Important workshops to be held at SDUK 2014

The British Sign and Graphics Association (BSGA) has announced that it will hold two workshops a day at this year’s Sign and Digital UK event. These will focus on key areas for the industry, to keep companies up to date on legal issues

Signage businesses are often busy with the day to day running of their company. This means that legislation and planning amendments can get overlooked. However, they can have a significant effect on a business and ignoring them could be costly. The industry needs to ensure they’re aware of the implications of any changes and the impact they have on their business. These workshops will provide companies with a concise forum to bring themselves up to date.

One of the workshops will examine signage design and construction standards. It will pay particular attention to the new European standards and the implications of these for the UK industry. The second workshop will focus on planning regulations, especially in light of the changes regarding signage maintenance and warranties.

Here at The Sussex Sign Company we keep ourselves a-breadth of any developments within the industry, ensuring we understand the implications for our customers of any legal changes.

Signs for 2014 looking healthy

With the wider economy showing more signs of recovery, there is a growing feeling of optimism within the signage industry about the future. The outlook for 2014 is looking considerably healthier than it has in the past, with increased orders and new technology coming to the market.

Developments within the industry have enabled companies to have a greater appeal to customers and to widen their target market. More are investing in wide format printers, which can increase their portfolio. They allow shorter print runs to be completed at cost effective prices, as well as the ability to personalise individual items.

Even with this renewed confidence in the industry, some experts still feel that the market will have more tough times over the coming year. The increase in electronic media, the squeezing of retail spaces and sustainability requirements, will all have an impact on the performance of signage companies. However, those companies that take advantage of new techniques and think further afield, will be better placed to move forward.

Here at The Sussex Sign Company we can help our customers with a wide range of signage requirements, from shop signage and vehicle wrapping to illuminated signage and pop up displays.

How adhesive technology is shaping the sign industry

Gone are the days when professional signs were let down by the quality of the adhesive. The technology behind the products has now advanced so significantly that sign makers can guarantee a high quality finish every time.

The industry is demanding targeted solutions for individual signage styles, rather than a one size fits all approach, which is never going to be as effective. Manufacturers now have a series of adhesives that have been specifically created for different signage formats. This allows them to create a product that will work with each individual type of material and environment.

There is now an adhesive that will work in virtually every scenario. For example, you can use an adhesive that will hold in wet or humid conditions or a temporary solution that leaves no residue. There are high strength products that can withstand heavy loads and bond instantly to wood, brick, metal or plastic. With so many choices, there really isn’t a reason for using an incorrect product.

Here at The Sussex Sign Company we’re committed to using the right adhesive solution for each sign created for our customers. This way, we can guarantee it will last as long as needed.

Advertising Signage: Less Pro, More Professional

A councillor in East Devon has challenged the local business community in Honiton to alter the character and appearance of advertising signs in the area. Councillor John O’Leary drew attention to a number of signs that greet shoppers entering Lace Walk Shopping Centre.

The councillor said: “We need to work more closely with businesses on what is acceptable and not acceptable. Some of the signs are terrible. Lace Walk looks like a brothel entrance.”

Councillor O’Leary suggested that the unsightly signage may be a consequence of the type of buildings in the area.

He added: “Because it [Lace Walk Shopping Centre] is not a listed building, they [the owners] can do what they like. We have got to do something to help businesses in Honiton. Businesses are closing and what we are going to be left with is charity shops, coffee shops and betting shops.”

The district councillor for East Devon did not clarify why he expected betting, coffee and charity shops to survive the crisis.

Here at The Sussex Sign Company, we agree that inappropriate signage is a problem in many parts of the UK. Whether businesses close as a result of unsuitable signage is questionable, however. We always make an effort to create signs that are both tasteful and eye-catching”.

Fewer Road Signs – Tavistock Says Yes!

Following a public consultation, Devon County Council has agreed to reduce the number of road signs in Tavistock. The county council is expected to remove more than 50 road signs in the area.

The decision was made after a proposal to remove ‘repetitive’ road signs was endorsed by members of the public in Tavistock.

Councillor Debo Sellis, said: “We want to make the most of the town’s World Heritage Site status and this will start with the removal of signs to de-clutter the town centre.”

Ms Sellis noted that many signs in Tavistock were redundant. Citing one example, the councillor described how five signs spaced 180 metres apart indicated the presence of a roundabout.

According to Devon County Council, the response from the public consultation was definitive: 94 per cent of respondents were in favour of plans to remove unnecessary road signs from the streets of Tavistock.

Here at The Sussex Sign Company, we believe that less can be more. Excessive use of signage can be counter-productive, as motorists, pedestrians and shoppers tend to ignore repetitive signs. We make signs that stand out. Signs that convey a clear, concise message in a way that is easy to understand and notice at the first attempt”.

Bus Lane Signage To Cost Council Almost £500,000

According to the Liberal Democrat Group, Labour councillors in Sheffield have agreed to spend almost half a million pounds on changing bus lane signs in the city. Details of a Freedom of Information request reveal that Sheffield City Council wants to increase bus lane restrictions by a total of one hour a day.

Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed, who heads the Liberal Democrat Group in Sheffield, commented: “This latest news is yet more proof that Labour can’t be trusted with our money.

“It is absurd to spend nearly half a million pounds on changing bus lane signs whilst threatening to close community facilities like libraries and leisure centres.”

Councillor Mohammed added: “At a time when money is tight, the last thing Sheffield needs is Labour councillors in the Town Hall wasting our money on these kinds of ludicrous projects.”

Here at The Sussex Sign Company, we prefer not to comment on political issues, but spending almost £500,000 on bus lane signs does seem excessive in the circumstances. We produce all kinds of signs for commercial and non-commercial customers, providing high-quality products that are designed to last in all conditions. We also aim to keep costs as low as possible for customers