We’ve been in business 25 years! See some photos from the past and find out why our customers stay with us in this blog.
What a year to celebrate 25 years in business!
2020 has been one of the toughest years in collective memory. But through it all, there have been moments of hope and so much kindness. Being part of the community of Leeds has helped us get through the past 9 months and we’re looking forward to helping more customers in 2021.
We got a bit emotional making this (and then watching it!)
It's been an odd year to celebrate 25 years of business but we couldn't be prouder of our achievements and the people that made it all possible!
Thank you, Leeds! 😍🥰 pic.twitter.com/HssQkYQQ8q
— FASTSIGNS® Leeds (@FASTSIGNSLeeds) November 24, 2020
It’s a strange time to celebrate an anniversary but this year marks our 25th year in business. We’re an owner-managed, family-run business (part of the FASTSIGNS franchise). Chris Simpson started the business back in 1995, with wife Catherine Simpson and son Andy Simpson.
Here are some pictures from the opening!
We haven't changed... much. 😅 pic.twitter.com/f9p8j9w4kS
—FASTSIGNS® Leeds (@FASTSIGNSLeeds) October 22, 2020
Back then, the shop was at 12 Boar Lane, right in the centre of town. Some of our long running customers might remember it!
We outgrew this shop and moved to the facility we have now on York Road in 2006. The move allowed us to carry out more printing, production, and vehicle graphic fits on site. The York Road premise better accommodated our growing team too.
We’ve been lucky enough to have an outstanding team for all these years. The team and the level of service they provide is why customers choose us over the competition and stick with us for years. Rebecca is our longest standing employee and she joined us is May 2000!
This track record is what makes Andy, Director at FASTSIGNS® Leeds, most proud of the business. He said:
‘It’s amazing the number of loyal customers we have, who have been clients for over 10 years. Not only is this a reflection of our service, but it makes working with them enjoyable as we’ve built lasting relationships and got to know each other.
‘The number of staff who have stayed with us for over 15 years is something that makes me proud too. We consider ourselves a little family and the odd tradition like fish and chip Fridays and celebrating birthdays makes coming to work great.
‘Over the years, we’ve also been able to help and support local charities and get involved in community initiatives. We’ve worked closely with St Gemma’s Hospice and we’re always open to charity projects and fundraising.’
The biggest project we’ve accomplished to date was in 2013 for the opening of Trinity Leeds. The project took months of organisation and hundreds of graphic elements. The hard work paid off though as we’ve kept working with Trinity Leeds ever since. We helped them prepare the shopping centre for reopening this year after the first lockdown.
Have you seen these signs around @TrinityLeeds? Don't forget to get in touch if you need #signs like these for your #business!
Stay safe. Wear a mask. 😷 pic.twitter.com/WDnrEIFfYP
— FASTSIGNS® Leeds (@FASTSIGNSLeeds) September 21, 2020
They’re up! Safe to say our guys enjoyed this one. Have you seen the new signs yet? #leedsleedsleeds @Umpf @LUFC @TrinityLeeds pic.twitter.com/Ak8FdJNe91
— FASTSIGNS® Leeds (@FASTSIGNSLeeds) July 23, 2020
Another client we work with regularly is the Leeds United supporters’ shop. Leeds United Football Club has always had an incredibly loyal fan base in the city. It was amazing this year to see them finally get back into Premier League. We provided lots of celebratory signage for this milestone!
Working with local schools and education centres
Schools often turn to our services to help communicate messages and personalise their classrooms and corridors. We have materials to suit every budget and provide a survey and install service, making us the first choice for many Leeds schools.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
– Dr. Seuss pic.twitter.com/bOETz30uNt
— FASTSIGNS® Leeds (@FASTSIGNSLeeds) October 9, 2020
Andy cites the level of service we provide as a reason why clients stay with us long term. He explained:
‘The personal approach is what makes our service different. We can turn products around within tight time frames if needed, and clients rely on us to recommend the best products. They know we’ll suggest the right materials for the task at hand and trust we won’t ever oversell or cut corners. If they’ve worked with us before, they know we’ll get their branding spot on.’
It’s been nostalgic looking over photos from the last 25 years. But it’s also made us extremely grateful to have the support of our customers and home city. The past year has been one of the hardest yet but we’re proud of Leeds and what we’ve collectively achieved (and no, we’re not just talking about the football team!)
You can reach our Leeds team on (011) 351-9462 x8 or email us.