CITY SIGNS, WORCESTER

Established: 60 years ago

Employee numbers: 6

Generations in the business: 2

City Signs is a 60-year-old sign production company known locally and nationally. Started by company founder Horace Wilkins in Luton, the company moved to Worcester in the late 60s.

Darren and Deanne Wilkins, two of Horace’s children, are now at the helm, and have grown City Signs to be a leading signage specialist.

Its 2,700 sq ft headquarters houses a showroom, design studio, digital print rooms, clean assembly area and vehicle workshop.

“We are growing at our fastest rate with the introduction of new products,” said Darren. “Especially our recyclable exhibition displays.”

Darren wasn’t overly enthusiastic about joining the family business, but that was 24 years ago. “If my two children wanted to come into the business then I would encourage them, but I wouldn’t push them – they need to follow the career path they want. Deanne, my sister and codirector has no children so there’s no pressure on her side.”