Speedy Signs races ahead in NZ

Despite challenging trading conditions in many New Zealand marketplaces the Kiwi owned franchise network Speedy Signs continues to experience strong growth.

The company recently completed 25 consecutive months of increased revenue with another year of double digital growth. Group sales increased to just under $15 million with the new financial year starting strongly.

On the back of this success Speedy Signs is undertaking a major re-branding exercise across its 23 locations in New Zealand.

Grant Archibald, Group CEO of Speedy Signs says that the company is committed to expanding the business and the nationwide re-branding also enables the group to showcase new products and services to customers.

"If we are going to retain and attract new customers it is imperative that our own outlets serve as modern showrooms featuring a variety of new samples to highlight our capabilities."

A key to the company’s on-going success has been its focus on the SME market and Archibald believes this is a market overlooked by many New Zealand companies. "SMEs account for up to 80 per cent of our business and it’s these companies who have remained robust in the past few years.

"While we do undertake work for larger clients this is a less consistent market and price becomes a bigger focus rather than service and the quality of the work. Often it’s the larger overseas owned corporates that tighten up on expenditure when the global economic outlook becomes less positive." says Archibald

When discussing trends in the industry Archibald gives an example of electronic digital signage becoming a growing part of the sign industry and how some clients now integrate this technology along with their visual communications.

"The lowering cost of LCD and Plasma screens has allowed many businesses to utilise the technology in conjunction with printed signage, customers can learn more about the products through the interactive experience.

"We are also seeing a resurgence in direct to media printing as the costs come down and new technology advances especially with direct to substrate printers. It basically means almost any non-traditional material can be printed on."

Speedy Signs are proud to be more than signage, "We add value to our customers businesses by taking an all round approach to customer’s marketing needs. Through good advice, the right products for the job and a strong understanding of signage communication, we want to help our customers grow their businesses." concludes Archibald