A small Bradford business was recently named ‘sign supplier of the year’ against competition from firms many times its size.

Applelec Sign Components Ltd was launched 11 years ago by Ian Drinkwater and Paul Stothers and now employs 21 people. Last year the firm generated sales of more than £3.3m.

Based in Appleby House, Walker Terrace, Applelec supplies leading sign companies across the UK as well as in Europe and North America.

It has received support from both Bradford Council’s Kickstart enterprise programme and Business Link Yorkshire to help sustain existing jobs and, through further sales and profit growth, generating new job opportunities.

Says Ian: “It is essential for us to formulate a strategic development programme. Business Link and Bradford Kickstart are assisting our company in achieving that objective.”

Ian and Paul began their business as metal fabricators then began supplying large lettering to sign assembly and installation companies.

With a strong focus on meeting the sign industry’s need for innovation, good design and high-quality components, the company has grown its sales and profits year on year and is forecasting accelerated growth, despite the recession.

Their commitment to technical innovation is demonstrated by the development of ‘LED Light Sheets’, which use light-emitting diodes to spread illumination evenly across a thin acrylic panel. These are ideal for use in retail display, indoor and outdoor advertising and many other applications.

The company was recently invited to present proposals to the National History Museum, in London. As a result, their new product will illuminate 100 winning photographs in the national Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, to be exhibited at the museum this autumn.

To grow their successful business still further, Ian and Paul are taking full advantage of the partnership between Kickstart and Business Link Yorkshire.

Ian said: “David Guild, our Business Link adviser, understands us and our business. Initially he recommended a free financial health check, provided by an independent accountancy firm.

“He suggested management training in how to develop our business strategy and to boost our marketing he introduced us to Colin Holmes, a Kickstart business adviser.

“As a result we now have a high-quality promotional brochure and a great website developed through Kickstart’s professional services scheme. “We have already doubled our turnover for the new product, enabling us to recruit three more employees.

“Through David and Colin we are receiving valuable, integrated support from Business Link and Bradford Kickstart – all of it free of charge, which is helpful in the current economic climate.”

* Applelec Sign Components (UK): (01274) 774477; applelecsign.co.uk