Reaching 50 years gives us an opportunity to look back at how Rennicks has changed since 1976. But our story isn’t only about the products we’ve developed or the technologies we’ve embraced. It’s also about the relationships we’ve built along the way.

Some of those relationships span decades, continuing through changes in businesses, people, products and the wider road safety sector. As part of our 50th anniversary, we invited customers and partners to share their experiences of working with Rennicks, reflecting on what has made those relationships last and what continues to matter today. Here, we share some of the messages we’ve received.

Relationships that stand the test of time

Long-term partnerships aren’t built overnight. They develop through shared experience and, importantly, through how businesses work together over many years.

Sandhurst Autoprint and Freight Products have worked with Rennicks for more than 30 years, with a relationship built around reflective materials that have remained an important part of our offering. 

“Rennicks Group has been Sandhurst Autoprint and Freight Products reflective supplier for over 30 years! That’s over three decades of bright ideas, shining service and a partnership that’s still going strong,” said Tim Sanders, Group Executive Chairman at Sandhurst Autoprint Ltd and Freight Products Ltd

Mr Sanders’ words reflect the value of a long-standing relationship built on consistent service and support over many years. 

Another relationship that has continued through decades of change is with Limelight Signs, which has worked alongside Rennicks for more than 30 years, supplying traffic signs to customers across the UK.

“Limelight Signs have worked side by side with Rennicks UK for over 30 years,” added Paul Styles, Director at Limelight Signs Ltd. “Over this time, we have developed a working relationship that has taken us from strength to strength. Rennicks are not only a true supply chain partner we can rely on, but also our friends. Nothing is too much trouble for them. We look forward to many more years in partnership providing traffic signs to customers all over the UK.”

Built on trust

Trust is another theme that comes through strongly when customers talk about their experience of working with Rennicks. For Shaun Stacey at MSF, that relationship goes back beyond his time with the business today.

Shaun Stacey, Managing Director at Mason Street Furniture (MSF) Ltd, said:

“A huge congratulations to the whole Rennicks team on your 50th anniversary. Looking back, it’s the relationships we’ve built over many years and not only as MSF but in a previous life. You’ve always been straightforward to deal with, supportive when needed, and a business we can trust to do what it says it will do. That’s why the friendships have stood the test of time. I hope we continue to grow and succeed together for many more years ahead.”

Shaun’s experience also highlights how relationships built over many years can extend beyond individual roles or organisations, continuing as people move through their careers.

Partnership through change

The road safety sector looks very different today from the one Rennicks entered in 1976. Our products, technologies and capabilities have evolved with it, and so have the needs of the organisations we work with.

PVL has worked with Rennicks since 1999. Over more than 25 years, both businesses have evolved considerably, but the relationship between them has continued.

“PVL has worked with the Rennicks team since we started in the market in 1999. They immediately saw what we were trying to achieve and our ambition to change the market, and have supported us throughout the many changes in both businesses over the years. Our relationship remains collaborative, honest and productive – and we very much hope it will continue for many years to come,” said Nick Brook, CEO at PVL UK Ltd.

Nick’s words highlight something that has been central to many of our longest-standing relationships: understanding what a customer is trying to achieve and being there as their requirements and businesses develop. Partnership isn’t about things always remaining the same. In many cases, the strength of a relationship is demonstrated by its ability to adapt.

Partnerships across the wider highways community

Partnership at Rennicks extends beyond individual customer relationships. Being part of the wider highways community provides opportunities to share knowledge, collaborate and build relationships across the sector. Kerry Winstanley, Managing Director at the Local Council Roads Innovation Group (LCRIG), said:

“Rennicks has been a valued member of the LCRIG community for many years, and throughout that time has shown a strong commitment to collaboration, innovation and sharing expertise across the highways sector. Having previously worked at Rennicks I’ve also seen first-hand the knowledge and experience within the business and the importance it places on building long-term relationships. Its products and expertise play an important role in keeping road users safe and informed.

“Reaching 50 years is a significant milestone and a testament to the way the business has continued to develop and adapt. Congratulations to everyone at Rennicks on 50 years, and I look forward to seeing the business continue to build on that success in the years ahead.”

Looking ahead together

Those perspectives reflect relationships built at different points in Rennicks’ history, but there are clear themes running through them: trust, collaboration, openness and a willingness to develop together.

For Barry Marron, Managing Director at Rennicks, the 50th anniversary is also an opportunity to recognise the customers and partners who have been part of that journey.

“Reaching our 50th anniversary gives us an opportunity to reflect on the many relationships that have helped shape Rennicks over the years. On behalf of everyone at Rennicks, I’d like to thank all of our customers and partners, past and present, for their trust, support and collaboration. We’re incredibly proud of the relationships we’ve built and look forward to continuing them for many years to come.”

As Rennicks looks beyond its 50th year, those relationships will continue to play an important part in what comes next, as we work together towards the same purpose that has guided the business for five decades: helping to keep road users safe, secure and informed.

(Picture: Rennicks)