Gordon explains: “A friend who was a sign writer, Robin, told me about this
new product, self adhesive vinyl from 3M which he said was new on the market and would be an ideal business to become involved in. Robin offered to cut and apply the graphics to show just how it worked. That was in May 1988 and 23 years on, it still looks great.” Following this minor event Gordon decided to investigate the signmaking
business and shortly after bought a Spandex Sprint, its associated equipment, and started making signs. He freely admits he didn’t really have a clue about signs back then but a lot of hard work and a bit of luck over many years has paid off. Within the first year of setting up Eurographics schoolboy Craig Surry
arrived to start on a three week work experience course. His enthusiasm and hard working attitude so impressed that Gordon offered him a Saturday job and soon after when Craig left school in May 1990, he started full time work at Eurographics. Right from day one this worked out really well and it had always been
Jean’s intention that we should reward Craig for his loyalty when he was 21. Sadly she died after a short illness in January 1995, so in August of the same year, on Craig’s 21st birthday Gordon and Craig signed a 50/50 partnership agreement. Now, more than 15 years later, the two run things between them.
The business is located in the High Street in Aveley, Essex, just inside the M25 and has much more equipment than that first little Spandex Sprint. Today they provide vehicle graphics, shop fascias, illuminated signs, work wear, plaques, and a whole range of Health and Safety signs. They are also registered number plate makers and carry out a lot of directory work in the London offices of many well-known companies. Among its biggest customers are local authorities and Essex Police, the latter requiring emergency signage very quickly after serious incidents.
Gordon at work in the Army, circa 1950.
A proud Gordon shows off his Spandex Sprint, the latest signmaking equipment in 1988.
“We are a small, but very successful sign company” adds Craig
“and we like to give a very personal service to our customers, some of whom have been with us for the full 23 years. In fact, our very first customer still uses us on virtually a weekly basis.” “Another tradition we maintain,” says Gordon “is having a
traditional breakfast when Craig arrives each morning, the same as when Jean was alive. It starts the day off and gives us time to discuss important issues, such as the state of the Danish economy and the current price of fish. Also, we only eat and drink from fine bone china. No plastic or mugs at Eurographics. Our motto is: ‘We never fail not you let you down’. Furthermore we have no desire to be the biggest, we just want to make good signs at a fair price and have contented customers.” Gordon and Eurographics can be contacted by telephone 01708 869500 or via website
www.euro-graphics.net To challenge Gordon for the title of “The oldest full-time
Gordon in Carbonaras, Spain.
working signmaker in the country” get in touch with Sign Update (tel. 01295 660666 or email
janet@sign-update-magazine.co.uk).
ISSUE 130 JULY/AUGUST 2011 Sign Update 65
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