In one of the most challenging years ever for people and businesses, it is heartening to be able to talk about the creation of a new business. Which, in itself, is supporting the formation and growth of other new businesses.
Steve Wallwork and Colin Washbourne have set up Ad-Venture Sign and Image in Consett in the North East. Specialising in delivering sign, print and display services to companies large and small in the local area and beyond.
Steve explains, “My previous company was a large sign-maker. Which unfortunately had to stop trading in March of this year. Along with my friend and colleague Colin, we decided we had the knowledge, skills, and contacts to be able to set up a smaller version of something similar. We couldn’t have picked a harder time to do this. However, with the support of local companies like YPS, and by focusing on helping other companies that are also setting up. We are steadily establishing ourselves and are very positive for the future.”
Ad-Venture Sign and Image approached Newcastle-based Your Print Specialists (YPS). YPS had supplied a Mimaki JV33 printer to Steve's previous company. “We were very impressed with both the printer and YPS. YPS is very supportive and is only ever a short trip or a call away. With a helpful and positive response to any questions or issues we have. They are also extremely helpful in terms of understanding our business requirements and identifying and specifying the right equipment for what we need” says Steve.
Furthermore, as a start-up, space was a premium. After discussing with YPS, it was agreed the best solution would be an integrated print and cut machine from Mimaki and a laminator from Vivid. “The Mimaki CJV150 is ideal for us. It provides fantastic quality print output and accurate cutting all in the same machine. Not only does this save vital space, but it also saves time in our workflow and allows us to schedule jobs from start to finish without intervention” he says.
The company specialises in a broad range of cut vinyl, Foamex and Dye-bond signage solutions. In addition to office graphics, vehicle wraps and safety signage. With the Mimaki print and cut, Vivid Laminator and another cutter for the board products, Ad-Venture Sign and Image is well placed to deliver both simple and complex signage solutions, quickly and cost-effectively.
In addition to the print and cut solution, Ad-Venture Sign and Image have also invested in the YPS Business in a Box. This consists of an Epson SC F-500 24” dye-sublimation printer and a PixMax heat press. Steve explains, “We looked at this solution and felt that it offered us something a bit different. For companies that are looking for very high quality, tamper-proof signage. The Epson solution allows us to print directly onto objects, meaning the images cannot be peeled or scratched off. Finally, the flexibility and additional options this provides means we can talk about a much broader range of applications with our customers.”
Georgia Brown, Sales Director at YPS, adds, “Ad-Venture Sign and Image is a great combination of a new start-up company run by experienced and established people.
We believe this is a real recipe for success. We are delighted to support them with the supply of a range of printing solutions. As a result, will allow them to create and develop a loyal customer base by providing high quality, flexible and versatile sign and graphics solutions.”
To conclude, Steve Wallwork says, “It’s very early days for us and we could hardly have picked a more difficult time to set up a new business. However, with the support, we have received from YPS and the positive feedback we have had from customers, we are confident that we can establish ourselves as a leading provider of signage solutions in our local area and beyond.”
