.jpg)
Company Update | Solar Panels, Wheel Covers, and North Devon Business Of The Year
It may have been a while since we last blogged here, but not because there hasn’t been plenty going on! The Sign Maker has been undergoing a huge season of change. So, while usual service has resumed, our primary focus has been seeing the business through these changes so that we can continue to serve you. That being said, having come out of the other side, we felt it was time to update you on all that we’ve been up to!
Introducing Solar
If you’ve followed along with The Sign Maker for a while, you’ll know that The Sign Maker has a green ethos woven throughout the business. Since 2012, we have utilising green energy (generated by a wind turbine and biomass boiler - both of which have been significant players in our carbon reduction strategy). However, we felt something was missing - hence introducing a hybrid solar system to our existing green energy structure.
The energy generated is essential to powering up our offices and workshops; essential in the way that it enables us to work, and essential in its greener qualities. As a manufacturing company, we are aware of our carbon footprint, and know that this addition will make a positive contribution to our overall environmental impact. Directors of The Sign Maker, Kate and Shaun Price, have considered this change for a while, but felt now was the right time for us as a business and for the planet.
The New Home Of Wheel Cover Production
Becoming the parent company of established business, WheelCover.com, is perhaps one of the most exciting changes throughout our history. Having always designed wheel covers, taking on the manufacturing process felt like a natural progression, despite being a huge undertaking!
Our first concern was having the appropriate team, closely followed by queries over a workshop space. The gap in staffing was filled by our existing team (much to our surprise) and a major conversion took place to make space for a small sewing room and separate work benches. Seems simple when you break it down like that, but an immense amount of work went in behind the scenes. We couldn’t be more grateful for the skill of Annie and Debbie who diversified their office roles with grace, grit and determination - or to Ian Selby for teaching us the ropes!
North Devon Business Of The Year
While it has evidently been a season of change, it has also been a time of celebration. Back in May, we had the privilege of attending the North Devon Business Awards. We were delighted to have our craftsmanship praised through the ‘Made In North Devon’ award, but it was also a surprise that Business Action chose The Sign Maker to be the North Devon Business Of The Year 2023. What a result!
We are incredibly proud to be a small part of the business landscape here in Devon, specifically in North Devon as businesses continue to grow and thrive. To have been chosen out of so many worthy winners is an immense privilege, one that we do not take lightly. However, as is evident in this blog, we do continue to push ourselves in the field of sign making. We are constantly searching out ways for us to achieve business excellence - with our crafting, business operations, social impact and service. The shock hasn’t quite dissipated yet, but the delight (and pride) continues to radiate through the team.
