Fleet business booms as Sign Language eyes expansion

Vehicle graphics and wrapping specialist Sign Language has significant expansion plans for 2014 as a result of a string of fleet contract wins.

Sign Language anticipates a three-fold increase in revenue in 2014 and is gearing up for an explosion in company car, van and truck work. 

The firm has recruited eight new members of staff - a significant increase on current staff numbers, and is expanding its existing Oxfordshire headquarters by 70% following the decision to acquire an adjoining business unit.

Managing director Tobin Jenkins said: “2014 will mark a sea-change in the size of the business and is a reflection of the many initiatives we have implemented over the last 24 months to gear ourselves up to meet the needs of the fleet market.”

Network Rail has been a major client for two years and more recently business wins have included securing contracts with AirTanker, Autoglass, Komatsu, Telent, Travelodge, UK Mail, Weblight and Zipcar.

Additionally, Lex Autolease, Britain’s largest contract hire and leasing company with a fleet of almost 275,000 company cars and vans, has made Sign Language its only tier one vehicle livery and wrapping supplier and the company has officially become an approved supplier to LeasePlan. Sign Language is also working with a number of other contract hire and leasing companies.

Jenkins said: “To become Lex Autolease’s only tier one vehicle graphics provider is a tremendous coup for Sign Language. We have been a preferred supplier to the company for many years, but the further recognition means that we can expect a significant increase in the volume of work undertaken on behalf of their clients next year.

“Similarly, Sign Language has become an approved supplier with LeasePlan and while it is a fledgling account it is a huge opportunity as the company channels more of their vehicle livery work through us.”

Gary Banister, senior manager for commercial vehicles at Lex Autolease, said: “Sign Language has come through a challenging governance process to become one of our tier one suppliers. We have been impressed by its creative and innovative approach and look forward to working with the business in 2014 to supply our commercial vehicle fleet with its livery and wrapping services.”

“Most of our fleet work is being won in competitive tenders and is conquest business secured from larger competitors with other work being obtained as a result of referrals from satisfied clients", added Jenkins.