Coastline Graphics
Over the last 12 months, Coastline Graphics has built upon its company values and really pushed forward with many of its key initiatives. They have always worked closely with local universities, offering work experience placements to design students and delivering guest lectures on Graphic Design, but this year they have taken this a step further by offering a more in-depth ‘work-based learning’ module as part of the course syllabus.
This led to them recently employing 2 fantastic graphic design graduates from the course who have settled into the studio amazingly well. Starting out part-time whilst they finished their studies really helped them with the transition to full-time employment, and the company recently celebrated them both receiving 1st class degrees.
Coastline were recently awarded 3M’s ‘Gold Select Partner’ status, stepping up from their previous ‘Authorised vehicle wrapper’. This is a great achievement and means they can offer more benefits to clients, including special 3M warranties on work.
They have also put a lot of work into their sustainability policies and supply chains, ensuring where possible that they are carbon neutral or have carbon offsetting initiatives. The biggest step forward in this area is the deployment of 100 solar pv panels on their buildings and 2 battery storage systems. This is a recent development that has taken energy consumption off the grid.
On a working level, they have this year won a contract to wrap 60 plus vehicles in full-colour printed vinyl for the local council. They have also worked on many jobs further afield and involved staff in new and exciting projects. They continue to expand, and the most recent ‘work wear & clothing’ service has really taken off this year. Their large format printers are increasingly busy, with the two roll-to-roll printers running nearly 24 hours a day, and they are currently training more staff in the use of the flatbed printer to increase capacity further.
Grapefruit Graphics
Grapefruit Graphics was established by Andy Yeomans and Jim Turner, who, between them, have over 45 years of experience in the graphics industry and extensive knowledge of event branding. They have delivered (and completed!) some of the world’s biggest sporting events.
From humble beginnings in the marine sector, the business has grown into a full-scale events branding company. Now offering a turn-key service from initial consultation and in-house design right the way through to the realisation of the final product. As the company has grown, so has their reputation, meeting the requirements of clients all over the world, big or small, they are now proudly recognised for their professional service and the care they put into each and every project.
The last 12 months have been really important for Grapefruit. They have also made some really important moves in their sustainability and environmental goals, including solar power at the production house, a change of lighting to LED, and the growth of their in-house production equipment.
Grapefruit’s management says they can all be productive by working smart and trusting the team to do what they do best. They manage their own workload/time, and it helps to get the best from everyone. They know when it is time to work hard and put the hours in and when they can take that time back with their families. The company always tries to encourage healthy eating and looking after yourself. In the last 12 months, they have brought in private healthcare and DIS cover for employees and reduced the working week by 2.5 hours, along with financial incentives.
The team at Grapefruit are highly skilled, motivated, and capable of producing and delivering large, exciting projects to meet customer needs, managing multiple suppliers and sub-contracted labour when the scope falls outside the in-house capabilities of the core team.
Grapefruit has had an impressive portfolio of clients since it started in 2003, including Cowes Week, Volvo Ocean Race, Clipper Yacht Race, Olympics, Sail GP, UEFA, Great British Cycling Team and so many more!
Imageco
Since the inception of Imageco in 2001, the company has become one of the UK’s leading companies for all things design, project, and print. Their team of expert staff members applies incredible industry knowledge to produce beautifully innovative print creations. In a 30,000-square-foot production facility, they utilise the latest printing technology to produce amazing print projects in record time, all while keeping sustainability at the centre of operations.
In 2015, Nathan (who joined the team in 2003) and Simon (who has been with Imageco from day one) decided to engage in an MBO, making them co-owners of the company. Since then, they have transformed the business in numerous ways; one major factor being the development of interior wall coverings, retail displays, signage, the ImagECO initiative, and, more recently, the introduction of cardboard engineering abilities!
They have achieved a lot since July 2022. Nathan was named in The Manufacturers Top 100 as an exemplar in the Net-Zero hero category for his work in sustainable print. They have also won global awards for some of their projects, including the Antalis Special Sustainability Award and a FESPA Gold Award. Nathan, who sits on the board of FESPA UK, is also helping others in the industry on their sustainability journeys, recently undertaking talks at Barcelona HP and Sign UK.
Imageco now hosts ‘Make It Happens’ sustainability bootcamp course along with global retail strategist Steve Lister. The course opens the door to suppliers, clients, and other print companies to Imageco HQ where Steve delivers an in-depth course on sustainability in print, and Nathan gives a guided tour of Imageco, explaining how they have achieved their sustainability journey so far.
Imageco is a carbon-measured company and will continue to invest in carbon reporting to improve further. They have heavily invested in operational and process improvements and had a complete overhaul of their product offering with the aim of being able to provide sustainable alternatives.
Semaphore Display
Semaphore Display commit to going beyond the usual call of duty to ensure that client’s needs are met and exceeded. Established in 1985, they have honed their skills, expanded their knowledge, and evolved their services to become a leading provider of UK signage, retail, installation, and exhibition solutions. Success has been built on excellent customer service and the ability to manage every aspect of a project – from conception to completion.
They are not just creators; they are problem solvers. They run designs into reality using the latest technology and sustainable materials, ensuring that quality standards are maintained throughout production. Fitting teams provide the final part of the project, ensuring that extreme caution and attention to detail are maintained to bring the best results.
They have continually invested and developed production processes to include the latest technology. Today, they employ 18 full-time staff members and operate from a 10,000 sq ft factory in Cardiff. The production team’s knowledge and capabilities range from digital large-format printing to bespoke signage, exhibitions, portable display systems, banners, vinyl, vehicle graphics, retail design, and digital engagements.
In 2022, they launched their sustainable sub-brand, which has officially accredited how serious and dedicated they are to sustainability. They are utilising printed materials to offer completely eco-friendly, pick, and recyclable options for our clients. With a goal to be net-zero by the end of 2023, they are empowering sustainability throughout the industry, their clients, and most importantly – their team.
They believe in crafting unforgettable moments that feel fully aligned with their clients and their values, creating a positive feeling that becomes synonymous with their brand. As an industry leader, they continually push the boundaries of what’s possible in their field, exploring new materials and technologies, such as fully recycled Tension Fabric for exhibition stands or walls, and helping brands use digital engagement strategically and innovatively.
Their extensive experience, creativity, and technical skills, combined with a dedication to client satisfaction, make Semaphore a company respected by both their peers in the industry and their clients.
Vision Sign and Digital
Since they began in 2011, Vision Sign and Digital have brilliantly serviced the interior fit-out sector, developing a stellar reputation for being at the forefront of the industry and delivering large-scale projects to an exceptional standard.
Vision have incredibly high standards, and believe it is better to aim for perfection and miss – than aim for anything less and hit it. They pride themselves on creating eye-catching, stand-out work that clients are proud to show off to the world. All production staff have been trained to multi-task across our different product ranges and have a great passion to see their work being produced ‘right first time’.
In addition to producing incredible work for clients, they also heavily engage with the local community, specifically by providing materials to local schools to support their projects and supporting local charities.
Although they have a wide range of teams working within Vision, they like to think of themselves as one connected team. From beginning to end on a project, teams are always working together to create the best outcome for clients, whether it be research into new materials to meet the requirements of a project or support on creative design and ideas.
The business has seen great development due to their work in creating a great work culture. Through engaging their staff, they have built a team that wants to perform at only the highest level. This has opened the door for Vision to produce work for some of the biggest brand names, such as JP Morgan, Virgin Money, Microsoft, Shell, BP, and many more.
