35 Issue 257 - February / March 2025 email: editor@signlink.co.uk COMPANY SPOTLIGHT / THE SUSSEX SIGN COMPANY steadily rebuilding, and today we are back to a team of 19,” says Mayhew. Stronger Than Ever Despite a raft of challenges and lessons, The Sussex Sign Company is now poised to expand to new heights and take what has happened in the past as building blocks to a new future. “In 2021, our turnover was £900,000,” states Mayhew, adding: “We then set an ambitious yet achievable goal to grow the company to £2m over the next six years, more than doubling our turnover postCovid. With a depleted team, limited cash flow, and a country in turmoil, it was a significant challenge. However, we’re proud to say that for the current financial year, we are on track to achieve a turnover of £1.35m. This puts us firmly on course to hit our £2m target by the end of 2027.” With various types of projects and work available to sign, display, and graphic companies, Mayhew has acknowledged the importance of making his team experts in areas that he knows the company can excel in. “As a full-service sign company, we produce a wide range of products in-house. However, to ensure that every product we provide meets the highest standards, we collaborate with a trusted network of trade partners.” Mayhew also emphasises the importance of training, which The Sussex Sign Company has focused on through the use of the Make It Happen workshops, run by Sam Armstrong and her team. “With this combination of in-house expertise, trusted partnerships, and ongoing training, we are confident in our ability to deliver outstanding solutions for any print or signage requirement.” For Mayhew, the growth he has seen in his staff members is what has made him the most proud of the company he helped build. “My current general manager, for instance, started with the company at just 18 years old, and now plays a crucial role in running the organisation. She is keeping the wheels turning and making sure every department is on the same page. She is destined for great things.” Day to day Mayhew says the work the company does, from design to installation, is “a real team effort.” Over the 30 years, many team members have joined the SME to grow and: “move on to even bigger and better opportunities”. Currently the business occupies a 371sq m head office in Portslade where it is able to produce a range of offerings including signage and vehicle wrapping. In 2025, The Sussex Sign Company is hoping to invest in additional workshop space by adding 92sq m to its production warehouse, where it will be able to improve its vehicle wrapping and premium signage offerings. Speaking of his time with the company, Mayhew says: “Having started The Sussex Sign Company as a young man, now, as I enter the autumn of my career, I take great pleasure in driving around Sussex and seeing the lasting impact of our work. There’s one sign I personally fitted 18 years ago that I pass every day on my way home, and it still looks great. Knowing that my business is leaving a lasting legacy across Sussex fills me with immense pride.” Mayhew has many standout projects in his mind from over the years, with a particular highlight being the work it has done for one particular client spanning 25 years. “We sign-wrote their very first van and have continued to sign-write every vehicle in their fleet since – they now have 42 vehicles, and we estimate we’ve sign-written over 200 vans for them in total.” Building relationships, employees (some of which have gone on to start their own businesses), and making a difference in the local community, by donating free signage and money to charity, have all been incredibly important to Mayhew and The Sussex Sign Company. The passion and experience Mayhew and his team have in their work, is clearly visible not only in the projects they undertake, but the strong legacy they have created. But what does the future hold for the company? “We’re setting our sights on a robust growth plan for the next five to ten years” says Mayhew. “This thriving market presents us with the perfect platform not just to achieve our goals but to exceed them. With the right team and a positive attitude, we’re ready to embrace the next decade with ambition and determination. This journey will not only solidify our position as an industry leader but also prepare the business for my eventual retirement at the age of 70 – and, hopefully, a successful management buyout to continue The Sussex Sign Company’s legacy.” ▲ The team at the Sussex Sign Company celebrating success 1995 – The company was founded on January 1st, 1995 30 years – 2025 mark’s the company’s 30th anniversary 371sq m – The current head office occupies 371sq m at its site in Portslade 19 – Currently employs 19 members of staff Statistics
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