20 Years of Innovation: The Extreme Signs Journey

5 Jan

From humble beginnings in a converted farm stable to becoming a leading name in South Coast signage and vehicle branding, the story of Extreme Signs is one of growth, adaptability, and a passion for design.

As we look back on two decades in the industry, here is how we evolved into the team we are today.

From the Farm: Our Foundations

Extreme Signs was incorporated in 2005. Our original team—Tom, Nigel, and Neil—started out in an old farm stable. Over the next decade, they worked tirelessly to build a reputation for excellence, establishing a robust network across the English motor trade.

By 2016, we had outgrown the farm. To better serve our clients, we moved to Nutsey House on Calmore Industrial Estate in Totton. This move was a turning point; the larger facility allowed us to expand our services significantly, moving beyond promotional and Point of Sale (POS) signage into high-end colour change wraps and large-scale fleet graphics.

Adapting to a Changing Industry

The motor trade has been turned on its head over the last few years. From shifts in how the public purchases vehicles to a heightened awareness of environmental impact and disposable plastics, the landscape is unrecognisable compared to 2005.

At Extreme Signs, our core strength has always been adaptability. We have evolved our processes to meet the needs of a new generation of clientele while maintaining the long-standing relationships that helped us grow. Whether it’s a bespoke one-off project or a national fleet, our speed of response remains at the heart of what we do.

The People Behind the "Extreme"

We have always taken pride in exceeding expectations and working to "Extreme" timeframes. However, none of this would be possible without the dedicated people who make the company what it is.

Accredited Excellence: In 2021, we became an Accredited Arlon Supplier. This partnership adds a layer of professional credibility, giving both our team and our clients the confidence to push the boundaries of "weird and wonderful" design.

The Rise of Wrapping: The industry has transformed from a functional profession into an aspirational one. While colour change wraps aren't our only service, they are undoubtedly the most vibrant part of the modern sign and wrap industry.

Awards: We have achieved a number of national-awards over the years, notably the coveted "Industry Champion" award from "UK Sign and Wrap Awards" in 2025. Along with Mactac Creative awards 'Gold winner' and a 'Silver' award for colour change wraps.

Design: Where Art Meets Technology

Graphic design has always been our Unique Selling Point (USP). We don’t just print; we create. Over the years, we’ve embraced the evolution of tools like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and, more recently, AI.

While AI provides helpful assistance, we believe that design is a true art form. It requires a human touch, an eye for detail, and the experience that only our designers can provide. AI might be a tool, but it can never replace the creative minds behind the computer.

Looking Forward to the Next 20 Years

The last two decades have been an incredible rollercoaster. From the original trio to our current team—Tom, Nigel, Neil, Andy, Lukas, Joe, Sammi, Tom, Becky, and Clare—we want to thank everyone who has been part of our journey.

We’ve spent 20 years perfecting our craft, and we can’t wait to see what the next 20 bring.