39 www.signlink.co.uk June / July 2025 - Issue 259 saw Brownings become the first official distributor of Perspex in the UK which led to the company producing everything from machine guards to leaflet holders. At this time Brownings had over 150 staff across six sites in East Hull. In 1968 Browning passed away at the age of 63 and was commemorated in the local paper for his services to the community. A woodland that Browning donated to the scouts was named Brownings Plantation with a trail running through it called “Wally’s Way”. A New Era Following the passing of Browning, the company was taken over by Bill and Cath Sturdy, who worked for the company, before the business was overseen by a number of parties including Thompson’s Plastics. Between 1993 and 1994 Steve Crowley took over reins of Brownings and started a new chapter for the business which has led Brownings to where it is today. After resigning his role of director on December 31st, 2006, Crowley was succeeded by Michael Gentle (managing director), Dean Harrison (production director), and Richard Vincent (sales director) who are still with the business today. After securing a partnership with SignComp Europe, Brownings become an official distributor and converter for flex face signage systems. Speaking to SignLink, Vincent says: “After the deal with SignComp, we’ve not really looked back, especially as we’re considered SignComp’s biggest customer and their only distributor.” After producing flex face systems, the company brought on poster frames through a deal with Signwaves which led to Brownings acquiring the licensing and the rights to its 25mm and 38mm posters frames and various other products. In 2012 Brownings then started to explore the textile market by exploring different product options which eventually led to it providing its own version of the Tension Fabric System (TFS) which it named TexSign. Speaking about the want to grow and diversify, Vincent says: “When you look at what Mr Browning did, when he saw an opportunity to diversify, he jumped at it and put all his effort into making it work. We've unknowingly continued to do that throughout the years. “It’s an interesting growth and transition that we've had over the past 100 years, and ultimately we're just the current incumbent. The business will see us out for another 100 years, hopefully, and who knows what it will be after that.” When it comes to how the company operates today, Vincent says that Brownings prides itself on its customer support and its quick turnaround on quotes. “It's always been my belief that if we're first back to a customer with a with a price, then that enables them to be first back to the end client with a price which hopefully puts them in the driving seat to win the work,” adds Vincent. Vincent emphasises that the core values of the company are instilled into everyone in sales and production leading to an excellent workplace atmosphere and colleague retention rate. “They may not know what Brownings is when they first join us, but the fact we’re an EOT (Employee Owner Trust) shows that we make sure we go that extra mile to look after our staff and make them a part of the family very quickly,” says Vincent. When it comes to the future of the company, Vincent says that Brownings continues to see the increasing relevance of its products, especially as solutions like flex face signs are made to last and are becoming increasingly important when cutting through against the digital noise we see on a daily basis. Vincent also highlights the recent news that furniture retailer, MFI, is set to return to the high street as a good signal for flex face signs, as the solution was highly used by brands like MFI in the past. MAGNWALL is also one of Brownings’ latest offerings which is a unique technology which allows for the magnetic positioning of lights, monitors, and shelves for use in point-of-sale (POS) displays, exhibition stands, and bespoke installations. Vincent says MAGNWALL has meant Brownings has come out of its comfort zone as the company has had to speak directly with end-users as the product is quite a unique offering. These conversations have worked out in favour of Brownings’ clientele as it has been able to liaise with customers and then offer the MAGNWALL product and project specification to the client’s local signage provider. Vincent concludes: “We're so grateful to have the customers we have, they are very loyal, and we appreciate working with them. We don't take anybody for granted because you're only as good as your last delivery. I'm coming to the end of my term, hopefully retiring in the next six to seven years, so I’m just trying to pass the information on to Brad (Bradley Robinson, sales and marketing manager) and the team so they can carry on the baton. But I don't think I'll completely let this industry go because, ultimately, it's in my skin.” ▲ Brownings originally produced plastic wound replicas in its early years. Image: Philip David Treece When you look at what Mr Browning did, when he saw an opportunity to diversify, he jumped at it and put all his effort into making it work. We've unknowingly continued to do that throughout the years ▲ Brownings currently produce a range of flex face signs and light boxes SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT / BROWNINGS
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