Based north of the border in Edinburgh, Specialized Signs was founded by Graham James Sim to produce illuminated signage, but the 23-year-old business man quickly realised there was a larger market to tap into.

The firm has since invested in people and equipment to become a major operator providing a wide range of signage ranging from A4 posters to 3.5m high lettering as well as a complete design service.

“We would love to tell you that sign making goes back generations in the family, however, the technology we use didn’t exist back then,” says Sim, who adds: “We combine the latest equipment with great craftsmanship and work hard to stay ahead of our competitors in terms of quality and pricing.

"Using high-quality machinery and software enables us to manufacture 99 percent of what we produce. This always goes hand in hand with good old fashioned great customer service.”

Some of the work created this year includes signage for major retailers such as H and M and Car Deal Warehouse, hotel chains such as Ibis and Marriott along with eateries, shopping centres and being in Scotland, a whisky distillery.

The services now include banners, flags, free standing signs, projecting signs, vehicle graphics and wraps as well as window displays while the core strength remains illuminated signs. Not bad for a firm founded just seven years ago.