The Small Signmaker of the Year award recognises ‘the greatest part of the sign industry’ organisers say, as the majority of businesses in the industry operate with five members of staff or less.
Ray Hirst, who organises the event in association with ISA-UK, comments: “We created the award to provide smaller businesses with an opportunity to win recognition for the outstanding work they do. We felt that many small businesses might avoid entering because they might not have the confidence to go up against the bigger sign-makers.
“The Small Sign Business category gives them the opportunity to compete against similar sized businesses and we would encourage any smaller business – whether a one-man band or a sign-maker with a small team – to enter their best work.
“Winning or even being shortlisted can give a business a real kick start, impressing both present and future customers and, even if they’re not interested in expansion, it delivers huge bragging rights and enormous satisfaction.”
We felt that many small businesses might avoid entering because they might not have the confidence to go up against the bigger sign-makers”
It is free to enter the awards and companies do not have to be ISA-UK members to be considered. There is a total of 13 accolades up for grabs, which will be presented at the Gala Awards Ceremony in Leicester on November 14th.
Hirst adds: “We ask entrants to submit a representative selection of work completed over the past year – say three or four projects together with a brief written summary and, of course, good quality images. Judging is by a panel of industry experts who are totally independent of ISA-UK to ensure a level playing field for all.
“Previous winners of the award have demonstrated the incredible versatility and capabilities of smaller sign business, with entries including everything from traditional shopfronts, through complex interiors and vehicle wraps to handcrafted signs. We are looking forward to more of the same this year.”
The closing date for entries is Friday, September 13th and details can be found on the British Sign Awards website.
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