When Ian first stepped through the doors at Nuneaton Signs in November 1999, he had no idea he was starting a career that would last over 26 years, a path marked by growth, friendships, and personal achievement.
Ian’s first role was in screen printing, involving large print beds, washing materials, preparing signs, and carefully moving them along conveyor systems to drying racks. The process was hands-on and physically demanding, Ian said, “Screen printing was very dark with fluorescent lights everywhere. It was hard work, but it taught me a lot.”
After trying his hand in Fabrication and realising it wasn’t the right fit, Ian eventually settled into the Despatch department, where he still works today. Ian’s role in Despatch is hands‑on, varied, and essential to the flow of work at Nuneaton Signs. Here, his days are full and varied: packing and wrapping signs, loading and unloading vans, lending a hand wherever it’s needed and making sure the orders leave the building safely and on time.
Over more than two decades, Ian has watched the business transform. New managers, new colleagues, expanded office spaces, and an additional facility in Hinckley — it’s all part of a journey of progress. To him, each change represents progress. “The changes have been for the better,” he reflects.
Ian’s journey to Nuneaton Signs came during a difficult moment in his life. After being made redundant from a powder coating and spraying company, he was worried about his age being a barrier to starting again, leaving his future uncertain. Learning about Nuneaton Signs’ support for people with disabilities gave him a renewed sense of hope. “What’s special about working here is the people. You’re never on your own. If you’ve got a problem, you can actually ask for help, and get it.”
That sense of support and understanding has shaped Ian’s entire experience. He describes the atmosphere as family-like — a place where everyone is given a chance, where mistakes are part of learning, and where no one is left to struggle alone.
Ian has also seen firsthand how valuable the internship opportunities are for young people. “When I was in school, nothing like that existed,” he explains. “Having the interns here is a brilliant opportunity for them. This placement gives them real skills and stops them being thrown in at the deep end when they enter the real world.”
His empathy and insight reflect the inclusive values that define the business.
Among the many milestones at Nuneaton Signs, The King’s Award stands out as a particularly proud moment for the whole company. The celebration brought an infectious energy and a shared sense of achievement. But for Ian personally, his greatest highlight came when he received his Length of Service Award for 25 years of service.
“Being recognised and appreciated for my hard work meant a lot. My plaque is pride of place at home.” he says. The plaque now sits proudly on display at home as a daily reminder of how far he’s come.
Through the years, Ian has built strong bonds with colleagues he sees every day — relationships that have grown into genuine lifelong friendships. For him, it’s proof that a job is more than just the work you do; it’s the people who work beside you.
Ian’s story is one of perseverance, gratitude, and the positive impact of a supportive workplace. From the early days of screen printing to over two decades in Despatch, he has become a cherished part of the Nuneaton Signs family.
