May 2023 marks the 25th anniversary of Sign Solutions and we’re extremely proud to be celebrating this milestone.
Over the years, our business has not only grown but we’ve forged a strong reputation as one of the UK’s leading providers of specialist communication services that support Deaf and Hard of Hearing people across the UK.
It’s always been our aim to champion the Deaf community, to break down communication barriers, promote accessibility and inclusion, and combat inequality. By doing so, we help give everyone equal access to the products, services, healthcare, education and work that most hearing people take for granted.
We work with businesses and organisations big and small, across the commercial, public and charitable sectors, to ensure they reduce barriers and enable equality for Deaf people. So, to celebrate our silver anniversary, some of our team reflect on the past 25 years and share their experiences and successes:
Clare Vale, Managing Director
Clare started her journey with Sign Solutions in 2005, within the finance department, using her ACCA qualification to grow our finance function and reporting capabilities. Fast forward a few years and Clare joined the management team as Head of Finance, progressing to Company Manager and then Managing Director, a position she’s held for the past 10 years. She said: “Finance is a great background for the Managing Director role, and I’ve really enjoyed learning and growing the business from the bottom up. “I look forward to leading Sign Solutions from strength to strength with the support of our fantastic, committed team.”
Karen Nicholson, Head Interpreter
“I began working for Sign Solutions, in a freelance capacity, in 2005, as an interpreter and assessor for our interpreter training programme. “In 2011, I joined the company fully and became a shareholder. “I continued to be an interpreter and assessor, but also an Internal Quality Assessor. “In 2012 I became Training Manager for Sign Solutions and ran the training department, and I am currently Head Interpreter for the company. “It’s been great to see us grown over the years and I’m really proud of the work we’ve done to support Deaf communities across the UK.”Kim Dobbs, Operations Administrator
“I started at Sign Solutions in February 2004. I came for an interview as a booking co-ordinator but as I had a four-year-old child (now 22 years old) I was looking for more of a part-time role which Sean, the founder could clearly see. “I was called to say unfortunately I had not got the job but there may be another opportunity which they could offer part-time. A week later I was the Training Administrator, and I’ve been here ever since! “This service is going from strength to strength with new clients coming on each week thanks to Sophie and Adam. “Nicola has joined the Operations team to support me (remember I didn’t get the job in 2004? well it was Nicola did!) and I think we make a good team.”
Charlotte Boyce, Operations & HR Manager
“I joined in 2006 and remember my interview like yesterday. I originally applied for an administration position and felt the interview did not go well and was 100% convinced I failed on all levels, but I was wrong, as I received a call to offer me a new position of booking coordinator and PA to the office manager. “At this time, I had two job offers on the table, I know I made the right decision in choosing Sign Solutions. Throughout my time I have seen the company grow from strength to strength and pride myself on knowing I supported and aided Clare Vale and the team in the journey and successes we’ve achieved. I have enjoyed the journey so far and look forward increasing my knowledge and seeing where we go from here.”Sean Nicholson, founder of Sign Solutions
“When I set up Sign Solutions 25 years ago, I could not have possibly dreamed I would be writing this. “It makes me immensely proud to see how we have lasted and how far we have come. “The people that have been part of this journey even for a short time should also feel the same. “I want to offer my thanks and congratulations to everyone as we commemorate this milestone.”
