FROM Portugal to Sao Paulo and back to St Helens, Vinyline Signs and Graphics has customers all over the world.
Currently celebrating its 40th anniversary, the family-owned third generation business knows what works and what doesn’t when it comes to high specification large format print and signage as well as site hoardings, vehicle graphics and everything in between.
Here, in our latest Trader of the Week feature, co-owner Keith Hughes tells us about the history of the business and how he hopes to one day pass it on to his sons and grandchildren.
What’s the name of the business?
Vinyline Signs and Graphics
What’s the address?
4B Delph Court
Sherdley Business Park
Sullivan’s Way
St Helens
WA9 5GL
Are you the owner/manager?
Co-owner with my dad and we are now a third generation family business.
When did you open the business?
Ken started the business in 1982. We have been celebrating our 40th birthday this year.
Ken Hughes and St Helens player James Roby
Has it always been in the same location?
We have operated in several locations as the business has grown. Originally in Rainford, we have been at the current site since December 2004.
Are you local to the area? Did you grow up here?
Oh yes, St Helens through and through!
Tell me a bit about your business
Always based in the St Helens area, from our local origins we have grown into a national signage and graphics company using our experience, teamwork, imagination, and passion across the UK and further afield. We have completed projects from Portugal to Sao Paulo in Brazil. Over the past 40 years, we have worked with many well-known and prestigious brands including Selfridges, Gucci and Prada and sports institutions like Saints and Leeds Rhinos to Liverpool and Arsenal. In addition, we are very proud to have received awards and accolades from the printing industry and also at the Pride of St Helens Awards.
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What do you do? What services do you provide?
We provide clients from a wide range of sectors with high specification large format print and signage as well as site hoardings, vehicle graphics and everything in between. If a client can think it, we can bring it to life! This includes promotional materials such as window graphics, external branding covering large stadiums to corner shops and vehicle branding to take clients messages far and wide. Bare walls inside buildings can be branded, tell a story or be transformed into city scenes, exotic beaches or relaxing woodland. Floor graphics can guide people around buildings. With mobile phones in hand, we spend a lot of time looking down! We also specialise in supporting exhibitions and innovate point of sale materials to drive sales of products and services.
A hive of activity inside the premises
Why did you decide to open your own business?
My dad had been working in the printing industry for many years building up an incredible amount of knowledge and expertise. He had the vision to see how things would progress and wanted to be a leader not a follower.
What’s your business background?
I’ve worked in Vinyline since I left school. The printing and signage business has been in my blood since childhood.
How did the Covid-19 pandemic affect your business?
Like many businesses Covid brought us some opportunities but lots of problems too. We were able to supply hospitals and the NHS with signage, but demand for our products from other sectors like retail and hospitality dropped significantly. All that is behind us now and we are planning a positive future. My sons have joined me in the business and I have grandchildren too. Hopefully they’ll play their part one day.
What makes your business different to others in the same area/field? What sets your business apart from your competitors?
We have unrivalled market knowledge and experience supported by expert installation teams and skilled craftsmen. Our team delivers a one-stop-shop solution to organisations, authorities, and design agencies across the UK. Our client base covers local businesses to fashion icons and international consumer brands.
The hard-working team at Vinyline
Why do loyal customers return to your business?
Offering great value to clients is crucial. We understand that value is a combination of price, quality and service. You need to be strong in all those areas.
What’s next? What do the next few months hold for you and your business?
After coming through the pandemic, we have been working with the local Business Doctor and St Helens Chamber to develop a plan to keep the business growing and flourishing. A key part of this was our significant investment in the market’s most eco-friendly printer, the SwissQPrint Nyala. The efficiency and flexibility of this machinery has opened up a raft of new printing options for our clients and puts sustainability at the heart of our businesses.
If you want to appear in our Trader of the Week feature, email heidi.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk
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