Image Reports speaks to Tracey Shanks, partner, Mercury Signs & Designs.
What’s having the greatest impact on your business at the moment?
We are currently in the process of branding Edinburgh Trams and re-branding Lothian Buses, all based in Edinburgh. Our biggest problem is finding experienced sign fitters who can do the job and not just brag about it on a CV.
Where do you see the greatest wide-format opportunities?
Commercial vehicle wrapping - in particular buses.
What would make your day-to-day operations easier?
Design companies who actually understand the sign industry and large-format printing. Just because it looks okay on a 36in monitor doesn’t mean it will be okay when the artwork is blown up to the size of a double decker bus. Also the lack of experienced sign fitters and vehicle wrappers is an issue.
Your favourite bit of kit is..?
Roland’s ‘The Beast’
What’s the best bit of business advice you’ve been given?
Don’t let customers dictate your price; give them a fair and accurate quote and then stand by it - do not barter.
What are you most proud of achieving?
After four years of development finally getting the go ahead with Edinburgh Trams new livery and vinyl.
What lesson does the wide-format sector need to learn?
Stop giving your product away. Some sign companies should be registered charities as they are practically giving their product away. I would rather burn our factory down than sell our quality products cheap and would never fall into the trap of “buying turnover”. I prefer to concentrate in making profit and giving my staff a decent liveable wage.