On a rollercoaster ride

‘Life is like a rollercoaster’ lends itself nicely to business too—there are ups and downs, but it is important to keep journeying forward. As it takes on work for theme parks such as Alton Towers, the simile is more literal for Spectrum Signs and Graphics than for most.

Darren Moore, partner at Spectrum Signs and Graphics, worked for the original company founded in 1984 by his father. In 2002, Moore and his business partner bought the business. The company is modest with just four members of staff, all working hard to produce creative signage that meets the customer’s requirements.

Spectrum Signs and Graphics take on a variety of jobs including large-format digital printing, different types of signage such as illuminated signs and retail front signage, banners, and vehicle livery.



When asked about the most popular services requested at the moment, Moore says: “It’s an equal mix between vehicle livery and printing. We do a lot of the printing side for Alton Towers and Merlin Studios, so we get to work all over the country, for example, Warwick Castle, Chessington, and Thorpe Park. We do a lot of fleet work as well.

“The work that we do for Alton Towers is always interesting and is something that a lot of sign companies our size probably do not get the chance to do. We get involved with the theme side of things and produce a lot of murals, wallpaper, and large-format jobs.”

Big ideas

The company has invested in key pieces of technology in order to produce the best quality work. Moore comments: “We have an OKI ColorPainter M64 large-format digital which we bought from Signmaster Systems in January of this year. We also use Graphtec and Mimaki cutters and plotters, we have a laminating machine, and then the CNC we generally design and then send it out because of space issues. We are not a huge company by any means.”

Although Spectrum Signs and Graphics is a small company, that does not stop it from coming up with big ideas. Moore reveals that a lot of their customers come back to them time and time again, proving the reliability and quality of the company.



“We try to be a little bit more creative whether it be design work or ideas, we just try and be a bit different,” continues Moore, adding: “Most of our turnover is repeat custom which I think is somewhat down to working creatively. It’s all about the service. We’re not a massive company, but we try our best and try to compete with the big boys as best as we can.”


Moore also acknowledges the uncertain time that the sign industry is currently in as political changes have thrown up many questions about the future, as well as the 2008/2009 recession still in people’s minds.

He explains: “We’ve just got through the recession so we are still cautious, but growing. It’s difficult to say what’s to come, especially with the outcome of the EU Referendum, it’s definitely a weird time at the moment.”

Moore also notes the changes that have taken place in the sign industry and how this has impacted sign companies like Spectrum Signs and Graphics.



He says: “I think sign-makers have changed a lot in the last ten years because of digital printing. I think what a sign company is expected to do and have is vastly different than it was ten years ago. It’s important to stay in competition with everyone else. It seems there is now more money being spent but for the same amount of work that was priced up ten years ago. The industry has changed a lot.”


With major changes currently underway in the UK, it is not surprising that the sign industry is cautious but what is positive is that growth is still up for grabs, even for smaller companies. With a dedication to great service, the right equipment, and creative ideas, it looks like Spectrum Signs and Graphics will continue to succeed and grow the business.

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