WOW advice a sign of the times for Walsall firm

ADOPTING an innovative approach to a traditional sector is reaping dividends for a Walsall business, with turnover set to hit an eight-year high.

Interface Signage has launched a new range of specialist signs for care homes across the UK that feature instructions in Braille and tactile lettering with large illustrations to help guide blind residents and those suffering from dementia and learning difficulties.

Investment in the latest equipment and the skills of a six-strong team has seen the business pick up a number of new contracts in the sector and it now expects to double its turnover to £450,000.

Trevor Cooper started the business with his son-in-law Martin McGeough after both were made redundant.

He said: “Our company has always had core expertise in engraving and creative signage and this has seen us secure a solid customer base in the UK. This includes signage with Braille for the refurbished West Bromwich Bus Station and Walsall-based specialist vehicle builders S Macneillie & Son, who are responsible for building the Prime Minister’s vehicle.”

In order to expand, the company realised it would have to be creative and sought out help from the Winning Opportunities in Walsall (WOW) project.

Opting for the new Braille signage, it got in touch with an experienced illustrator and the designs were digitally transposed on to a range of materials including plastic laminates, aluminum, acrylic, brass, stainless steel and even gold plate.

With a potential UK market of 40,000 care homes and more across Europe, the business could grow even further.

Cllr Adrian Andrew, Walsall Council cabinet member for regeneration, said the WOW scheme was designed to help firms just like Interface Signage.

WOW has worked with Interface Signage for the last six months, assigning an Innovation and Change Partner to review the business and work with it on developing new products and routes to market.

The advice has helped bring forward the introduction of the new signs, while it also helped improve its e-marketing and website.

“In addition to help with the website, WOW has also been a great sounding board for ideas and, together, we have changed the company name from Interface Engravers to Interface Signage to reflect our new found approach,” said Mr Cooper.