The Power of Trade Signage
In a market squeezed by rising costs and tighter timelines, trade partnerships are becoming a strategic tool for protecting profit and delivering quality at scale. Rob Fletcher finds out more
As businesses continue to look at new ways to grow and bring in new revenue, we listen to advice from a handful of finance providers to find out the key talking points in the world of asset finance and financial borrowing
Investment has always been critical to the print and sign-making industries. From presses and flatbeds to cutters, software, and finishing equipment, the need to continually upgrade and adapt is crucial to stay relevant and up to date. What has changed in recent years is the role finance plays in the process. Finance isn’t just a way to acquire machinery, instead, finance and funding is increasingly being used as a strategic tool to strengthen businesses, improve resilience, and support long-term growth.
As the industry heads into 2026, printers and sign-makers are operating in a complex environment shaped by rising costs, sustainability pressures, evolving customer expectations, and ongoing economic uncertainty. Yet, despite these challenges, demand for finance remains steady.
Here, we speak to specialists working closely within the two industries, to show that businesses which approach finance proactively are better placed to navigate change and invest with confidence.
Despite wider economic pressures, investment across the print and sign-making sectors has remained robust. According to Paul Philbrick, managing director of the Print team at Close Brothers Asset Finance, demand for funding has continued at a steady pace, driven largely by digital print technologies, which are being used in packaging and publishing applications.
Sustainability is also playing a central role in investment decisions. “There’s been an ongoing focus on sustainability, with eco-friendly materials and inks really gaining traction,” Philbrick notes. This is not simply about meeting environmental targets but responding to customer expectations and improving operational efficiency. Philbrick also says that onshoring of print work is becoming more common as businesses and their customers become more conscious of carbon footprints. “We’re assisting customers who don’t want to hold too much inventory by funding assets that enable just-in-time production.”
We’re assisting customers who don’t want to hold too much inventory by funding assets that enable just-in-time production
Jamie Nelson, director at Compass Business Finance, has seen similar patterns: “We’ve seen a continued trend toward investments that improve efficiency and sustainability, such as energy-saving equipment or workflow automation, rather than capacity-driven purchases.”
At the same time, Nelson acknowledges that the borrowing environment has changed. “The past year has been shaped by rising interest rates and a cautious approach from many lenders,” Nelson explains. This has made flexibility and speed more important than ever, according to Nelson, as it pushes businesses to seek finance partners who understand their sector and can move quickly when opportunities arise.
Looking ahead, finance is set to play an even more central role in how print and sign-making businesses operate. Nelson believes the key to using funding effectively in 2026 will be strategic thinking, saying that finance should support broader business objectives, whether that involves upgrading technology, investing in software, restructuring existing borrowing, or even exploring mergers and acquisitions to increase market share.
This broader perspective is echoed by Tom Naidu, commercial finance adviser at SPF Private Clients (which is part of the Howden Group), who highlights the importance of finance in providing certainty during uncertain times.
In an increasingly globalised yet fragmented economy, funding can help businesses manage overseas supply chains, absorb rising employment and tax costs, and ensure continuity during quieter trading periods. For many, it is no longer about chasing growth at all costs, but about building resilience.
Naidu says: “The focus over the last year in particular has been around commission disclosures. Whilst a number of lenders and brokerages have been concerned over the repercussions of the Supreme Court ruling, SPF has always disclosed our income from transactions. This has enabled us to maintain positive relationships with both clients and lenders.
“Alongside this, we have seen a large amount of liquidity amongst lenders who have struggled to deploy it, due to uncertainties in the market around valuations and underwriting. This has led to new lenders with very innovative products, particularly around unsecured loans, asset finance, and invoice discounting.”
Philbrick also emphasises that finance isn’t just about a 10% deposit and a five-year plan, pointing to more tailored options for borrowers such as seasonal payments.
Crucially, all three finance providers stress that the most effective finance solutions begin with a conversation. Understanding a business’s goals, cash flow, and operational realities allows funding to be structured in a way that genuinely supports progress rather than creating unnecessary pressure.
Despite the range of options available, misconceptions around finance remain widespread within the industry. One of the most common pitfalls, according to Compass, is an overemphasis on headline interest rates. While cost is important, the cheapest option is not always the best fit. Repayment structures, flexibility, and alignment with cash flow can be just as critical, particularly in an industry where workloads and revenues can fluctuate seasonally.
Close Brothers frequently encounters outdated assumptions about how asset finance works. Many businesses still believe funding is limited to rigid structures, such as fixed deposits and standard five-year terms. In reality, modern finance solutions can be highly bespoke, offering features such as seasonal payments or tailored repayment profiles that better reflect trading patterns.
Nelson says: “A frequent misconception is that finance is only for big-ticket equipment purchases. In reality, it can cover a wide range of needs, from improving cash flow and monthly headroom to software and workflow upgrades, or energy-efficient projects like solar panels or LED lighting.”
A frequent misconception is that finance is only for big-ticket equipment purchases. In reality, it can cover a wide range of needs, from improving cash flow and monthly headroom to software and workflow upgrades
According to Nelson, another hurdle is the belief that lenders only look at the balance sheet, stating: “At Compass, we take a much broader view, considering the story behind the numbers and the strategic value of the funding requirement.”
SPF highlights another area of confusion: the way interest is calculated and presented. Quoted rates can be misleading, and comparing percentages alone does not always provide a true picture of cost. Translating finance into pounds and pence is often the most effective way to ensure clarity and avoid surprises further down the line.
Naidu explains: “The worst misconception I come across is that all interest rates are the same. There are various ways for lenders to charge for their finance, including different ways that interest can be quantified. Someone quoting 4% might not be cheaper than another quoting 7%. Working in pounds and pence is typically the best way to avoid having a shock when it comes to finance documents. Being able to translate costs can be a minefield but SPF work with these challenges on a daily basis and are keen to ensure the clarity and understanding of the products offered to our clients.”
Perhaps the most significant shift in recent years has been the evolution of the relationship between finance providers and their clients. Rather than acting as transactional suppliers, many now see themselves as long-term partners invested in the success of the businesses they support.
Compass encourages printers and sign-makers to involve finance providers early in their decision-making process. By sharing plans, challenges, and ambitions, businesses can benefit from more informed advice and better-structured funding solutions. SPF similarly stresses the importance of transparency and proactive communication, particularly when it comes to potential cash flow issues or past credit challenges.
Factoid: The British Business Bank works with finance providers to supply small businesses with the solutions they need to grow. Government-backed programmes include start up loans, the Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS), and the Community Enable Funding Programme
Short timescales and incomplete information, Naidu warns, often result in higher costs and fewer options. Early engagement allows advisers to navigate the market more effectively, identify suitable lenders, and reduce uncertainty. There is no stigma in asking for help, particularly in an industry where cash flow pressures are common.
When it comes to borrowing, Philbrick adds: “It’s important borrowers ask themselves what they truly want to achieve rather than just what they know is available out there. They should see the assets they currently have as a vehicle for raising capital and helping fund ventures. Could a new piece of equipment help win new business or grow current offering to existing customers?”
As the print and sign-making sectors continue to evolve, finance will remain a critical enabler of change. Sustainability, efficiency, and resilience are likely to dominate investment decisions, and funding will play a key role in helping businesses adapt. Those that view finance as a strategic tool, supported by trusted partners who understand the industry, will be best placed to remain competitive and confident in the years ahead.
