Meet the team!

Our sign & wrap team is at the centre of everything we do at Specialized Signs, we invest in people and grow the business as a team. 

Each team member brings a unique set of skills to the table which we encourage them to hone, choosing to specialise in whichever department suits them best. This is vital to the success of the business but also hugely benefits staff morale with progression through the company, and between departments, as skill levels and interests develop.

We have a carefully curated apprenticeship scheme which involves gaining hands on experience in each department while learning directly from our most experienced team members. In the final year each apprentice can choose the department they would like to work with on a permanent basis, whether that be manufacture, vinyl wrapping, print finishing or out on the road carrying out installation throughout the UK.

Graham leads the company from the front, always looking for the next move to propel the company forward all whilst having total trust in his team and ensuring that they are never lacking in the high-tech machinery, printers & tools to complete the job quickly, easily and to the highest standards!

The whole team is very much on board with our common goals and hold true the company values throughout everything that we do. This dedication comes full circle in the form of our quarterly bonus scheme which is paid to the full team when we hit our company wide target.

Outside of signage & wrapping we have a very close-knit team who will be competing in Tough Mudder later this year and we also love a good night out together!

We are always looking for talented team members to be part of specialized signs, head over to Our Career page to find out how you could be a part of our journey.

 

printed site hoarding

Graham

Managing Director

It is fair to say that signage runs in Graham’s blood, with his father running a successful neon company and his Grandad was the manager of Edinburgh’s largest sign company Thermo. Graham was never far from the workshop growing up & worked most Saturdays from 12 years old! With first-hand experience making signs there are few business owners with such a broad & in-depth knowledge of their industry. Graham decided to start on his own in 2009 as a one-man band & Specialized signs has rapidly grown & went from strength to strength over the last 13 years cementing itself as an industry leader!

Favourite project 

Exchange tower, the Avengers Infinity War Marvels Movie and wrapping rap star Xzibit’s Bentley!

Hobbies 

Spending time with family and friends, CrossFit and going out on my jet ski! 

What do you enjoy about the work you do?

I enjoy seeing the high quality product & service that our team produce, week in & week out! From large scale, extremely technical projects to last minute rush orders, our team pull together & consistently achieve exceptional results. Seeing all our departments working so well together when under pressure is incredible! We have an extremely talented team & playing a part in nurturing our talent is extremely rewarding to me.

Exhibition & Events

Billy

Director

Billy had a successful career as a Regional Display Manager for JD sports before seeking out new challenges brought him to Specialized Signs as a project manager. While he was new to the industry, he brought with him a fresh new perspective and hit the ground running and quickly made his progression to Head of Projects managing some of our largest clients. In November 2018 following years of hard work and dedication Billy was announced as a company director, a role which he continues to thrive in.

Favourite project

Exchange Tower & German Doner Kebab.

Hobbies

Football, Gym, and coaching youth football.

What do you enjoy about the work you do?

The thing I enjoy the most from my job is that every job is different, and each day is never repetitive! Its great to see a brand develop from a simple drawing to seeing the finished article- customer satisfaction is the most important thing for me.

Printed Floor Graphics

Gavin

Head of Design

Following the completion of his Product Design degree at Napier University in 2015 Gav has enjoyed a diverse career in exhibition and furniture design, architectural lighting, events & exhibitions, staging & set design as well as interactive and experience design. Gav joined us in May 2019 bringing his passion in 3D design and the full execution from initial design concept to the manufacturing of the finished product. While his technical mind has been invaluable to us on our more complex projects, his technical production ability and understanding of 3d design shines through on all projects he is involved in.

Favourite Project

Staropramen – Illuminated Signage.

Hobbies

Woodwork, Gaming, Biking.

What do you enjoy about working here?

Being part of the process from initial inception to final installation. Getting to see everything go from screen to finished product.

Solar Powered Signs

Michelle

Head of Operations

Michelle worked for the British Army HQ logistics department in Germany before returning to Scotland in 2013 to complete a degree in Sport & Exercise Science. While her plan to enlist in the military had been halted following a serious injury she chose to retrain as a graphic designer. After discovering the signage industry in 2018 and a short experience at a local sign company she moved through to Specialized Signs. In August 2020 having excelled in her graphic design position and having quickly built a wealth of knowledge and understanding she moved into a new role as our Head of Operations overseeing the day-to-day logistics of the business, working closely with Graham to further grow the business.

Favourite Project

Bertie’s Fish & Chip Shop.

Hobbies

Crafting, festivals and family time.

What do you enjoy about working here?

We have such a great team who work so well together to put out an incredible standard of work, it makes my job as head of operations  a lot of fun. Seeing our designs all over Scotland never gets old either!

Cafe Barriers

Veronica

Head of Finance & HR

Vee began an exciting career in logistics with PanAm Airlines in her 20s before a 10 year tour of the world, living in America, The Philippines and all over Europe. It was in her road, air and rail logistical job that she began book keeping, taking course in sage while working closely with an accountant in her homeland of Ireland. She followed her heart to Scotland with her husband where after a few customer facing managerial roles she began her journey with Specialized Signs as a receptionist. Vee’s expertise in book keeping was invaluable to the company which she has supported the continuous growth of over the last 8 years, going on to become head of finance and a fountain of knowledge for us all.

Hobbies

Walking, Gardening & Fashion. 

What do you enjoy about the work you do?

I am responsible for a variety of duties including managing payroll, documenting expenditure, reconciling accounts and more. My job is very exciting, demanding, fast-paced & involves solving complex problems which challenges I enjoy, particularly as it fits well with my temperament and gives me great career satisfaction. Watching the business grow and being a part of that for the last 7 years has been very exciting and fulfilling.

Gordon

Head of Development & Senior Project Manager

Gordon has worked in the signage industry since 1996, gaining experience in all sectors. He has successfully led and developed teams within Operations, Sales and Marketing. With a proven track record, he has previously taken on the responsibility of developing and growing a signage company, with a structured approach, building life long relationships with both clients and colleagues along the way. He has brought this forward thinking, business focussed mindset into his new role as Head of Business Development and has already significantly contributed to the team.  

Favourite project

CDW Dundee: A project that included several styles combined that resulted in a fantastic looking sign. Full fascia featured 150mm return goal post effect surround complete with Built- up flat faced halo lit 50mm deep returns re: ‘Car Deal Warehouse’. Fascia also included the Face lit CDW tablet manufactured from built-up shallow rim/return,  5mm opal acrylic face and built-up 3mm aluminium backtray.

Hobbies

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends & in the gym. Cardio classes are also a favourite!

What do you enjoy about the work you do? 

I enjoy working with a team that continuously shows positivity regarding teamwork, commitment, enthusiasm and determination and have a proactive approach. They are always pushing the boundaries of what “Excellent” is !!  

Derek

Senior Project Manager

Derek joined the signage industry in 1988, after a short stint working as a bill poster, putting signage on Billboards, he transferred into an operational role. While Derek has held a management role for most of his career, he has never shied away from putting in a day’s graft, often heading out with fitting team on a weekend to support on site. This has given him a thorough understanding of the demands of the industry allowing him to become a solid support to his whole team. Derek has previously held the title of Director of Sales and has brought these fine-tuned skills to Specialized Signs as a project manager. Derek came to us along with his son Chris, and can always be found with a friendly smile on his face.

Favourite project

Blindwells at Tranent, the challenge to have 2 large totem signs and post and panel signs manufactured and fitted in 3 weeks!

Hobbies

I love watching, filming and just enjoying the British wildlife.

What do you enjoy about the work you do? 

Not two jobs are the same, it’s been exciting to see the developments in signage over the last 30 years.

Jim

Senior Project Manager

Jim has worked in the signage industry for over 30 years. During this time has undertaken a variety of roles, covering all aspects of the business from shopfloor and production to manufacture and installation. Later in his career Jim applied this broad skill base to a new position as a project manager, supporting a client’s vision through to completion. This is Jim’s second term at Specialized Signs, and we are delighted to have him back on the team.  

Favourite project

Avengers Infinity War and Mortonhall Babies Memorial Wall Plaque.

Hobbies

Dog Walking and playing pool with my Grandson.

What do you enjoy about the work you do 

The people I interact with every day, both colleagues and clients. Developing the relationship between Specialized Signs and our clients, and working with a team that has a can do work ethic.

James

Chief Estimator

James began his career as a graphic designer, working for a design agency, as an in-house designer for a manufacturing firm, and then for a print company. It was in this last role began dealing with clients directly, costing jobs and honing his networking skills. His next role was in a signage company, involving more management and sales, then moving on to another, solely sales, role combining all his experience and knowledge to ensure clients visions were fulfilled. James has moved effortlessly into his new role of Chief Estimator, working closely with our design and projects departments. He has brought his cheerful energy to the office and is never short of a story to tell!

Favourite project

Madri Push Through Lighboxes that were installed in the bars of London.

Hobbies

BEING OUTSIDE. Travel, Walking, Hiking Camping, Aventures, Running … in fact I ran my 1st Marathon at Loch Ness in 2023 …. London next in 2024!

What do you enjoy about the work you do? 

The sheer variety of what we do. The Bespoke creativity is amazing & following the project from conception to completion.

Flags

Martin

Print Production Manager

Martin has had a full career in the print industry, starting out as an apprentice back in 1996, he has moved around various roles gaining experience in printing, print finishing, art working and graphic design. He joined us in May 2019 as a graphic designer, taking charge of the print department the following year. He runs the busiest department in the company with an unprecedented level of calm and control ensuring that all projects are delivered on time as well as maintaining the various print and prep machinery and making sure we are never short of stock.

Favourite project

Murrayfield Stadium, Liverpool V Napoli stadium hoarding.

Hobbies

The gym and Netflix.

What do you enjoy about the work you do?

 I actually enjoy coming into work everyday (honestly) and getting to see the work you’ve helped create all over the city and further.

Magnetic Signs

Kirsty

Admin Assistant

Kirsty had a rewarding career as a child care practitioner for 12 years before taking a step back to run the office of her families electrical testing business. She has brought these administration skills along with her excellent organization into the office to make sure everything runs like clockwork.

Hobbies 

My main hobbies are being a taxi driver to my teenage children! Cycling and walking my dog Ollie!

What do you enjoy about the work you do?

I enjoy the fast pace of how the office runs and the variety of the work I am involved in and that no 2 days are the same!

Darren

Senior Graphic Designer

Darren has always enjoyed art, design and technology. After completing an HND in Illustration and Media Design in 2002 he began his career in the signage industry as a trainee sign maker and print operator. In the past 20 years Darren has developed his skills in all areas of the business, designing, producing and installing signage, vehicle graphics and exhibition signage as well as operating large format printers and plotters. He has joined the Specialized team as a Senior Graphic Designer where he works directly with our customers, applying all his expert knowledge, to bring their brands to life!

Favourite project 

LED neon flex signage

Hobbies 

Playing Drums, Technology, spending time with my family and friends.

What do you enjoy about the work you do?

Seeing your work all over the country is very satisfying and working with such a great and experienced team that supports each other really helps build a working environment to be proud of.

Chloe

Graphic Designer

Chloe recently graduated from the prestigious Robert Gordon University with a degree in Graphic Design. While studying, she took on a placement opportunity at the Gatehouse Design and Print Agency and decided she wanted to pursue a career in a similar field. She worked hard as an intern to develop her design skills, joining Specialized Signs as a junior designer. Chloe found her feet with us quickly, working with some of our largest clients, producing exceptional design work and supporting brand development.  

Favourite project

Ross Wilkinson’s Mini Racecar.

Hobbies

Spending time with friends and family, concerts and watching football.

What do you enjoy about the work you do? 

It’s a fast paced environment with such a supportive group of staff. No two days are the same and we get to work on some amazing projects. 

LED flex neon

David W

Installation & Manufacture Team Leader

Davy has worked in manufacturing his whole career – making display cases for museums for 13 years. While for a short time he was a master craftsman of haggis, it was his exceptionally transferable skill base and problem-solving attitude that made us snap him up in 2018. He instantly proved his value to the company helping in the design and production of our incredible Exchange Tower signage and while manufacture is without a doubt his forte he can always be relied on to flawlessly finish any installation in record time!

Favourite project 

Exchange tower.

Hobbies

Fishing. 

What do you enjoy about the work you do? 

How diverse the work is and there are no two jobs the same.

CNC routing

John

Senior Manufacture Technician

In 1997 18-year-old John had just completed a college course in signage when Grahams dad Bruce took him on as an apprentice to make neon for his company Direct Neon where he stayed for the next 15 years. In 2012 he joined Graham at Specialized Signs, making and fitting signage and training up the next generation of fitters. These days John can be found running our manufacturing department, specializing in the manufacture of signage and operating our CNC machine. John has become our go to for very bespoke signage requests.

Favourite project 

Exchange tower and SECC Hydro Arena. 

Hobbies 

Fishing, football and making signs!

What do you enjoy about the work you do? 

I enjoy using the CNC and making very bespoke and technical signs.

Totem Sign

Darren

Senior Installation Technician

While Darren started out here in 2016 as an apprentice straight out of school, it was joinery rather than signage that he saw in his future. 6 year later and he is one of our most skilled installers, leading our teams all over the UK, and there is rarely a problem on site that he cannot solve. He brings a big personality to the team and is rarely without a smile on his face.

Favourite project

Exchange tower and Tullibardine distillery. 

Hobbies

Going out with mates, fishing and jet sking!

What do you enjoy about the work you do?

Always good banter with the team and doing exciting projects!

Rab S

Installation technician

Rab has worked in the signage industry for nearly 20 years, with a heavy focus on the production and manufacturing sectors. His expertise has seen him leading teams and overseeing the quality of products made. He has joined Specialized Signs as a member of our fitting team, picking up new skills as well as applying his vast industry knowledge to prove himself as a confident all-rounder.

Favourite project 

Barrett Steel.

Hobbies 

Gym, boxing and spending time with family and friends.

What do you enjoy about the work you do? 

Working on a wide range of different installation.

Fleet Livery

Rab

Vinyl Wrap Technician

Rabs signage journey began in 1989, shortly after which he met Graham’s Grandad who he worked closely with at Thermo Signs for the next 11 years. Amongst his various endeavours in the industry Rab reconnected with the Sim family, going on to work with Grahams dad, Bruce, at his company Direct Neon. After a time wrapping taxis Rab joined Specialized Signs in 2015 bringing his vast wealth of experience with him, training younger staff members and supporting the growth of the company specifically our vehicle wrapping department which has gone from strength to strength under his watchful eye.

Favourite project 

Gumball Rally and Train Spotting 2 

Hobbies 

Football 

What do you enjoy about the work you do? 

We do so many totally different jobs and looking at the finished product of what we have done.

Menu Cases

Lewis

Vinyl wrap technician

Lewis is in the final year of his 4-year apprenticeship, prior to joining us he worked with his Grandad in his removals business while training as an HGV mechanic. With a lifelong passion for cars Lewis jumped at the opportunity to work with us, showing a huge interest in the wrapping department, honing his vinyl application skills both on vehicles as well as on site installations.

Favourite project

488 Ferrari carbon fibre full wrap. 

Hobbies

Spending time with family and friends and going to watch the speedway racing!

What do you enjoy about the work you do?

Seeing the finished results of the work we do.

Chris

Prep technician

Before joining us at Specialized Signs, Chris worked in the signage industry as workshop manager, honing his organisation skills and supporting his team in signage production. He can operate all our large format machinery both in print and manufacture and can turn his hand to any area of the business. He has brought a positive, can-do attitude to our prep department to keep up with the fast pace of the business.

Favourite project

Being a Hearts fan, it has to be going to Hampden Park to prep the dressing room for the semi final against Rangers.

Hobbies

Spending time with family and friends, playing fives, gaming.

What do you enjoy about the work you do?

How no two days are ever the same.

Ross

Installation Technician

Ross began his career as a joiner, working for 5 years to develop his skills. He spent his spare time pursuing his passion project; wrapping cars and tinting windows. When a position opened up at Specialized Signs he found he had built an excellent foundation of skills to succeed in the signage industry. He brings a great energy to the team, and is always keen to develop new skills in any area of the business.  

Favourite project

Wrapping the matte red van.

Hobbies

Going to the skatepark and competing across the UK. Wrapping my own car, going to car shows and events.

What do you enjoy about the work you do?

I enjoy the wrapping and various vinyl work, learning all the processes in manufacture and working the CNC machine, fitting signs.

Flat cut letters

Ally

Apprentice sign maker

Ally is our newest team member starting his apprenticeship in 2021. Prior to joining us he routinely helped his dad out with his flooring business, picking up valuable skills. Ally can turn his hand to anything and has taken to the role like a duck to water, especially excelling in the manufacture department.

Favourite project

Subway 

Hobbies

Playing and watching football 

What do you enjoy about the work you do? 

Getting to do jobs all over the UK