Life on the Road: Meet Keith & Lee, Widd Signs Installation Team
From the historic streets of Rome to the bustling retail centres of the UK, our installation teams bring brands to life across Europe. We sat down with Keith and Lee, one of our installation duos, to get a glimpse into life as a Widd Signs fitter. With years of experience under their belts and countless successful installations between them, they share what makes the job special and why being part of the Widd family means more than just fitting signs.
Every week brings something new in the life of a sign fitter. What is a typical week like for you guys?
“We are working somewhere completely different every week, sometimes in the UK sometimes Europe. The work changes every week,” they explain, highlighting the variety that comes with the job.
Speaking of different places, what’s been your standout project so far?
This is a no brainer apparently, “Rome! Best trip by far,” they agree. “We had a blast exploring and doing all the tourist stuff after we’d finished our install. That’s the upside, we get around to a lot of places.”
What took you by surprise when you first joined Widd Signs?
“Everything really. Not what we expected,” they reflect. “Everyone works hard but there’s no tension, management are nothing but supportive – which is important because sometimes things go wrong, but knowing people have got your back and we’ll work things out together makes a huge difference”
You spend a lot of time together as a team. How’s that working out?
“All the guys at Widd are great, but we spend most of our time together as a 2-man team and we get on great, same sense of humour and have worked together for ages now,” they share. The banter, they assure us, is always good: “We always have a good laugh together and make the most of it.”
The travel aspect of the job must be demanding…
“It’s tough, no doubt about it – but it’s what we know and do well,” they acknowledge. “It makes a big difference
working for a company that genuinely cares, we feel like part of the family.”
What stands out about working at Widd Signs?
“The company itself,” they say without hesitation. “I’ve worked in a few other similar businesses and hardly had any contact with the boss. Here, Gary (Widd MD) really cares and makes us feel like one of his own. Even the teams in the office we don’t know that well are always chilled and nice. The quality of what we fit is amazing so we’re really proud of what we do.” Keith laughs, adding, “The biggest challenge is usually trying to find my passport in my drawer every time we have to go abroad!”
Any words of wisdom for someone considering this career?
“You can learn the fitting, it’s the way you approach it that counts,” they advise. “You’ve got to take time,
get it right first time and care about the work you do. You’ve got to really want to be part of a team, but when you’ve got the right people it’s great.”
What makes someone successful in this role?
“Someone who has the right attitude, you’ve got to think on your feet and take real pride in your work. Every job is different and there’s loads of moving parts, so you’ve got to be able to work around challenges and be willing to learn.”
We are expanding our Installation teams in and around Leeds & St Helens and are on the lookout for fitters – If this sounds like you, check out the job profile here and get in touch for a chat.
