Designs founder to focus on strategy after appointing colleague as new MD

An entrepreneur who has spent more than 30 years positioning his business as a leader in the signage industry is making changes at the top as he plans the next phase of the company’s growth.

Rob Daysley has taken on the title of founder at Designs, with Mark Blanchard, a colleague for more than 10 years, succeeding him as managing director.

Rob said: “It’s recognition of Mark’s drive and ambition and that’s what the business needs to take it to the next level. My intention was for someone to make the progress that Mark has. Normally it would have taken two or three years but he’s well ahead of that.”

Rob launched Designs in 1993 in the garage of his parents’ home in Hull. Growth since then supports a 50-strong workforce and has come from a commitment to foresight and innovation and, particularly over the last 10-12 years, by reaping the benefits of green investment.

The client base embraces major employers in the local area as well as national brands and the NHS, with services including signage and vehicle livery. High profile examples of the company’s work in its home city are the branding at the MKM Stadium and Sewell Group Craven Park. 

It was Designs who wrapped the open-top bus for Hull Kingston Rovers’ Challenge Cup celebration parade. Workplace graphics are in demand from clients seeking striking designs for windows, walls and illuminated installations.

Mark brought 16 years’ experience in the industry when he joined Designs. He has played a key part in shaping the company’s progressive culture and in planning the move earlier this year to new premises which are delivering benefits with increased space for better equipment, and cost savings from energy efficiency.

Mark said: “I had been knocking Rob’s door and telling him if we wanted to grow we couldn’t do it in our existing site. When the right place became available it was just across the road and very short notice - we had to move quickly and we agreed the deal in a week.

“We couldn’t have put the new equipment we needed into the old building, and the move has also pushed us forward on the net zero journey – the roof is covered with about four times as many solar panels has we had before.”

The reshuffle, which was revealed to colleagues in an announcement accompanied by a podcast featuring the pair discussing their plans, will ready the business to push on with new momentum and ideas in a competitive sector.

Rob said: “This has been thought about and planned for a good couple of years. My thoughts were that with the size the business was reaching it needed a stronger team rather than just one person. I wanted people who had the ability to take the business forward to have that opportunity.

“This August marks 32 years since I began. You want people with energy and ambition who can take things further than I might be able to – and you want them to share in the success of that. 

“My role going forward will be more about strategy, supporting Mark and the senior leadership team and helping them to continue to increase the success. It’s about finding the opportunity and coming out of the day to day of the business.”