A FIRM making signs and whiteboards has overcome the recession to post a 23% rise in annual earnings.
Horizon Signs said it had continued to make a profit month-on-month between 2009 and 2010.
The Milnsbridge-based company implemented cost-efficiency improvements – including negotiating better rates from suppliers, applying a “just in time” approach to delivery to avoid overstocking and focusing on “stable” markets such as local authorities and schools.
It also invested in its own powder coating works to reduce unit costs and open up to another market by providing the option to powder coat not only its own products but also those of other companies.
Horizon also appointed full service marketing agency Fantastic Media to raise its profile in the industry and increasing brand awareness .
Director Ross Ball said: “Although the recession has been detrimental to many businesses in our industry, we would argue that it has been beneficial to us in many ways.
“It made us take a step back, evaluate the business and all the decisions we were making.
“We got back to basics and this has, in essence, led to us making a profit during what has and continues to be a tough time for the economy.”
