THE COURIER MAIL / BUSINESS OWNER
Monday, December 11, 2006 / Alex Tibury

It's a sign of the times

Any small business can look as good as the likes of Coca Cola or Shell with the right premium design for a fraction of the cost by using tax-deductible signage leasing. Whether you are starting a business or rebranding and established company, a strong corporate identity is paramount in securing new clients and retaining existing clients. It's about making your sign your company's identity.

The Albert Smith Group, based at Bulimba, which has rebranded corporate giants like McDonald's, BP, Coles Express and Freedom Furniture, has come to the rescue for smaller companies wanting superior branding, but without the initial financial outlay.

The Albert Smith Group has launched a unique flexible finance facility for branding called Signvest.

This fourth generation family owned business was stated 133 years ago by current managing director Rodney Smith's great-grandfather. Mr Smith says all small to medium-sized businesses could project a premium image, without costing a lot of money.

He said Signvest was a tax-deductible operating expense, not carried on the balance sheet as a financial liability. These five-year leases are competitively offered around one percent point higher than most variable mortgage rates. For example, The Albert Smith Group recently re-branded a furniture store for $40,000, which is paid off at $800 a month for five years and sales are already improved.

"When you look good people want to do business with you, you project a premium image," Mr Smith said.

Signvest incorporates monthly payments, with no deposit or end balloon payout. At the end of the term the business owns the signs outright. The best part is that the monthly payments will most likely be fully tax deductible.

Signvest includes design, construction, installation and all maintenance of your signage. It allows businesses to have the signage solutions they need immediately without outlaying upfront funds.

Mr Smith says a company's brand and signage should be considered one of the most important parts of its business and ultimate business success. But its also one that can involve considerable financial investment.

Mr Smith says Signvest is desgined for business owners who watch their finances and know that "cash flow is king, but still want to put their best face forward and project a professional image".

He says all businesses require a huge national rebranding campaign, like their 2003 project to upgrade all the existing signage for Shell service stations nationally to incorporate their Coles Express Alliance.

"Good branding isn't just for big business, it's for all business."

Albert Smith Group offers a five-year warranty with Signvest to protect the image and investment which includes a schedule maintenance program. Signvest provides options for new businesses and franchises, and existing businesses needing a facelift, to carry a streamlined corporate image from their signage to their interiors without disrupting the all-important cash flow.