[L to R] Sam Morgan and Donna James took over ownership of Signspeed in October 2020
Continuing 40 Years of Success
If 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.
The Pembrokeshire-based six-strong team brings a range of unique skillsets from design, production, and installation
“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.
Something the team has focused on is refreshing the company branding and marketing
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 of service with the finest quality products using effective processes from initial contact through to the finished outcome. Using our professional knowledge and experience, we uphold our reputation for providing a speedy service whilst meeting and exceeding expectations.”
An example of this is the fact that Signspeed has been ISO-accredited since 1991 and holds CHAS and SMAS certificates.
So, what does a typical day look like at Signspeed? “The day starts with a team meeting where everyone can identify their key tasks and achievements for the day,” explains James. “One member of staff is out every day installing estate agent signs around West Wales and this is a huge part of our business, not only providing the signage, but erecting them too.”
Meanwhile, Morgan adds that the designers will engage in client consultations and work on bringing concepts to life whilst the office team focuses on handling customer enquiries and pricing future projects.
A Steep Transition
Now, going from employees to taking on ownership of a company that has been established for over three decades and maintaining its reputation and success is no mean feat and not something to be underestimated. This is a move that takes guts and hasn't been without its challenges.
For James, the biggest challenge has been adjusting to the line between being one of the team working in the business day to day, to switching into “boss mode”. “This, I would say, has been the most difficult thing to deal with,” she says, adding: “However, we are consciously working on the business more and our business coaches help us develop our ability to cope with the transition.”
Morgan echoes James’ thoughts and says the transition from being an employee to a business owner and shifting from working within the business to running it and being tasked with making crucial decisions, has been the most significant challenge and the steepest learning curve. “In the initial stages, this proved challenging, but as time has passed, my confidence has grown,” she says. “I’ve developed the necessary skills and belief in myself to recognise that I am capable of successfully managing and leading the business.”
Like James, Morgan also credits the support the pair have received from Business Pathfinders and The Online Print Coach, Colin Sinclair McDermott, and says their guidance has played a crucial role in providing both business and personal support during moments of doubt. This, she says, has contributed significantly to the business’ overall growth and success.
“If you’re considering embarking on a similar journey, my key recommendation is to build a circle of reliable individuals – those you trust and who can guide you through challenging times,” Mogan says. “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.”
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”
As Signspeed marks its 40th year in business, James and Morgan say their plans for the future involve a commitment to serving customers with the highest quality products and services, whilst also focusing on expanding their customer base. This will be done by maintaining a forward-thinking approach and adapting product offerings in line with advancements in technology.
To celebrate the milestone, the team are considering a special event to express gratitude to customers and the community that has supported the company over the years.
“I take great pride in the longstanding legacy of Signspeed, which has been trading in Pembrokeshire for 40 years,” Morgan says, adding: “Being part of this journey and upholding such a well-known name in the industry is a privilege. Signspeed stands as a symbol of delivering high-quality products and excellent customer service, values that I am very proud to carry forward.”
Statistics
- 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
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