Not just any signage: Widd Signs wins five contracts with M&S and announces huge investment in people and technology

A 133-year-old signage business headquartered in Leeds is celebrating after securing five contracts to support retail giant Marks & Spencer at five of its stores across the UK over the next three months.

Widd Signs, which has manufacturing bases in Leeds and St Helens, has also announced that it is investing over half a million pounds to further improve its capabilities and expand its 70-strong team over the next quarter, in line with growing demand for its services.

The digital and traditional signage specialist has been commissioned to manufacture and install exterior branding at M&S stores in Stevenage, Woking, Aintree, Cheltenham and Beckenham – with further stores expected to be confirmed in early 2022.

These contract wins – which have a value in excess of £100,000 – mark the latest chapter in a three-decade long partnership that has seen the company create and install branded signage at dozens of M&S stores.

To ensure it’s best placed to meet increasing demand for its services across the retail, construction and education sectors, the company is investing £475,000 to bolster its already extensive manufacturing and design capabilities. As part of this investment, Widd Signs is purchasing a number of state-of-the-art CNC and laser-cutting machines.

The business is also preparing to expand its manufacturing and installation teams by at least six people over the next three months.

Commenting on the wins and investment, Gary Williams, managing director at Widd Signs, said:

“It’s an incredibly exciting time for us, with demand for our turnkey signage solutions growing rapidly, particularly in the construction, retail and education sectors.

“M&S is one of the best-known brands in the UK and we’re proud to be a partner to them, providing the striking lettering and logos that adorn the exterior of their stores across the UK.

“2022 has the potential to be a really pivotal year for us as a company, and the investment we’re making both in the latest technologies and enhancing our talented team will enable us to build on the stellar progress we’ve made this year.”

Established in 1888, Widd Signs provides signage consultancy, design, and production to a range of high-profile businesses operating in the construction, retail, and sports and leisure sectors. Its clients include established construction companies such as ISG, Audas, Morgan Sindall, Caddick Construction and Winvic, as well as retailers including Primark, Bensons for Beds, JD Sports, Next and Schuh.