Sign of the times: Leeds signage manufacturer keeping home-bound staff connected through virtual leisure programme

Leeds-based digital and traditional signage specialist Widd Signs has launched a programme of virtual events, designed to help home-workers and furloughed staff to keep connected, entertained and healthy during lockdown.

The company, which recently acquired Spectrum Sign & Display Ltd in St Helens, currently has most of its 80-strong team either working from home or on furlough in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The firm has introduced regular virtual exercise classes and a quiz as a way of bringing employees together and providing some much-needed fun and entertainment during these challenging times.

Commenting on the initiative, Rory Campbell-Pilling, Head of Operations at Widd Signs, said: 

“We’re very fortunate that we have an incredibly close-knit team of employees, some of whom have worked at the company for over 30 years, so since the lockdown began the team has really been missing the daily interaction that came with working at Widd.

“Our programme of virtual exercise classes and quizzes was borne out of a desire to keep the team connected and entertained at a time when it’s most needed.

“The exercise classes, which we run twice a week, have been a revelation, with a good number of the team and their families taking part. We don’t talk about work, it’s not about that, it’s simply a good way of bringing our team together to catch-up, have a bit of fun and keep spirits up.”

Established in 1888, Widd Signs provides signage consultancy, design and production to a range of high-profile businesses operating in the retail, construction and sports and leisure sectors. Its clients include retail giants Marks & Spencer, Primark and Schuh, and culture and leisure hubs such as the National Science and Media Museum and Burnley F.C.