It has been a great month for our corner of the UK’s manufacturing industry, with the launch of a brand new initiative which I think will become a very welcome addition to the annual calendar.
The British Sign Awards covers 15 categories from Sign Product of the Year to The Craftsman Award, with the first event held at Aston Villa FC. With hundreds of nominations and attendees, this first outing has been applauded by participants, as impartial sign-makers were the judges—and thus able to give an expert opinion on the nominations.
Perhaps it is best to turn to the words of head organiser David Dyke, president of the British Sign and Graphics Association (BSGA), which best describe the ethos of the new initiative: “The skills and creativity of the UK sign industry deserve proper recognition. Our aim in launching these new annual awards is to create a showcase for everything that is good in British sign-making and to recognise and acclaim the achievements of sign businesses that have produced outstanding work during the course of the year.
The skills and creativity of the UK sign industry deserve proper recognition. Our aim in launching these new annual awards is to create a showcase for everything that is good in British sign-making”
“While the BSGA is organising the awards, they will be judged by a panel of independent experts and every sign-maker in the UK that has produced work they are proud of is invited to enter.”
This latter comment is critical, as the awards are free to enter and attend if you are shortlisted—with every final candidate given two complimentary tickets. One of the lucky winners this year in the Vehicle Graphics category was Allen Signs, which wrapped a 17-year-old double decker bus for Branston, transforming it into Billy Branston’s Amazing Potato Factory.
Awarded the prize for the design creativity, print quality, scale, and execution excellence of the project, it is clear to see why it won. So, what are you waiting for? Get on the blower to the British Sign Awards, and maybe it could be you next year.
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