Having run an Independent Pest Control Business for the last 30 years and looking for a new challenge, Ian got chatting to previous owners John McEntee and Roy Heeley, and the rest as they say, is history! Over the next six months we’re going to be following Ian and Louise’s journey as they embed themselves into the business, get stuck into a new industry and take the business to the next level.
“If you’d told me a year ago that I’d be running a signage centre, I might’ve raised an eyebrow. Coming from a completely different industry, working for 30 years in pest control, this move has been a big shift for both myself and my partner, Louise. But seven months in, I can honestly say it’s one of the most exciting and rewarding decisions we’ve made.
My journey with Signs Express started not as a business venture, but as a customer. I first got chatting to Roy, one of the previous owners, and then later to John (Roy’s business partner). Their passion and professionalism were clear, and that planted the seed. The more we talked, the more I could see the potential. Louise has a background in graphic design, so when the opportunity to take on the centre came up, it felt like a natural fit for us, not to mention, it’s local, which made it even more appealing.
One thing I’ve always believed in, whether in pest control or now in signage, is that you’re only as strong as your team. There’s no such thing as a great business without great people behind it. So, Louise and I spent time getting to know the team properly, listening, supporting and investing in them. We’ve been incredibly lucky with the people here.
Centre Manager David Povah deserves a special mention, as he’s been instrumental in this transition, not just helping us find our feet, but also giving us the confidence to take the plunge in the first place. It was a big leap, especially while still running our pest control business, but David and the team’s experience and passion made all the difference.
We’ve since welcomed two fantastic new members to the team: Rob, who brings a strong focus on sales, and Dom, who’s added real energy and creativity to our design work. They’ve both slotted in brilliantly and have already made a real impact.
From the outset, Louise and I were keen to put our own stamp on the business. Roy and John did a fantastic job for over 20 years, building a strong reputation and a loyal customer base. But we saw opportunities to push things further, both in terms of innovation and capability.
That’s why we’ve invested heavily in new equipment over the past few months. We’ve added a new CWT application table, a large-format HP laser cutter, and upgraded our vehicle bay so we can now offer PPF vehicle wraps. We’ve also invested in two new printers from HP, including a hybrid flatbed printer. We were excited to become the first business in the UK to install the HP Latex R530 all-in-one flatbed printer, which offers outstanding versatility and quality, from rigid signage to décor and window graphics – a fantastic new string to our bow.
Sustainability is also a big investment factor for us, so we were thrilled to learn that all HP Latex printers use water-based inks, dramatically reducing environmental impact compared to traditional solvent alternatives. Our in-centre sustainability policy also now includes paperless processes, responsible recycling of inks and packaging with Planet Partners, and continuous efforts to reduce waste. Something we’ll continue to monitor and improve upon where we can.
Of course, it’s not all about machines, it’s about people. That’s why we flew the whole team out to Barcelona earlier this year for a visit to the HP Graphics Experience Centre. It was an amazing couple of days, packed with inspiration, learning, and plenty of laughter. More importantly, it gave everyone a chance to think bigger, explore what’s possible, and bond as a team. It reminded me that strong teams aren’t just built in the workplace—they’re built on trust, connection, and shared experiences.
As we look to the future, we’re excited, because we’re only just getting started. There’s so much potential in what we can offer our clients, from high-end signage and vehicle graphics to creative, bespoke solutions powered by cutting-edge technology. We’re here to raise the bar, support our team, and deliver standout work for businesses across Liverpool, Wirral and beyond.
It’s been a whirlwind seven months, but Louise and I are loving the journey, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us next.”
