Following a major milestone for the company, we speak to Mark Bartlett, managing director of Signbox, about how the signage provider has developed over the last 40 years
Signbox has undertaken a number of developments in its 40 years, winning a range of industry awards throughout its history and working with brands and businesses including Microsoft UK, British Airways, and Cancer Research UK.
More recently, it was announced that Stewart Signs had acquired a majority stake in Signbox, with Signbox’s website now listing the company as a “Stewart Signs Company”. Mark Bartlett and Matthew Wilkins, who founded Signbox back in 1985 and now work as managing director and director respectively, are both continuing in executive roles with the aim of ensuring continuity for customers.
Following the acquisition, Bartlett said: “I’m excited with this dynamic new chapter in our story; joining forces with Stewart Signs unites two iconic names in the signage world. By blending Signbox’s passion for architectural innovation with Stewart Signs’ rich heritage and renowned capabilities, we’re unlocking fresh possibilities for our clients.”
The acquisition is the latest chapter in the diverse history of Signbox, which Bartlett and Wilkins first launched following a short career with 3M. Their time with 3M involved working in a test market for short-run fleet graphics, using early adopter CAD/CAM technology.
Since its inception, the company has consistently expanded and evolved its output, and now provides offerings including architectural branding, digital signage, environmental graphics, wayfinding, glazing manifestation, and modular sign systems. As Bartlett says: “We are constantly learning and working to improve ourselves, our team, our product, and our processes.”
This improvement has advanced the company from humble beginnings to an operation that now boasts 34 staff, a reported £5m turnover, and a 1200sq m core facility, with Signbox’s client base expanding far beyond its Surrey and Greater London base of operations.
Bartlett explains: “Over the past 40 years, we’ve worked with some of the world’s most exciting brands who continue to rely on us to deliver outstanding, award-winning signage solutions that inspire, motivate, and empower their people and partners across their international locations.”
According to Bartlett, the B2B signage provider has a number of core values that it aims to adhere to in whatever work it undertakes. This includes a ‘people first’ mentality, where a healthy work-life balance and time with family is prioritised. Bartlett asserts: “We believe people are our biggest asset,” continuing: “We also expect everyone on our team to treat others, as well as themselves, with the highest level of respect and kindness.”
We believe people are our biggest asset… We also expect everyone on our team to treat others, as well as themselves, with the highest level of respect and kindness
In his description of the company, Bartlett stresses SignBox’s commitment to sustainability, its championing of new low carbon solutions, and upholding standards for diversity and inclusion. However, Bartlett also stresses that there is more to learn, saying: “We are constantly learning and working to improve ourselves, our team, our product, and our processes.”
When asked to highlight a project that he is personally most proud of, Bartlett points to the revamp of the iconic New Scotland Yard sign, a triangular, revolving sign made of reflective stainless-steel lettering that was first designed in 1968 by Edward Wright. Bartlett comments: “It’s something we all see on our screens and in the news every week.”
The new design was precision engineered with a parallel shaft helical gearbox, which enabled the sign to rotate at a specific speed. The installation also included slip rings to power a LED harness and stainless-steel halo-lit lettering added to each side. As Bartlett concludes: “We lived up to the challenge of manufacturing a durable, low energy iconic totem that is seen across the globe.”
The company also recently won the Gold Interior Decor award at the Sign & Wrap Awards for its work on the Horizon 22 viewing platform in London, which it produced alongside design consultants Hello Hackenbacker. As part of the project, Signbox developed, manufactured, and installed branding and practical wayfinding signage for Horizon 22, which is reportedly the highest viewing platform in London. The company also won a Silver award in the Sustainability in Signage category of the awards, for its refurbishment of the 160,000sq ft Ark office building in Hammersmith.
In the 40 years since the company launched, it has of course seen many challenges. Bartlett highlights a number of the key difficulties of working within the UK construction sector, including: “Unpaid debts that create constant cash-flow strain, juggling payment to suppliers, retaining skilled labour, and keeping projects on schedule.”
However, despite these setbacks Bartlett has strong aspirations for the future, saying: “Innovation, productivity, and perseverance are the fuels that drive sustainable growth. Our momentum and legacy is to see Signbox flourish for another four decades and more – and that’s got to be a great sign!”
The company hired Adrain Eden as its new general manager in January 2025, with his key focus being to expand into new sectors and capitalise on emerging growth opportunities.
Eden entered the role with 18 years of previous experience in the sign industry, including ten years in production and install management, and eight years in strategic operations. Speaking at the time of his appointment, he said: "I’ve always admired Signbox for its forward-thinking approach and culture of innovation and excellence in sign-making. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to new sectors and products, and I’m particularly keen to explore sustainability and drive innovation alongside the talented team here."
Bartlett has similarly ambitious goals and a passion both for his work and his company. He concludes: “We design, project manage, print, cut, laser, rout, paint, and install – all in-house.
“We are a busy collective of people that take huge pride in delivering a quality service and product, all with a smile and sense of achievement. There is always a solution to every problem and we love a challenge. Our ethos is to work hard, enjoy what we do, and celebrate success.”
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