For many in the UK sign industry, the first interaction they’ve had with the BSGA hasn’t been with a brochure or website, but with a warm voice on the phone, often belonging to Sue Hewick. Now marking an amazing 28 years with the BSGA, Sue has become the calm, steady hand guiding members through everything from forgotten passwords to industry guidance.
“I joined on the 16th of July, 1997,” she says with a laugh. “I’ve seen pretty much everyone come and go since then.”
Sue’s role has changed dramatically over the years. Starting out as an audio secretary, spent her early days transcribing from cassette tapes. “This was long before email came into anything,” she explains. “But once email became more popular, everything changed. I started dealing more with members directly, and my role just kept evolving.”
That evolution even included designing the BSGA’s first website. “It was pretty basic,” she admits. “But I went on a course, did my best, and I was proud of it. It did the job.”
Now, as Office Manager, Sue’s responsibilities span all the administrative operations of the association. But the most rewarding part, she says, is simply helping people.
“It’s about being on the end of the phone, however small or silly someone thinks their question is. Whether it’s helping someone get back into the members’ area or pointing them in the right direction for technical advice, I just want to be a resource for people.”
Though she’s happy working behind the scenes, Sue has become something of a recognisable figure, albeit mostly by name. “People know me, but they don’t know what I look like. I like staying in the background.”
What keeps her interested after nearly three decades? It’s the people.
“I’ve been around long enough that now I’m dealing with the children—and even the grandchildren—of members I first worked with. There’s so much continuity in this industry, especially with all the family businesses. And I think they like the fact that ‘Sue at the Association’ is still the same Sue.”
Despite not coming from a signage background, Sue has taken courses and boot camps to better understand the industry she supports. “I know what a backlit sign is,” she says, smiling. “And I do notice when companies rebrand. But my strength is really in administration, keeping everything running and helping members connect with the right support.”
And it’s not just technical help she offers. Sue regularly reminds members of the lesser-known benefits of joining the BSGA. “We promote members’ work online, we help advertise their vacancies, we offer guidance on insurance, which is a big one. Are you covered to drive a customer’s vehicle? To use heat guns on-site? These are the things that sign makers don’t always think about until it’s too late.”
Her message to those members who haven’t yet picked up the phone? “Get in touch. There’s so much we can help with, things that could genuinely make a difference to their business. Even if it’s just a question they think is too small to ask, we’re here.”
After 28 years, it’s clear Sue remains an essential thread in the fabric of the BSGA. “I do love it,” she says. “I know so many people, and I take for granted that they’re pioneers in the industry. But to me, they’re just Peter from such-and-such company. I’m lucky they still pick up the phone when I call.”
For those in the UK sign world, one thing’s for sure: if you haven’t spoken to Sue Hewick yet, it might be time you did.