
The fast-moving company based in Hull specialises in vehicle wrapping and large format signage.
The Starting Point: The Pursuit of Potential
Under the direction of Rob Daysley and Director Mark Blanchard, the business had a solid foundation but recognised they were only scratching the surface of their potential.
As the company grew, it became clear that stepping into the next phase would require a stronger leadership structure, clearer strategic direction, and a cultural shift toward performance and accountability. Mark Blanchard had a bold vision not only for the company’s growth but for transforming how the business operated at a leadership level.
His goals included:
- Cementing the Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
- Clarifying the 5-year company vision
- Defining key strategic priorities to reach that vision
- Creating a system for goal setting and alignment
- Addressing leadership blind spots through coaching
The Work
Building the Foundation for Self-Managing Success
With the support of Pete Wilkinson, Founder of Reclaro® and the 1-3-5® goal execution system, Design Signage Solutions began the process of turning aspiration into structured execution.
Together, they took key foundational steps:
- Confirmed and committed the SLT members
- Facilitated early vision-sharing and alignment sessions
- Ran a team workshop on effectiveness and Power Habits to set the tone for performance
- Identified larger target prospects to expand revenue
- Built a centralised 1-3-5® strategic plan for Year 1
- Trained each SLT member to create their own 1-3-5® aligned to the master plan
- Selected Reclaro® to visualise and manage the execution of plans with transparency
- Created a performance-driven culture, replacing unstructured planning with accountability
- Built a multi-level planning system with visibility from the 5-year vision down to team goals
- Rolled out aligned plans for Years 2-5, setting the foundation for consistent long-term growth
The Impact
What an Aligned Team Can Achieve in Months
In just a few short months, Design Signage Solutions has experienced remarkable results:
- Analysed their current operation and made a bold decision to move premises
- Moved into new premises 2.5x larger to support ambitious growth and completed the full refurbishment
- SLT buy-in achieved with every leader presenting their 12-month 1-3-5® as if they were running their own strategic business unit
- Landed 4 major new clients from their strategic target list
- Launched a new Team Charter with 100% buy-in from all team members
- Began using the Charter in recruitment to attract and onboard growth-focused hires
- Reduced costs through operational focus and tighter goal alignment
- Created a performance culture where ownership, accountability, and challenge are the new norm
- Empowered next-level managers through delegated Key Results with calendar-based milestone tracking
- Established monthly SLT performance meetings, where trust enables open, productive conversations
- Advertised for a new senior business development role to support the expanding pipeline
- Launched a new ‘fleet vehicle wrap process’ to speed up delivery and improve efficiency
- Introduced demanding 121s for SLT members to increase confidence and leadership capability
- Co-ownership of goals now drives collaboration across departments on transformational projects
- A 52% improvement in quarterly goal achievement rates, thanks to transparent, real-time performance data in Reclaro®
Looking Ahead: The Confidence to Aim Higher
Design Signature Solutions has made an exceptional start on their transformation journey. The leadership team, led by Mark (who is newly appointed as MD), now operates with alignment, clarity, and momentum, and while the first phase is complete, the team knows they are just getting started.
With new capabilities, an energised culture, and a robust performance framework in place, the company is confidently stepping into Year 2 with bolder goals, a growing team, and the rhythm of a business built for sustainable success.
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