Meet our Passionate, Creative & Experienced Team

Ed Hayden

With more than 10 years’ experience in the industry and a heritage in traditional signwriting, Ed has developed strong client and project management skills in events, construction signage and marketing suites, delivering many high-end projects to an array of clients. Recently he has predominantly worked on high profile London-based schemes managing extremely bespoke projects both to budget and strict timeframes.

Why you like working for Reade
“Reade is a company that understands it’s employees and encourages them to develop organically within their roles. It’s this freedom to work flexibly in the role that allows me to give the best possible service to my clients; boosting morale and enhancing skills.”

Naomi Fowler

Naomi is responsible for all financial management at Reade Signs.

Why you like working for Reade

“I love being part of a great team with a passion and enthusiasm for what we do. I like to get stuck into the details and I love a spreadsheet. I enjoy travelling, exploring new places and am a very keen – and sometimes able – cook!”

Leah Palmer

Leah works with us part-time. Leah provides finance administration to support our account managers using our bespoke CRM and management information systems.

Why you like working for Reade

“Working for Reade has the feel of a family-run business where everyone gets on well and we also have a great team who stop at nothing to get the job done. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter, playing computer games, board games and going to the cinema.”

Linda Stainer

After a career in banking, Linda started working for Reade Signs in 1999. Linda now works with us part-time to manage finance administration. As one of our longest serving team members, she is often our ‘go to’ person for the team.

Why you like working for Reade
“My work is very varied, and no two days are the same so there’s no chance of getting bored. I also work with a great team. In my spare time I love being with my four grandchildren, I dance twice a week and enjoy baking and the team enjoy my cakes!”

James Herbst

James has over 25 years’ experience in the signage industry working in production and progressing to account manager roles, where he worked on re-imaging projects with clients like BP, BMW and McDonalds. Most recently, James managed a team of project managers specialising in the property development sector and worked on prestigious London projects. This experience is a great asset to our dedicated housing development signage and marketing suites team.

Why you like working for Reade
“Growing up, my stepfather worked in the signage industry and I often helped around the factory for pocket money, so I feel a real affinity with the industry! I was attracted to Reade Signs as it’s a national signage company, but still has a family feel. I’m excited about my future working with the team”

Lauren Myers

Lauren takes a hands-on role in helping our sales team run smoothly and meet client requirements. With a background in print and direct mail, her experience includes account management, estimating and purchasing. Lauren thrives in a varied role, where she can gain full insight into a business.

Why you like working for Reade
“It’s a really friendly environment to work in. There’s a wealth of knowledge in the team and a professional ‘can do’ attitude, it’s easy to see how the company has continued success.”

Gary Chamberlain

Gary is one of our longest standing team members and has extensive experience of the signage production process and materials. Gary can always be counted on for his meticulous approach and ability to deliver a high quality of service. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the Reade Signs team as Head of Production.

Why you like working for Reade
“I have a pivotal role in the company and enjoy the interaction I have across all teams. Every day is different and I love the challenge of problem solving.”

John Phillips

John has held senior finance positions in many industries, including music, charity, automotive and leisure and has enjoyed travelling extensively with these roles. He’s responsible for all aspects of financial management and control at Reade Signs including management and financial reporting and he enjoys supporting and interacting with the whole team.

Why you like working for Reade
“The company has grown dramatically over the last few years because it produces extremely high-quality products and has a brilliant team spirit. I really enjoy being part of this ‘family’ and look forward to playing a part in its further growth and development.”

Chloe Michel

Chloe is an experienced marketing, PR and copywriting professional. She’s worked across many industries and specialises in setting up a marketing function and implementing the full marketing campaign. Chloe manages the marketing for Reade Signs, developing the strategy and working with the team to build brand awareness and support the new business development team.

Why you like working for Reade
“I really enjoy working with such a friendly team that works so hard to deliver quality and is always looking for new ways to make changes that improve client service and internal processes.”

Paul Knight

Paul manages our in-house design studio with his extensive digital print background. With so many different projects going on, everyday is different from full building wraps to car graphics and Paul rises to the challenge without fail.

Why you like working for Reade
“I love the opportunity to bring ideas to life and using my specialised knowledge to know how to get the results our clients want, no matter what the challenge. I’m a family man and enjoy playing with my two young sons and I follow the mighty Spurs.”

Jamie Smith

Jamie has a background in the engineering, farming and mining sectors in Zimbabwe. As our Technical Manager, Jamie provides expert advice to the account teams. He manages the installation department and oversees all operational departments.

Why you like working for Reade
“I like working at Reade Signs because everyday is a different challenge! I like to spend time with my family and our two dogs who take up a lot of our spare time walking the local area.”

Jim Foster

Jim has extensive experience from his career in print, with expertise of many printing processes. He held a number of production manager roles in different companies and brings a wealth of knowledge to the Reade Signs team as Head of Production.

Why you like working for Reade
“I have a pivotal role in the company so really enjoy the interaction I have across all teams. I enjoy the banter of the office and that every day is different. In my spare time you’ll catch me deep sea fishing…weather permitting!”

Joanna Goodchild

Joanna takes a bold but polite approach in communicating our capabilities when contacting potential prospects. She enjoys building relationships with potential customers and explaining where Reade Signs can assist. A good sense of humour helps too!

Why you like working for Reade
“I enjoy the great teamwork and being trusted to manage my own workload. I’m proud of all the charity work we do locally and nationally. In my spare time I enjoy singing in a community choir and also long weekend walks with my Bernese Mountain dog.”

Adriaan Wijsveld

Adriaan was a graphic designer and studio manager before progressing into business development. With extensive experience in public sector and transport markets, across wayfinding and digital print, he has a particular passion for vitreous enamel.

Why you like working for Reade
“I like how Reade Signs approach and plan projects using the experience within all staff and I’m boosting my skills with interesting signage projects across all sectors. I enjoy watching my children developing, beach walks with the dog, and ..the pub!”

Reiss Parkinson

Reiss has broad experience across retail, construction and the private sector, covering a range of disciplines; from large scale graphics to one-off bespoke creations for international clients. Reiss is a highly capable, knowledgeable project manager and brings a flexible, yet meticulous approach to his work.

Why you like working for Reade
“Reade Signs has a reputation in the industry for detail and successful project delivery for a loyal client base. This means the whole team strives for service excellence and it’s a great place and atmosphere to be a part of.”

Jerome True

Jerome works as Assistant Account Manager. He joined Reade Signs as an apprentice, while also studying for a Business Administration qualification. Co-managing the Linden Homes project, Jerome helps design and supply marketing suites nationwide. He collaborates with our internal team and clients to ensure projects are delivered smoothly.

Why you like working for Reade
“What I enjoy most about working at Reade Signs is working across all the departments and seeing each job through. Every day is different, but the team spirit here never changes.”

Amber Cunningham

Amber is a Project Manager with experience working with numerous leading property developers. Her skills encompass planning, procurement and completion of standard and bespoke internal and external signage projects. She manages a major marketing suite interior fit-out contract for Linden Homes, which requires building strong client relationships.

Why you like working for Reade
“Having joined from a much larger signage company, I particularly enjoy the vast benefits that come with working for a smaller, more agile company when turning projects around quickly for clients and utilising a variety of skills daily to keep it interesting! I love dancing salsa and I’m currently learning Spanish.”

Steve Macsorley

Steve has been in the sign industry for over 20 years. Starting as a designer and sign maker/fitter, he progressed to project management and has worked on both national and international projects including Vancouver 2010, London 2012 and most recently the European Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Why you like working for Reade
“The great team work atmosphere here at Reade Signs really contributes to the successful planning and delivery of both small and large scale projects. When not in work I can usually be found working on the garden or as an archery coach at my local club in St Fagans near Cardiff.”

Howard Beckmann

Howard has vast experience both in production and project management and also ran his own sign business between 2001 and 2011. His unflappable nature led to successful projects for the likes of John Lewis, Royal Sun Alliance and Cunard Shipping.

Why you like working for Reade
“I enjoy the positive and professional work environment, and the scope of work makes each day interesting and challenging. I haven’t looked back since the day I started. Outside of work you’ll find me lying on a garage floor upgrading my sports car!”

Ben Reade

Ben has been in the sign business for over 15 years and is experienced in all aspects of signage – from manufacturing and fitting to estimating and project management – and everything in between. Spending five years at one of Australia’s largest sign companies gave him a greater understanding and appreciation of the sign industry.

Why you like working for Reade
“Born into the business and going through each department as the years have gone by; from paintwork, manufacturing, vehicle graphics, installations coordinator, to account handling and project management, I have seen the business grow from six members of staff to where it is now. I love turning client’s visions into reality.”

Mark Terrett

A graphics specialist, Mark’s extensive experience in pre-press, exhibitions and displays is a real asset. Mark strengthens our team and is now home-based in the South West, where he is developing new business in that region for the company.

Why you like working for Reade
“I love the people here; they really are a great bunch to work with. Outside of work, I have a keen interest in ancient history and also enjoy travelling. I also love my football and I’m a life-long Chelsea fan; but these days from the armchair rather than the stand.”

John Englefield

John started working in the sign industry in 1989 for a London based franchise company. In 1992 he started his own business based in Oxfordshire, which he successfully ran for the next 16 years. Working for some of the country’s leading sign companies he has worked mainly within the housing developer sector for clients like Berkeley Homes, Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes.

Why you like working for Reade
“Reade Signs works for the country’s largest building developers who demand high standards at all times. I like the professional approach that Reade Signs give to every job we take on – large or small. In my spare time I enjoy watching various forms of motorsport, walking and time out with my family.”

Roy Cheesman

Roy’s background as a civil engineer is a great asset. With many years’ experience in the industry, he has dealt with all aspects of manufacturing signage and specialised in neon. He is now a Senior Account Manager and trusted problem solver.

Why you like working for Reade
“Over many years, I’ve seen the company grow into the fantastic company it is today. I love working with a great team who always deliver. I am a keen amateur photographer, enjoy fishing and relaxing watching motorsport.”

Pete Merrifield

Pete originally comes from an IT background, where he held various UK and internationally based positions. At Reade Signs, Pete previously managed and developed a number of key corporate accounts, as well as building relationships with our key design agencies. His current role is to head up the development of our corporate account group.

Why you like working for Reade
“Every day is different and I enjoy the can do attitude of the company.”

Jayne Westwood

Jayne has rather a diverse background working across both the private and public sectors in operational and business strategy roles. Jayne is instrumental in delivering the company growth plan and focussing on delivering customer excellence.

Why you like working for Reade
“We have grown significantly during my time here so every day is exciting as there are so many great projects we have been involved in and opportunities on the horizon. There is a fantastic team here so coming to work always feels rather fun.”

David Gerrard

David has worked for some of the UK’s leading architectural signage companies. A highly respected and knowledgeable professional, he has been instrumental in delivering many landmark signage projects with leading blue chip clients and specifiers.

Why you like working for Reade
“Every day is different here. I work with a great team who have an appreciation and understanding of what is best for our customers and they all have a ‘can do’ attitude. This ethos runs through the company at all levels. My passion is travel.”

Andy Fergus Smith

Originally a graphic designer, Andy ran his own screen print business for 12 years. He initially joined Reade Signs in 2002 as Production Manager and worked through various parts of the business before becoming a Director and Shareholder in 2008.

Why you like working for Reade
“I love a challenge! At Reade I am surrounded by a fantastic, motivated team who always rise to the task. I enjoy seeing the vision of Reade Signs become a reality on a day to day basis. I’m a keen musician, and my band are available for bookings!”

Andy Reade

Andy was a traditional sign writer before establishing Reade Signs from his back bedroom in 1980. The business grew from strength to strength and developed a reputation for quality and personal service; the foundations of Reade Signs’ ethics today.

Why you like working for Reade
“After all these years I still enjoy the buzz of the industry and it’s great to work alongside like-minded people that share the same passion. I am a keen football fan, supporting Aldershot Town and Man Utd and I remain ever hopeful for our national team!”

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We’re trusted to deliver signage and wayfinding solutions to leading UK organisations. For best-practice advice, latest innovation ideas and occasional offers, please sign up for our bi-monthly email, SIGN LANGUAGE!

Readesigns - staff profiles

Andy Reade

Founder and CEO

Andy Fergus-Smith

Managing Director

David Gerrard

Sales Director

Naomi Fowler

Financial Controller

James Herbst

Head of Key Accounts

Roy Cheesman

Senior Account Manager

John Englefield

Senior Account Manager

Mark Terrett

Account Manager

Pete Merrifield

Account Manager

Ben Reade

Account Manager

Howard Beckmann

Senior Project Manager

Jerome True

Account Manager

Ed Hayden​

Business Development Manager

Joanna Goodchild

Business Development Manager

Leah Palmer

Finance Administrator

Lauren Myers

Senior Sales Support Administrator

Linda Stainer

Finance Administrator

Gary Chamberlain

Head of Production

Jamie Smith

Technical Manager

Paul Knight

Studio Manager

Matt Seddon

Senior Account Manager

Contact - Readesigns

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We’re trusted to deliver signage and wayfinding solutions to leading UK organisations. For best-practice advice, latest innovation ideas and occasional offers, please sign up for our bi-monthly email, SIGN LANGUAGE!

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Ed Hayden