The Sign Show secures first exhibitors for 2027
The Sign Show and The Print Show will take place in Hall 1 of the NEC from September 21st to 23rd, 2027, featuring exhibitors from across both the print and sign industries
Scottish signage and graphics specialist, EVM, has predicted that it will double turnover to £6m in 2027 compared to £3m in 2023 as part of a major expansion of its facilities and staff
A Glasgow-based signage and graphics provider, whose work has featured at major events including COP26 and the World Cycling Championships, is set to more than double its turnover in 2027, as part of a £1.5m expansion.
Effective Visual Marketing (EVM), which manufactures and installs signage, branded graphics, and interior fitout componentry across the construction, financial services, and events sectors, expects its turnover to more than double from £3m in 2023 to over £6m by March 2027, following a reported period of rapid growth.
Based within Glasgow’s Thornliebank Industrial Estate, the business has acquired the premises next door to its existing headquarters, increasing its overall capacity by 40% and providing a total of 30,000sq ft space for production, logistics, stock storage, and its growing workforce.
Paul Fennon, managing director of EVM, says: “We started out as a signage business in Glasgow more than 30 years ago and our range of in-house capabilities has enabled us to scale our business significantly in recent years with continuous investment in our people, skills, and advanced manufacturing equipment all accelerating our growth.
“Having reached the limits of our existing space we started to consider moving to larger premises and having the building next door come onto the market was a rare opportunity to continue our growth without uprooting the business and team we’ve built here.”
Its latest investment will see its workforce grow from 36 to 47, with EVM recruiting experienced joiners and carpenters, digital printing and finishing professionals, and installation technicians.
The additional premises will undergo a new roof and interior fit-out, allowing the business to expand while remaining at its long-standing Glasgow base.
The move is being supported by a £300,000 commercial mortgage from Bank of Scotland. EVM has worked with the bank for more than 15 years, with the funding having enabled the business to move quickly to secure the neighbouring property.
Fennon adds: “Our people drive our success. As a business that’s been in my family for two generations, we always try to recruit for the long-term. Many of our colleagues have been with us for over a decade, and over the last few years we’ve recruited several of their family members to join our team as apprentices or new-starts.
“Having more space means we can continue to grow by bringing more skilled people into the business, creating exciting career opportunities and ensuring our customers continue to enjoy the same service that keeps them coming back to us.”
Among its achievements, EVM has provided branding and signage for the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the World Gymnastics Championships, as well as marketing suites for the ‘Athletes’ Village’ development in Glasgow’s East End.
The company also supported the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic, producing PPE and helping prepare Glasgow’s temporary NHS Louisa Jordan emergency hospital.
More recently the company delivered head-office fit outs for Glasgow based distillers Edrington and Cala Homes, as well as branding and wayfinding signage for the World Gymnastics Championships, COP26, and the UCI World Cycling Championships.
