turn means more success, and winning these contracts is important to any firm or franchise for survival, as shown here by Signs Express Central Lancashire.

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