UNIVERSAL GRAPHICS: IRELAND’S LEADING BRANDING SOLUTIONS COMPANY
Established by Managing Director Barry Murray, Universal Graphics is the premium installer of vehicle graphics, signage and architectural films in Ireland, providing transformative materials and solutions that propel companies towards a sustainable future. We spoke with Barry, Martin Kelly (Sales and Commercial Director), and Derek Gleeson (Head of Finance), about their journeys as entrepreneurs in an evolving market.
Why is green innovation so important today?
The climate emergency impacts us all, and businesses continue to play a pivotal role in discovering solutions that enable us to meet our sustainability objectives collectively. However, it’s crucial to recognise that sustainability shouldn’t be perceived as a premium-priced offering, but rather as the standard choice. In our work, we endeavour to identify genuine commercial value and accessible sustainable alternatives for our clients as part of our own business and climate-focused offering.
What sustainability issue or challenge is your business addressing?
The sectors in which we operate — vehicle graphics, signage, and window films — hold immense potential for making a substantial impact, whether through minimising energy usage, decreasing waste, or adopting more sustainable practices. Our energy-efficient and solar control window films play a crucial role in lessening the strain on HVAC systems, resulting in reduced energy consumption. During corporate rebranding initiatives, there is often a significant amount of signage and interior elements discarded and destined for landfills. By employing wrapping techniques and eco-friendly materials, this waste can be significantly diminished. Expanding on our successful sustainable signage, we are introducing a full range of eco-friendly signage and fleet options. Looking ahead, we aim to be the top choice for affordable sustainable solutions in branding and architectural film, making sustainability central to our mission.
What are your plans for growth in Ireland and overseas?
We are always on the lookout for further growth via acquisition in both Ireland and the UK. Our most recent acquisition, BM Glass Coatings and Graphics, has been a successful investment. BM are Ireland’s leading architectural window film installer and their expertise in solar control films complements and enhances our sustainable offerings, through helping businesses cut their HVAC costs. We also prioritise organic growth and invest in our team, as shown by our 25% increase in revenue over the past two years.
What is the biggest challenge you have overcome since starting your company?
We have encountered significant hurdles stemming from macro events like the 2008 crash and the pandemic, to give just two examples. Additionally, we face ongoing daily challenges, especially in recruitment. Challenges aren’t necessarily negative though. Witnessing the successful completion of a profoundly demanding project, like the Primark project late last year, where we served as the lead contractor on a major conservation initiative, fills us with pride in our capacity to tackle any obstacles.
What is the best advice you have received as an innovator?
Certainly, having a product that effectively addresses a client’s needs is essential. If you execute tasks accurately — meeting deadlines, staying within budget, and delivering superior quality — you are well on your way to achieving success. However, the cornerstone of long-term success lies in surrounding yourself with individuals who will collaboratively strive for excellence time and again. These individuals include your clients, your team members, contacts you meet at conferences, and your personal network. Their collective efforts, assistance, and support will contribute significantly to ensuring the sustainability of your business.
What advice would you have for other budding entrepreneurs?
Conducting thorough research is crucial. While you may generate numerous valuable ideas with practical applications, they may not hold significance if they fail to address a specific pain point. Therefore, it’s essential to identify the individual and their specific pain point to ensure your offering holds genuine value.
Universal Graphics is currently participating in
Bord na Móna’s 2024 Accelerate Green Programme.
This leading accelerator programme, delivered by Bord na Móna in conjunction with Resolve Partners, is dedicated to scaling early-stage enterprises, SMEs and start-ups that are leading the response to climate action and sustainability. For further information about the Accelerate Green Programme visit accelerategreen.ie