Pictured above: David Allen

While many business have failed to survive the recent economic downturn one company in Lincolnshire has managed to withstand the last three recessions and come out stronger as a result.

Signmaking and vehicle livery specialist Allen Signs, which has worked for some of the county's best known organisations since its formation in 1965, is celebrating its 45th year in business.

To mark the occasion the firm on Whisby Way, North Hykeham is inviting existing and potential customers as well as councillors and Stephen Phillips, MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham, to a lunchtime celebration on 10th November 2010.

Guests can also have a tour of the workshop and find out about the signmaking process and the state-of-the-art machinery which has revolutionised the industry. 

David and his wife Helen took over running the business from David's mother and father Yvonne and Barry Allen in 2005. 

"My father began his career  working in the body shops at various car and commercial body shops around the town," explained David. "He had also studied signwriting at night school and often undertook the signwriting jobs on vehicles that were being either repaired or painted. 

"He was getting asked to do more and more of this type of work and after being offered a small workshop in Waddington he and my mother, who worked for Clarkes coal at that time, decided to set up their own. 

"Various local businesses proved instrumental in the early successes, such as Blades & Waite, Lincoln Motor Company and Jointine Products to name but a few. All proved to be long-term customers and they in turn recommended others.

"In those early days the family all mucked in and it wasn't unusual for mum and my Grandad to be helping out preparing vehicles for painting. Also, without the offer of an industrial unit from Blades and Waite, who owned The Quarry in Waddington, the business couldn't have developed into what it is today."

Despite the effects of the three-day week in the early 70s and the crippling recession in 1981 - when unemployment neared three million and manufacturing capacity fell by a fifth - followed by the economic crisis of the early nineties, Allen Signs continued to grow. 

In 1993 - again with the help of another long-term customer, Beckside Buildings - it was decided to move the business to larger premises on Whisby Road in North Hykeham, where Allen Signs has remained ever since.  

According to David the secret to Allen Signs' success is teamwork: "A number of our employees have worked for Allen Signs for 20 years or more and Helen and I would like to thank them and the rest of the team for all their hard work and dedication. 

"With their continued support and that of our clients and suppliers Allen Signs can look forward to another 45 successful years!"