The economic downturn has led many businesses to reduce the amount of money they invest in their company. However, with glimmers of hope starting to appear, investment could be a way of ensuring a business is set for the future. Technology vital for the future One of the best investments a signage company can make is in the technology they use. This is developing all the time, with machines producing higher quality prints at a faster pace than before. With financial constraints still affecting companies, it’s important to look at exactly where investment would be best directed. Companies should take a wider approach and look at specific parts of the business that could benefit from investment and where the greatest rewards would be felt. By targeting funds in the right areas, businesses will be best placed to grow in the future. Bringing in new machines, such as the latest printers, will allow businesses to increase their capacity and attract new customers with a wider range of services. Here at The Sussex Sign Company we’re constantly evaluating the market to ensure we invest in the machines that will service our existing and new customers in the right way.
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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.
Create a greater impact with built-up signage
The creation of 3D signage, where the words and images are raised up, is becoming more popular. This allows sign makers to make a greater impact and produce a clean appearance. The advances in materials and technology mean that they can design something that goes further than an average 2D sign. There are some additional considerations to be taken into account when designing this type of sign. They will need to think about the overall design, the budget, durability, how long the sign will be up for and any installation issues. Location is also crucial to the finished look of the sign: the style of a sign that’s positioned high up won’t be the same as one that is at eye level. Built-up signage can be used in a number of different circumstances, where a customer wants to really make people take notice. The words or graphics can even appear to just float against the wall, without any obvious signs of fixings. Specialist lighting techniques are also making more daring styles achievable. Here at The Sussex Sign Company we use a range of materials and techniques, in order to achieve the desired look for all our customers.
Traditional signage undergoing resurgence
As more businesses look to stand out from the crowd and create their own unique identity, there has been an increased demand for signs that have a more traditional look and feel.
One of the growing trends in the signage industry is signs that combine both old and new, such as modern fonts mixed with old fashioned artwork. This enables businesses to do something different from other brands, without taking away the relevance of their offering for the modern consumer. This growth has even eclipsed the recession and the ensuing downturn on Britain’s high streets.
These modern signs with a traditional twist create a feeling of quality, that many brands are crying out for. They may look like their older counterparts, but they come without any of the issues that beset previous models. Today’s signs still use modern production methods and materials, providing a product that’s resistant to both rust and rot. This makes them more durable than traditional materials, such as wood and metal.
Here at The Sussex Sign Company we work closely with all our customers to create signs to their exact specifications. Our highly skilled manufacturers can work with both modern and traditional methods, to create the best solution.
For example, in this photograph we used the traditional skills of hand painting to replicate the look of a traditional pub, whilst using modern lighting for best effect.
Warning to sign makers following prosecution
The British Sign and Graphics Association (BSGA) has issued a warning to sign makers over essential maintenance, following a successful prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The prosecution follows an incident five years ago, where a 12m x 3m wooden sign was blown down in strong winds. The structure had become decayed and landed on a pedestrian, causing serious brain injuries. The HSE brought the case against both the owner of the building and the sign maker. The Executive’s case centred on the lack of maintenance of the sign, which was installed over 3 metres above the ground and had been in place for nine years. They both received a heavy fine and were ordered to pay costs.
After the case, the BSGA warned sign makers that maintenance was an essential element of their commitment. The BSGA has drafted an additional clause for the British Standard that covers sign making and installation. This will refer to sign maintenance and has been approved in principle by the BSI.
Here at Sussex Signs we have a strong commitment to health and safety and strive to ensure that all our installations meet current standards and guidelines.
Encouraging signs for shop front scheme
A project to regenerate an area of Glasgow has seen interest from almost 100 retailers.
As part of the Action Barras Calton (ABC) plan to improve the East End area of Glasgow, shop owners were invited to submit applications for funding. The £400,000 council fund has received applications from over 90 local businesses, all of whom are committed to regenerating the immediate area.
The money is part of an overall investment of £3.5 million from the council, which will be increased by outside funding. Successful applicants can use the fund to install new signage and carry out other improvements to the shop front, all of which are intended to generate more customers.
There has been so much local interest and support for the project that the council will hold an open day in December. At the event people will have the opportunity to meet with those involved.
Work on the new store fronts will begin in the New Year, once the money has been allocated. This project is part of a wider scheme to improve the facilities in the local area and encourage more people to visit. Other plans include the creation of an urban green space and the installation of public artwork. The Sussex Sign Company welcomes this initiative as new signage is always a very good way to generate increased footfall and subsequently new business.
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.
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