Partner Article

DIS get active after sealing £multi-million Virgin deal

A Wolverhampton-based digital print, signage and production specialist is fighting fit after sealing a £multi-million contract with Virgin Active.

DIS, which employs 18 people at its state-of-the-art studio and print production facility at Hilton Trading Estate, has been appointed as the official supplier of graphics and signage for all of the firm’s 46 gyms and health clubs across the UK.

This will involve teams of experts travelling the length and breadth of the country to deliver a major facelift that will include printing and installing all external and internal imagery, lighting and digital displays.

It is the largest contract the company has been awarded to date and will play an important role in helping it move from its existing £2.5m turnover to £5m annual sales by 2021.

“This is a milestone moment for DIS and reinforces our reputation for providing print and branding solutions for some of the biggest brands across the world,” explained Mark Bradley, who founded the business in 1997.

“We were invited to take part in a comprehensive tender against competitors five times our size, but Virgin Active was impressed with our track record, our creativity, quality and ability to handle everything from initial design and fulfilment, through to installation by our own in-house team.”

He went on to add: “The contract will encompass 46 gyms and health clubs, from its landmark location in Mayfair to sites in the Midlands, the North and Scotland.

“We are currently recruiting four more people to help us manage the volume of work created by this contract win.”

DIS offer vehicle graphics, interior graphic solutions, signage and event branding for customers involved in the automotive, corporate, fashion, leisure and retail sectors.

Its team of experts utilise a full in-house 3D studio and several large format Vutek printers, which helps it provide giant media and signage, including Europe’s largest ever billboard poster for Manchester City FC.

The Black-Country company’s work is seen by millions of people every year at British Fashion Council events, global brand showcases, at Adidas product launches and at St George’s Park, the home of English football.

David Purcell, Sales Director at DIS, went on to add: “It often surprises people that a small business in Wolverhampton is responsible for some of the striking displays you see at major fashion shows, retail spaces and sporting events.

“For example, we dressed a two-storey Johnnie Walker corporate building at the 13th hole at Gleneagles during the Ryder Cup. The client wanted something special that stood out and brought what was quite a conventional venue to life, something we achieved using innovative graphics and new LED applications.

“Increasingly, we are working with clients at the concept stage, providing ideas and creativity around materials, new printing techniques, lighting and digital display solutions – using our wide range of skills to bring the concept to life.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Russ Cockburn .