Kindred spirits: Elite Signs family grows with Roland DG technology
Elite Signs & Graphics Ltd is what we call a Roland Hero. Based in Bridgend, South Wales, this vehicle graphics specialist sees generations of the James family working together - with Roland DG technology at its heart.
Elite Signs & Graphics Ltd is a family business with sign-making in its blood. Founded by brothers Clive and Barrie James in Bridgend, South Wales, the vehicle graphics and signage specialist considers its Roland technology as one of its own.
Since Elite Signs was born in 1996, the James brothers have been joined by Clive's son Simon as director, Barrie's son Nicky in the wrap team in 2014 and Clive's daughter Shelley in the design department. But its roots go back even further.
"I accidentally discovered recently that before he joined the army, my grandfather was a sign painter," says Simon James. "So, we've actually got a bit of heritage there and we're a family of sign makers spanning three generations from analogue to digital."
#RolandHero
"We're a family business and our Roland printers are part of our family. My father and uncle have relied on Roland technology from day one to deliver something even better than our customers expect. Now, two generations of our family work together to continue providing that service. We're renowned for it."
Simon James - Elite Signs & Graphics Ltd
Roland DG technology has been part of the family from day one. "The Roland printers we have installed are part of our family and enable us to maintain consistency of colours and output for our clients – the vast majority of whom come back to us for repeat work," says Simon.
Elite Signs currently runs several Roland SOLJET Pro 4 XR-640 and XC-540 printer/cutters and a CAMM-1 GX-500 vinyl cutter, and is safe in the knowledge that Roland only ever launches new products once they have been fully tried, tested and proven to perform to a super-high standard.
"Having confidence in Roland is of utmost importance," says Simon. "Being able to rely on our digital printers and know that the output is superb and consistent makes our lives easier. We can concentrate on other aspects of the business whilst trusting our printers to fulfil the task in hand."
These tasks can range from the very big – its 2,300 sq ft purpose-built industrial unit can accommodate buses and lorries – to the very small, like a toy Transit van being fully wrapped by Lego men. "We managed to catch the little guys in action and posted the video on social media which has so far reached over 26k people worldwide", says Simon.
The little Lego people exemplify Elite Signs and how they work together as a family team – just a bit bigger.
"I can imagine that some might think it's only going to cause trouble when a family works closely together, but we make sure we stay professional," comments Simon. "But we always find time to have a laugh as well – it's a good dynamic."
The dynamic spread beyond the James family too – to its dedicated team of staff, and its customers: "We're lucky in having a gifted creative team," he continues. "It can propose things that often improve on something that a customer thought would be the best available option. For no additional cost, we deliver something even better. We're renowned for it.
"We treat all of our customers with respect. We understand our business and we value theirs. That works for everyone."
There's always room for the Elite Signs family to grow, Simon says. "We will definitely be investing in more equipment and printers to facilitate the growth of our company – and it's Roland that we'll be relying on."
Simon, how do you rate Roland?
Simon's Fun Facts
-
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Passionate. Creative. Honest.
-
What's the best advice you've ever received?
Always have confidence in yourself.
-
What's your favourite social media platform?
Instagram.
-
In your free time you enjoy…
Spending time with my wife & two daughters, football, being a sign geek & looking for creative inspiration everywhere.
-
What don't people know about you?
I'm a major sign geek and relentless 'detective' trying to find out who made a certain type of sign that catches my attention.
Connect with Elite Signs & Graphics Ltd
#RolandHero
Throughout 2018, we're celebrating our Roland Heroes: people and businesses who go above and beyond to lead, to inspire and to create. Are you a Roland Hero?
