25 years of business in 25 facts about Hardy Signs.

In 2018, Hardy Signs celebrates 25 years in business. The start-up launched on August 1st 1993, has now established a nationwide reputation for its high quality products and services throughout many sectors. Hardy Signs combines industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver an unrivalled signage and display service.

To celebrate 25 years in business with friends and clients, Hardy Signs has been holding some events and campaigns.

A social media campaign started 11 days ago, publishing 12 facts about the business over the years. Halfway through the campaign some inspiring and interesting facts have been published.

Let’s have a look at what facts have been published on social media so far:

👉Nik Hardy learnt his trade at Slynn’s Traditional Signwriters, based in Hunter Street, Burton. He was the #apprentice who continued working at Slynn’s for 8 years, from 1985 to 1993 before he founded Hardy Signs Ltd.

👉 During the first year, Nik Hardy prepared signs from his home in Walton on Trent. He then rented a unit at Slynn’s in Hunter Street.

The first techniques were hand-painted signs and vehicles, predominantly for the breweries and public houses in and around Burton upon Trent.

👉 Early influences for Hardy Signs were Gordon King & Greg Slynn, Nik Hardy ‘s first 2 managers. We will always be grateful for their knowledge and support in the early years of the business.

Hardy Signs’ first industrial unit was leased in 1996 at Wharf Road industrial Estate.

👉 Queens Hospital Burton, the NHS are a long standing client of Hardy Signs. Our first works were preparing way-finding signage for the hospital with our 1st vinyl cutter, Econ700, purchased from GRAFITYP (UK) LIMITED in Tamworth.

Whilst we celebrate our 25th, NHS celebrates its 70th birthday. Thank you NHS !

👉 Nik Hardy, Founder & Managing Director of Hardy Signs is from Burton upon Trent. He attended Ada Chadwick College in Winshill where he studied Design & Print. Through YTS scheme he joined Slynn’s. He always aspired to start his own business and in 1993 that opportunity arose.

Whilst Hardy Signs has become a leading signage company in the UK, Nik has always kept the manufacturing base of the company in Burton on Trent. In 2018, Nik was elected as the President of Burton & District Chamber of Commerce.

👉 Tom Hardy, Operations Director of Hardy Signs joined the company during the summer holidays in 1997 having finished John Taylor High School.

He initially joined to help his brother out, but as the company got busier he found himself with a full time job. Tom started off as a signmaker/fitter and progressed as Hardy Signs grew.

He prefers being on the installation side and occasionally still lends a hand when required.

👉 40.000 is the number of jobs that have been completed by our team.

👉 3.500 is the number of companies we have worked with.

👉 Adam Bates, Marketing Manager of Hardy Signs joined in 2001 having completed NVQ Signmaking qualification at Stoke on Trent College. Initially, he became part of the manufacturing and installation team and as the company grew, he moved to becoming

the Head of Design.

In 2017, having witnessed the progression of Hardy Signs, he was appointed as Marketing Manager. Adam is a keen Derby County Football Club supporter who regularly raises funds for charities through pub quizzes and comedy events

👉 Mike Green joined Hardy Signs in 2001, at which time a large proportion of work was traditional pub signs.

He showed talent for vinyl application and over the years has become the most experienced vinyl wrap installer accredited by 3M.

Mike is a keen Hull City supporter and enjoys time with his family and going fishing.

👉In 2015/16, Hardy Signs took significant steps to reduce the company’s impact on the environment. Over 200 solar panels were installed at Hardy Place, effectively reducing the electric consumption by 50%. In addition, the installation of a state of the art latex printer, introduced the use of environmentally friendly, water-based inks. The company also replaced the lighting throughout the facility with a low energy LED system.

These steps led to HS being awarded the Business Improvement Through Technology award by the East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) in 2017.