About Us

About
us

Astra Signs Arrow Graphic

Astra Signs is one of the UK’s leading sign makers. Established in Manchester in 1984, we have a wealth of experience in producing world class signage for a wide variety of sectors – particularly Hospitality, Travel & Transportation, Retail, Leisure and International Events.

We design and fabricate signs to the very highest standard. Our ‘one stop sign making service’ combines the latest digital technology, some of the best hi-tech machinery in the world and robust, reliable ISO & EN production techniques to create products and systems of impeccable quality. We then carry out installation in accordance with stringent quality control systems, making sure our signs stand the test of time with robust ongoing maintenance.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

Astra Signs is a responsible supplier. Our integral environmental management system operates to ISO 14001 standards.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

We constantly aim for improvements, including reducing waste to landfill; increasing waste segregation, energy efficiency and vehicle fuel efficiency; and assessing the environmental credentials of all our products and processes. Our teams undergo frequent training, both in-house and externally.

Astra Signs Arrow Graphic

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

TESTIMONIALS

Astra Signs have been part of Manchester City Council's supply chain for several years. They are always extremely responsive to our needs and always try their very best to meet our very tight delivery deadlines. The print quality for our Manchester Town Hall hoardings was amazing and the colours were extremely vivid.
Manchester City Council
Rob and the team at Astra are always quick to respond to my requests and provide the best solution for our branding and marketing campaigns. They ensure digital designs are turned around in line with tight deadlines, despite requests often being at short notice.
Marketing & Community Engagement ExecutiveANWYL
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ACCREDITATIONS

AWARDS

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MEET THE TEAM

Teamwork makes the Magic Happen – our people are the business. The only way to make great signage every day is with great people who enjoy what they do.

Signage Talent goes beyond a keen eye for detail. From the surveyor to the Install engineers, all our team are enthusiastic and take pride in delivering the very best quality work and exceptional customer service for our clients.

It’s taken many great people to make us what we are today.

Astra Signs Team
Managing Director

David Derbyshire
Astra Signs Team
Operations Director

Joe Derbyshire
Astra Signs Team
Sales Director

Paul Dyke
Astra Signs Team
Head of Finance

Julie McMahon
Astra Signs Team
Design Manager

Anthony Bright
Astra Signs Team
Production Manager

Mark Pollit
Astra Signs Team
Graphics & Print Manager

Carl Booth
Astra Signs Team
Installation Manager

James Rowe
Astra Signs Team
H&S QE

Matthew Gittins
Managing Director

David Derbyshire

David, who founded Astra Signs in 1984 was initially trained as a Signwriter & currently acts as Managing Director. During his time David has grown the company to a 4 Million turnover employing 50 full time staff.

In his role at the ISA-UK David sits on the Technical Committee, he was also elected President for 2 years 2018 – 2019 and now assists with his colleagues at the BSI reviewing British Standards for Signage. His proudest achievement to date is being involved in the delivery of Signage and wayfinding for Manchester Airport being his home City.

Operations Director

Joe Derbyshire

Joe, who joined the family business in 1992 has served the company for almost 30 years. Acting as operations director he holds a pivotal role at the heart our business.

Joe oversees all operational aspects of company strategy, helps set strategic goals and is responsible for the flow of operations and reports directly to the Managing Director.

Sales Director

Paul Dyke

Paul has a wealth of signage manufacturing experience spanning some 35 years & specialises in Wayfinding and Branding.

He is responsible for managing all strategic sales operations & managing a team of sales people and is heavily involved in Marketing and Product Development. Paul reports to the Managing Director and is responsible for meeting company sales targets & customer satisfaction.

Head of Finance

Julie McMahon

Julie contributes to Astra’s business objectives providing guidance on financial strategy, working with David to develop and control the annual operating budgets.

Julie also gives advice to the company managers and staff enabling them to meet their objectives. Company yearly and Monthly Management accounts are all overseen by Julie ensuring compliance at all times. Julie who joined Astra in 2000 has been invaluable in supporting the company growth and stability.

Design Manager

Anthony Bright

Working as the Head of the Signage Design & Graphic Department and an employee for 20 years – Tony has developed skills in a very diverse range of wayfinding, graphics and bespoke signage products in various environments from Aviation, Transportation and Retail.

Tony’s ability to combine Technical Knowledge with sign design and traditional sign making craftsmanship helps us to create a range of amazing signage products for our customer base.

Production Manager

Mark Pollit

Working as the Astra Signs Production Manager and an employee for over 30 Years Mark has gained much experience in all production processes. Mark oversees and coordinates all production activities and operations utilising the company Management Information Production Schedule.

Mark’s role includes the management of all resources and stock levels remain adequate in order to maintain throughput and company sales deliverables. As signage is multi skilled Mark manages a team of Signage fabricators including Letter makers, CNC Operators, Metal fabricators, Powder coating operatives and all final assembly personnel.

Graphics & Print Manager

Carl Booth

Carl has been working in the Signage and Graphics sector for over a Decade and now heads up our Large Format Digital Printing Department that caters to large and small businesses including major brands and marketing agencies.

Carl is responsible for the setup, printing and production of graphics through the use of wide format Roll to Roll and Flatbed printers, laminators and plotters. Being responsible for meeting deadlines for various print projects his role requires continuous communicating and conferring with the team on daily workflow and deadlines.

Installation Manager

James Rowe

Originally from Birmingham, James relocated to Manchester and joined Astra in 2017. He served his time as a sign fitter & has 18 year’s valuable experience covering all the aspects of Signage Installation, Inspection and Maintenance hence his career development to Senior Installation Manager at Astra.

James is responsible for all Installation at Astra including staff recruitment, training & Development, health, safety and compliance and meeting the demands of all projects whatever the size and whenever the project is required.

H&S QE

Matthew Gittins

Matthew joined the team here at Astra in 2011 with no previous experience in the signage industry. Since then however, he has gained valuable experience in many areas of the business, including purchasing, production, planning and administration.

Primarily, Matthew’s function is the scheduling of work through manufacturing to installation and delivery, though his responsibilities have expanded over the years to include quality and environmental compliance, as well as studying towards a Level 6 Diploma in Applied Health & Safety. Matthew is also responsible for liaising with clients, property management companies and local councils to ensure the relevant permits and paperwork is in order for our installation function.

OUR POLICIES

HEALTH & SAFETY
TERMS & CONDITIONS
QUALITY
ENVIRONMENTAL

DATA PRIVACY

DATA PRIVACY