Tipton was involved with BSGA from 1991 until 2005, when he relocated to France with his wife. He then became the secretary to the European Sign Federation.

A hardworking man, he held this position until he died. His dedicated nature is reflected by current BSGA director, David Catanach.

Catanach comments: “Peter was the glue that kept the BSGA and ESF running and without his presence, neither organisation would be as strong as it is today.”

Tipton’s impact on the European and British sign industry was huge. He managed to alter the requirements for a CSCS card, and make them lower for sign-makers.

The NVQ for sign making was also Tipton’s project, who personally looked after the qualification. Tipton visited colleges twice a year to make sure that the course was being delivered correctly and effectively.

Catanach continues: “It is also a fact that, if it wasn’t for Peter, there would not be a national sign making qualification in the UK. It is thanks to his grit, determination and hard work that the qualification exists today.”

Sue Hewick, Tipton’s former PA, mirrors Catanach’s fondness of his work ethic.

She says: “He was the external verifier of the sign making NVQ, he put himself through that, so he could make sure that the NVQ was being delivered in the way that would benefit the sign industry, and that it would be delivered properly.

“He was the man that went out to all of the colleges.”

From a European perspective, he continued to be innovative and passionate about the sign industry. He set up exchange links with BGSA so that members of the sign industry in France could spend time in the sign industry in the UK, and vice versa.

President of the ESF, Hans Joachim Kremser, noted that Tipton was revered for doing everything he could to help the sign trade. He says: “We have to thank him for all the years of work he spent for the benefit of the European Sign Industry.”

He was known for his “immense knowledge” and was always happy to help with a question or an issue.

Hewick says: “He was very gentle, very patient, and if you needed help, and he was able to give you help, he would.

“If you had a question or an issue, you knew that Peter was the man that would have the answer or know where to find it.”

Tipton took this knowledge with him to Europe.  His impact on the two industries was described as “amazing” by Hewick.

She continues: “He will be greatly missed, the support he has given the industry in both the UK and Europe is absolutely second to none.

“He will also be greatly missed on a professional level. His demeanour was so personable that he was a really, really pleasant man to be around.”

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