Expansion plans unveiled by teenage entrepreneur

Right now, 18-year old Chris Rundle should be anxiously awaiting the results of his A levels. Instead he’s just moved his company GK Signs into bigger premises and taken on 12 new staff, with two more positions to fill.

The Exeter wunderkind has acquired 8,000 square feet premises at Ashton Court in Marsh Barton, Exeter, involving a substantial investment

‘I really had to expand, ‘said Chris, who began his signmaking business at the age of 13 from his bedroom. ‘We smashed our targets for last year and so we just had to find bigger premises.

‘We predicted a 100% increase on the previous year’s turnover but grew by 250%.’

Chris confidently expects to pass the million pound mark in the coming year, especially now that he has a sales team, finance and reception staff in place.

The new premises offer a smart reception area, better customer parking, meeting room and a suite of offices for sales and admin staff. He has retained the previous premises at Bakers Yard to expand the production work, and invested in more machinery with the potential to print up to 50 metres of banner per hour.

‘The new site is more prominent. We really want to be noticed now. And also we can provide a better customer experience with good parking, smart reception area and helpful staff.’

Chris took over struggling GK Signs two years ago and turned the company around in a matter of months. He not only won back nearly all previous clients but has gone on to add household names to the slate such as Thrifty Car Rental and Persimmon Homes. Chris recently completed the new Millbrook Village development signage on Topsham road.

Wander the streets of Exeter, you’re never far from a GK sign as Chris provides signage for the majority of estate agents, including Wilkinson Grant. So how does he do it?

‘Sheer persistence and hard work,’ he states. ‘We’re all really pro-active, constantly thinking ahead, finding new contacts and knocking on proverbial doors. No is never an option. You just have to keep on trying.’

Chris modestly mentions some huge international companies he is in talks with, thanks to his persistence and determination. Too busy to appear on BBC’s Junior Apprentice, he was voted Young Entrepreneur of the Year last year and now the regular 16 hour days are starting to pay off.

The new expansion takes GK Signs to a new level – but not the A levels Chris might have been taking.