Hard work pays off for Speedy Signs Kāpiti-Porirua and EmbroidMe

Gary Bedford in front of his business. Photo / David Haxton

Electra Business and Innovation Awards finalist profile: Speedy Signs Kāpiti-Porirua / EmbroidMe.

Gary Bedford had an important decision to make when he was offered the opportunity to take over the ownership of the dual-branded Speedy Signs Kāpiti-Porirua and EmbroidMe.

Not only did he have to want the role, but he would need to sell his prized 55 Chevy to get some cash flow going.

"It was supposed to be my forever car ... it was a great car."

He decided to take up the opportunity, sold the car, assembled a hardworking and loyal team, and recalibrated the business.

"We basically started from scratch."

The result has been impressive with the locally owned and operated business, which tries to do a lot in-house, going from strength to strength.

"It's going well but it has been hard work."

The Paraparaumu-based business, at 5A Arko Place, is a finalist in the upcoming Electra Business and Innovation Awards.

Electra Business & Innovation Awards.

Being a finalist in the awards was surprising but exciting.

"I had never thought about going into the awards.

"A flyer was dropped off here and I thought 'I wonder if we should do this?' never thinking it would come to anything."

So what exactly does the joint business do?

On the signage side of the business, the company creates sign panels that you see inside and outside of buildings right through to vehicle wraps — at one stage they had 11 Teslas on site — and recently put some tattoos on a prosthetic leg.

"We do a bit of everything really."

Water-based inks are used, which is better for the environment, and the company has started offering a PVC free film product for customers.

A showroom for EmbroidMe has a range of garments from shirts, jackets, hats, T-shirts, uniforms, hospital scrubs and lots more.

Jess Wilson in the embroidery room. Photo / David Haxton

"There would be thousands of options," said Gary, pointing to a catalogue.

There's also a lot of promotional stuff which the company can brand and supply such as pens, mugs, key rings, drink bottles, note pads and business cards.

Gary, who comes from an extensive printing and signage background, said he was proud how far the company, which covers from Porirua to Levin, had come.

"Everything we've done has made such a difference.

"We've done so much work to try and get the profile up and bring it into line."

He praised his four work colleagues who were "a very good team with lots of experience".

And most importantly: "I'm really enjoying it."