IN a move that signals exciting times ahead at one of Wales’s fastest-growing companies – Dragon Group has appointed Chris Strong as its new Operations Director.

Based in Cardiff and Radstock, near Bath, the award-winning business is the powerhouse behind several high-profile brands including Dragon Signs, Dragon Digital, Route Media, Colour Studios, Sportin Wales and Businessin Wales.

With a team of more than 80 staff and a client base stretching across the UK and beyond – Holland & Barrett, Worthington’s Leekes, FAW, Transport for Wales, Travis Perkins, Leicester Tigers, the RNLI and Apetito to name just a few – the Group is accelerating into its next phase of growth.

Chris, who joined Dragon Signs in 2022 as Head of Operations, brings more than 16 years of experience in signage, construction and operations leadership.

In his new role, the dad-of-three – who lives with partner Casey in Cardiff – will lead operational delivery across all business areas, with a focus on driving efficiency, supporting innovation, and embedding consistent processes across the organisation following a period of significant investment, including cutting-edge software and state-of-the-art print machinery.

“This is an amazing company which is growing all the time – it’s a pleasure to work alongside so many talented people and help take the business forward,” said Chris.

“Since I joined, we’ve seen huge advances – from moving into new headquarters to taking on more clients and expanding the team. I’m excited to now play a broader role in helping shape our future.”

With a background in the Royal Engineers, and previous roles managing national installation teams and running his own subcontracting business, Chris brings a hands-on, disciplined approach to the position.

He will also take on responsibility for health and safety and ISO requirements across the portfolio.

“Joining Dragon made a big difference not just professionally but personally,” he said.

“I was working away all the time and barely saw my family. Now I get to be more present with them and part of something incredible at work.”

Rhys Harrington, Managing Director of Dragon Group, added: “Chris has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, commercial vision and a deep understanding of our Group’s mission.

“The promotion is a natural progression and reflects the value he brings to our team and our future. Chris has already introduced innovative systems and processes that have improved collaboration and productivity across the board.

“His journey is a testament to his dedication, work ethic, and deep understanding of our industry.”

For more information, visit www.dragon-group.co.uk and follow Dragon Group on social media.

A TALENTED creative added a splash of colour to the leadership of a pioneering sports, advertising, exhibitions and signage business.

Rowan Freeman is now a director of the award-winning Dragon Group, based in Cardiff and Radstock, near Bath.

The company – which has clients across the UK and beyond – includes Dragon Signs, Dragon Digital, Route Media, Sportin Wales and Colour Studios, the exhibition and display arm of the Group that Rowan will head-up as part of her wider remit.

Employing more than 80 people, the organisation is led by Managing Director Rhys Harrington and has poured significant investment into refreshing and rebranding while remaining at the forefront of innovation and technology.

Hailing from Cardiff, Rowan has spent almost a decade in creative, administrative and management roles and was thrilled to take the next step in becoming a key part of the Group’s executive team.

Her focus is on sustainability, organic growth and fostering new partnerships in multiple sectors nationwide.

“I will be working across the Group with a specific responsibility for Colour Studios, that’s going to be a big part of my role going forward,” she said.

“I’ve loved every second so far and been made to feel so welcome by everyone here, it’s a learning curve but together we are already coming up with lots of ideas.

“It’s an exciting time as we are targeting different markets, with an emphasis on the exhibition space and expanding our services and supply of bespoke, recyclable product displays while exploring the firm’s year-round offering.”

Rowan added: “Dragon Group acquired Colour Studios just last year and there has been a lot of investment in machinery and the buildings in Radstock, but the biggest USP is the experience and skill of the staff, many of whom have been with us for decades.

“Sustainability is the core focus as a Group, in our journey to becoming net zero and for the loyal clients we have in Wales, the UK and overseas.

“I am thrilled to now be in this position, it is far more than a job and allows me to be creative and work alongside some hugely talented people whose skills cross over and complement each other across the Group.

“I would like to thank everyone for their support, I’ve been very lucky to have a great network of friends, family and colleagues who have inspired me to believe in myself and capitalise on this incredible opportunity.

“I am proud to be a part of Dragon Group and am confident we will continue to grow, to do amazing things and be bold and inspiring, for our customers and the sectors we operate in.”

With clients including Holland and Barrett, Leekes, FAW, Transport for Wales, dafabet, Travis Perkins, Leicester Tigers, the RNLI, universities across the UK, and Apetito, Dragon Group is one of the fastest-growing companies in Wales.

Rhys congratulated her on the new position and said: “Rowan is an asset to the Group; she has been a valuable member of the team for more than six years and is already making strides in her new role as Director.

“She has a great vision for Colour Studios and its place in the market, which will help us to continue raising standards and our reputation.

“We wish her the best of luck for the future, and I’m sure she will have a big impact on our strategic direction and especially our efforts to lower our carbon footprint and become a net zero organisation.”

For more news and information from Dragon Group, visit the website www.dragon-group.co.uk and follow them on social media.