What CIM Signs & Graphics does

CIM Signs & Graphics, legally Creative Image Management Ltd, is a privately held UK signs and wide-format print manufacturer founded in 2000 and headquartered at 9 Mackintosh Road, Rackheath Industrial Estate, Norwich, Norfolk. The company designs, manufactures, and installs a comprehensive signage and graphics portfolio spanning vehicle graphics and fleet branding, fascia and illuminated signs, wall graphics, window graphics, pavement signs, post signs, exhibition displays, banners and flags, and stud-fixed stand-offs. Its production capability is anchored by a Kongsberg C64 Edge 3.2m cutting and routing table installed in February 2024 and a swissQprint Nyala 4 wide-format flatbed printer running plant-based vegan inks, supported by a doubled-in-size facility with a dedicated drive-in application bay and insurance coverage for on- and off-premises installation.

The business serves a broad mix of retail, hospitality, automotive/fleet, healthcare, legal, public-sector, and nonprofit customers across East Anglia and, on a project basis, nationally. Customer evidence includes multi-location retailers such as Cherry Lane, Angling Direct, and Mattressman; large-format fleet work for Parker Hydraulics and Easters; cultural and public-sector relationships with The Forum Trust and East Anglia's Children's Hospices; and a long-tail of SMB single-vehicle wrap clients. The go-to-market is sales-led, with a direct sales team (Sales, Business Development Manager, Sales & Production Supervisor, and Online Sales) handling consultation, design, manufacture, and installation end-to-end.

Revenue is generated through project-based, quote-priced sales of hardware (signs, graphics, banners, vehicle wraps) bundled with installation services; pricing is not publicly disclosed. Distribution combines direct field sales across East Anglia with national UK installation coverage. The company has no external institutional investors, no public listing, and no disclosed funding rounds, with growth funded organically — most recently through an over-£1 million reinvestment programme covering equipment and premises expansion. Sustainability positioning (vegan inks, Xanita recyclable cardboard, ESG policy) and a structured charity-of-the-month and Norwich City Community Sports Foundation partnership form a coherent regional brand-building programme rather than a separate revenue line.

Name

CIM Signs & Graphics

Legal name

Creative Image Management Ltd

Website

https://cimdisplay.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

CIM Signs & Graphics is a Norwich-based signs and wide-format print manufacturer founded in 2000, serving retail, hospitality, fleet, healthcare, and public-sector clients across East Anglia and nationally through in-house design, manufacture, and installation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Commercial Signage & Wide-Format Printing

NAICS

Sign Manufacturing (339950), Graphic Design Services (541430), Indoor and Outdoor Display Advertising (541850)

SIC

Coating, Engraving & Allied Services (3470)

akta.pro primary industry

Environmental & Experiential Brand Design (Retail/Exhibit/Signage) (MPAAAEAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Event Signage, Props & Custom Installations (HSACAOAG), Wayfinding, Signage & Environmental Graphic Design (BPAHAKAN)

Keywords

• Wide format printing
• Sign manufacturing
• Vehicle graphics
• Fascia signage
• Exhibition displays

Headquarters

HQ city

Rackheath, Norwich

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Sign and Graphics Manufacturing and Installation: CIM Signs & Graphics generates revenue through the design, manufacture, and installation of a comprehensive range of signage and wide-format print products. Revenue is derived from both product sales (signs, graphics, banners, flags) and associated installation services. The company serves businesses of all sizes from single-vehicle wraps to large fleet management and enterprise accounts.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

CIM Signs & Graphics designs, manufactures, and installs a comprehensive range of commercial signage and wide-format printed products, including vehicle graphics and fleet wraps, fascia and shopfront signs, illuminated LED signs, exhibition displays, wall and window graphics, pavement and post signs, and banners and flags. The company offers eco-friendly options using vegan inks and recyclable Xanita board, and delivers every project end-to-end from in-house design through production at its Norwich facility to professional on-site installation by its own fitting team.

Product overview

CIM Signs & Graphics is a signs, graphics, and wide-format print company offering a comprehensive portfolio of signage and printing services. The core offering consists of ten main product categories: Vehicle Graphics (fleet branding and wraps), Exhibition Displays (trade show signage), Wall Graphics (murals and wallpaper), Fascia Signs (shop front signage), Illuminated Signs (LED signage), Window Graphics, Pavement Signs (A-boards), Post Signs, Banners & Flags, and Stud Fixed Stand Offs. The company also offers specialty eco-friendly products including Recyclable Cardboard Christmas Trees. Services span design, manufacture, and installation with in-house printing capabilities using vegan inks and wide-format printers. The company operates from a doubled-in-size facility in Rackheath, Norwich, serving customers locally and nationally since 2000.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Vehicle Graphics Full vehicle wrapping and graphics services for cars, vans, transits and trucks, including fleet branding. Installation supported by a dedicated drive-in application bay and insurance coverage for on- and off-premises work.
• Exhibition Displays Complete exhibition and event signage including pop-up display systems, modular exhibition stands, banner systems, floor and window graphics, and printed materials for trade shows, exhibitions and events.
• Wall Graphics Personalised wall murals, decals, wall art transfers and wallpaper graphics for offices, corporate spaces, businesses and homes, including removable and repositionable wallpaper for exhibitions and rented spaces.
• Fascia Signs Outdoor and indoor fascia, wall and shopfront signage including composite boards, vinyl lettering, aluminium trays and illuminated/LED fascia styles, delivered from design through to installation.
• Illuminated Signs Custom LED illuminated signage including individual illuminated letters, backlit, face-lit, edge-lit and halo-lit signs, plus fluorescent tube options for 360-degree illumination.
• Window Graphics Window graphics, self-adhesive stickers and poster signs including etched window graphics, films, one-way vision and full-colour prints for decoration, privacy, security and promotion.
• Pavement Signs A-boards, swing pavement signs and forecourt signs in various styles including water- or sand-weighted bases, ecoflex options, chalk boards and customised designs for indoor and outdoor promotional use.
• Post Signs Cost-effective post-mounted exterior signage systems including post and panel signs, car parking signs, fingerposts, directional signage and information boards for businesses, schools, NHS sites, hotels and other premises.
• Banners & Flags Roller banners, PVC banners, tear drop and feather flags, pop-up display systems and exhibition flags for indoor and outdoor use, with weather-proof materials and various mounting options.
• Stud Fixed Stand Offs Versatile interior and exterior signage solution using stud-fixed mounting for letters, shapes, icons, logos and branding, produced in materials such as aluminium, composite, acrylic and foamboard.
• Recyclable Cardboard Christmas Trees & 3D Displays Eco-friendly recyclable cardboard Christmas trees and 3D displays made from Xanita board material with custom printing, slot-together assembly and reusable flat-pack storage.

Quantifiable outcome

• 65% increase in in-store sales when POS materials are used (industry statistic cited by CIM)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers18 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Norwich City Community Sports FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2023CIM became an Official Community Partner of the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation in December 2023. As part of the partnership, CIM pledges to raise awareness, vital funds and support for the Foundation through events (football tournaments, golf days, Run Norwich), signage support, and fundraising activities. The Foundation uses the power of sport to help individuals in the community overcome barriers, achieve goals, and thrive, focusing on disability inclusion, mental health, aspirations, and community engagement.
• The Forum TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term partner supplying comprehensive signage and branding solutions for The Forum in Norwich — an iconic building managed by The Forum Trust. CIM has provided solutions across 22 venues and 230 events for Norwich Science Festival alone, including car park billboards, door vinyl, exterior banners, stickers, window graphics, and stage set dressing. CIM plays a crucial role in the visitor experience at The Forum.
• swissQprintcoreTechnology or IntegrationEquipment partnership for the swissQprint Nyala 4 wide-format flatbed printer. CIM pairs the Kongsberg C64 Edge with the Nyala 4 to leverage its exceptional print quality, sustainability credentials including energy efficiency and eco-friendly vegan ink usage. The printer is highlighted as a key element of CIM's sustainable print solutions.
• Big C Cancer CharityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured as January's Charity of the Month in CIM's 2024 Charity Calendar. CIM supports Big C through awareness raising and fundraising events including hosting a Big Cuppa event for World Cancer Day and participating in Foot Golf tournaments. Big C has supported those affected by cancer in Norfolk and North Suffolk for over 40 years.
• Little LiftsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCIM participated in the Little Lifts Corporate Challenge 250 fundraising initiative to help raise vital funds for care boxes provided to those with breast cancer. CIM raised £4,431 through activities including Run Norwich 10K and Mark Baker's Connect 4 challenge (over 50 games played). CIM joined a group of three businesses that collectively raised over £12,000.
• KongsbergcoreTechnology or IntegrationEquipment partnership for the Kongsberg C64 Edge cutting and routing system, installed in February 2024. The 3.2m wide elite cutting table with veri-angle blade enables precise cutting for 3D cardboard designs and wide-format materials, supporting reduced lead times and operational efficiency.
• Joe Dix FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured as December's Charity of the Month in CIM's 2024 Charity Calendar, supporting a local Norfolk charity.
• Norfolk Wildlife TrustminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured as November's Charity of the Month in CIM's 2024 Charity Calendar.
• Future RadiominorGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured as September's Charity of the Month in CIM's 2024 Charity Calendar. Community radio station broadcasting to 380,000 people in Greater Norwich, operated by approximately 70 volunteers.
• Break CharityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured as July's Charity of the Month in CIM's 2024 Charity Calendar. East Anglian charity supporting children and young people through fostering, children's homes, and therapeutic services.
• EACH (East Anglia's Children's Hospices)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured as June's Charity of the Month in CIM's 2024 Charity Calendar. EACH delivers all-encompassing, lifelong care for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.
• Keeping AbreastminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured as May's Charity of the Month in CIM's 2024 Charity Calendar. Local breast cancer reconstructive support charity founded in 2007.
• The Garage (Norfolk)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured as April's Charity of the Month in CIM's 2024 Charity Calendar. Performing arts charity operating across two sites in Norwich and King's Lynn, offering creative programming for individuals of all ages.
• Brain Tumour ResearchminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured as March's Charity of the Month in CIM's 2024 Charity Calendar. National charity campaigning to increase investment in brain tumour research.
• Cup-O-TminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured as February's Charity of the Month in CIM's 2024 Charity Calendar. Norfolk charity providing free wellness and therapy services and community projects to young people and families, including woodland therapy groups, family sessions, and community therapy groups.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Signs Express: Largest UK sign franchise network with 90+ centres producing vehicle graphics, fascia signs, window graphics and exhibition displays for local businesses — directly overlapping CIM's full product range, sales-led model, and SMB customer segments.
• Signbox: UK-based architectural and commercial sign manufacturer specialising in illuminated signage, wayfinding, and corporate identity systems with in-house fabrication — overlapping CIM's illuminated letters, fascia and corporate signage services.
• Moss Signs: UK sign manufacturer offering design, manufacture, and installation of vehicle graphics, architectural signage and large-format print for national clients — comparable in-house production capability and full-service delivery model to CIM.
• Contra Vision: Specialist in perforated window films and one-way vision graphics with global operations — comparable to CIM's window graphics product line and overlapping customer use cases in retail and commercial settings.
• Sovereign Signs: UK sign manufacturer producing shopfront signage, illuminated letters, and vehicle graphics for retail and commercial clients — mirroring CIM's hospitality and retail fascia signage focus.
• Image Sign Studio: UK sign and vehicle wrap specialist offering custom signage, vehicle graphics, and wide-format printing to a similar SMB and mid-market customer base.
• Vicon Signs: UK sign manufacturer and installer providing bespoke signage, vehicle graphics, and wide-format printing with a regional service model — directly comparable to CIM's full design-to-install offering.

Others

• HP Large Format Printing: Provider of wide-format printers, inks and substrates widely used across the sign industry — an enabling technology vendor whose product choices (and competitor printers like swissQprint) directly affect CIM's production economics and capabilities.
• swissQprint: Manufacturer of the Nyala 4 wide-format flatbed printer used by CIM — technology partner rather than competitor, but indicative of the broader equipment ecosystem shaping competitive capabilities in sign production.

Broad incumbents

• FASTSIGNS UK: International franchised signage and visual communications provider with UK centres offering signs, graphics, and large-format printing — broader portfolio and scale advantages versus CIM's regional focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cim-sign-graphics
• Facebookfacebook.com/rt7oapTgo35kR5SC

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CIM Signs & Graphics