Green by Name, Green by Nature — A Family Legacy in Signs
If you’ve been in the sign industry for any length of time, chances are you’ve come across the name Greens The Signmakers. Based in Hull and steeped in history, the business is now in its third generation, proudly led by Managing Director Lawrence Green, who recently caught up with us for a chat that felt more like catching up with an old friend.
Lawrence’s story is one many sign-makers can relate to: “I grew up in the business, my first job as a child was colouring in drawings on the kitchen table,” he recalls. From sweeping up the shop floor to managing the whole operation, Lawrence has done it all. And while he admits he sometimes wishes he’d spent more time working elsewhere, he’s committed to giving the next generation that option, without pressure.
A business built on craft and good people
Greens was founded by Lawrence’s grandfather, Reg, in 1963. These were the days of hand-painted signs and the company has lived through an awful lot of change in the industry. When he took over as MD, Lawrence’s dad, Chris, was the driving force behind scaling up during the acrylic boom, and today the company delivers everything from intricate stainless steel letters to massive 12×7 metre flex face boxes, all manufactured in-house.
“We’ve got a great team. Some of our staff have been with us for decades,” Lawrence says. “Our strength is our flexibility. People can move between departments as needed, whether it’s aluminium fascias, vinyl, or powder coating. That’s helped us grow sustainably without constant hiring and firing.”
And they’ve invested wisely. Today, the company boasts an impressive print department, including a 5m EFI VUTEk, two HP machines for flatbed and roll-to-roll, and plenty of finishing equipment, all running from their expansive 26,000+ sq ft facility.
Learning from the past, preparing for the future
The factory itself is a time capsule of sorts. “There are old skylights covered in plywood, which was once the OHP room,” Lawrence laughs. “We used to trace and cut letters by hand. Now it’s lasers and CAD.” That sense of history is matched with ambition: Greens Signs is growing and even planning to expand storage for finished goods as volumes increase.
Being part of the BSGA community
The Greens have a long-standing connection to the BSGA. Reg Green was even a national chairman, and his dad also served locally. “My granddad believed in helping others in the trade. Not everything has to be a competition; there’s enough work to go around.”
Lawrence sees real value in being part of the Association: “Even if you’ve been doing this a long time, it’s reassuring to know the BSGA is there, whether it’s advice, lobbying on behalf of the industry, or just knowing someone’s got your back.”
Looking ahead: more visibility, more support
So how can the BSGA continue to evolve? Lawrence is keen to see more accessible video content – tutorials, walkthroughs, and quick tips. “There’s a ton of useful info in written guides, but for newer businesses, a quick 5-minute video on flex faces or install tips could go a long way.”
At the end of the day, Lawrence sums it up best: “It’s a two-way street. The BSGA supports us, and I want to support it back. That’s how we all move forward together.”