2025 Predictions: A Brand-New Year and a Brand-New Set of Opportunities

David Allen

There will be the usual moves to sustainable products and services that have been a market feature for a few years. However, in addition to this, the increasing volume of smaller sign companies, changes to the tax system, and employment regulations will disproportionately affect our industry.

Increased costs associated with employing younger people could also leave us at a disadvantage in the long term when bringing new talent into the trade.

The industry will continue to work on sustainability and reducing the impact that the products we sell have on the environment. While this is improving year over year, it is still difficult for smaller companies to embrace the challenge of tackling waste.

I also think training will become an increasingly important topic. With the increased costs of employing people, it will become even more important than ever to increase your team's knowledge and skills rather than recruiting new talent. New employment law changes will add to the burden of small businesses both financially and operationally.

Izabella Ivanovici

New ink technologies are on the horizon, and more efficient versions of some established printer brands are around the corner. AI will have a greater impact on our businesses' admin side, whether that’s taking on some of the more mundane order processing jobs or preflight processes. Design software already incorporates AI to create artwork and that will only continue to increase and improve as time goes on.

As environmental concerns grow, sustainable printing practices will play a more significant role. Eco-friendly inks, recyclable substrates, carbon-neutral manufacturing facilities, and energy-efficient machinery will likely be in demand. Manufacturers will also focus on reducing waste and promoting greener supply chains.

Recruitment will be a significant focus, reflecting the industry's challenge in sourcing high-quality, experienced candidates. Hiring young people in the signage industry introduces fresh perspectives and valuable skills necessary for remaining competitive. Offering them the right training and mentoring builds a skilled team that mixes fresh ideas with experience.

As we enter Q4 of 2024, the demand for experienced candidates is rising and is expected to increase further in 2025. The focus on training, upskilling, and reskilling current employees is set to become a major trend in the upcoming year.

Chris Martin

The biggest change for wide-format printers and sign-makers in 2025 will be the push towards increased automation and self-sufficiency. We are going to see more of a shift towards total in-house capabilities, therefore, traditional sign-makers need to bring new skills in-house rather than outsourcing services to remain competitive and self-sufficient.

Alongside this we are going to see more automation and streamlining of workflows, key to staying efficient and reducing costs, while maintaining high standards in a competitive market.

It’s clear that the quality bar continues to rise. Businesses must prioritise high quality output whilst keeping costs under control. It’s all about automation, quality, self-sufficiency, upskilling, and the adoption of new applications.

I think one of the most significant themes and topics for wide-format printers and sign-makers will be the integration of AI and improved workflows.

AI will be pivotal in automating tasks such as order fulfilment and customer relationship management (CRM). As businesses seek to become more efficient, AI will rise to the top of the agenda, offering solutions to streamline processes and boost productivity.

Megan Woodcock

While there are real immediate business challenges related to maintaining steady growth and avoiding vulnerabilities, there are also aspirational challenges around adopting advanced technologies like AI. Companies will need to explore how AI, alongside strategies like SEO, can help them capture incremental business and drive growth.

The rise of digital finishing solutions such as our JWEI JCUT digital cutting tables will breakdown traditional barriers, making it easier for businesses to bring these services in-house. This technology reduces bottlenecks in production and helps companies move away from manual processes, which are still common in the UK. Continued education on digital finishing techniques will be key to maximise these benefits.

The drive towards sustainability will also be a critical focus. The industry must continually strive to adopt eco-friendly practices as the pressure to demonstrate environmental responsibility intensifies. Companies will need to prove they are doing ‘the right thing’ by adopting sustainable materials and reducing their environmental footprint.

We predict that the growing demand for customisable and energy-efficient signage will be the biggest shift for sign-makers in 2025.

Businesses are putting pressure on sign-makers to provide more sustainable options such as LED systems that use less energy but without compromising on brightness. We also expect sign-makers to move towards customisable signage solutions to meet businesses’ needs for tailored signage. Next year, we are likely to see continued demand for signage solutions that lower operational costs while meeting high aesthetic standards.

Garrick Dartnell

While sustainability has been a theme for some time, we think it will continue to be a big topic as sign-makers come to terms with how they can really make a difference in this area and reduce energy consumption. AI is also likely to be a hot topic. AI and smart controls will enable real-time content adjustments, allowing for dynamic, personalised displays that improve audience engagement and meet specific business needs. Versatility in signage designs will also be a strong theme, as customisation becomes essential for brand differentiation.

Sign-makers should consider using energy-saving LED options like Firstlite's COB LED Reels, which offer bright light with low energy use. Products like Firstlite’s DALI dimmable drivers also provide better control. These advancements create durable, customisable signs that improve visibility while being affordable and eco-friendly. As the industry shifts towards more engaging and flexible signage, these technologies will help businesses remain competitive in a changing digital world.

Sign-makers are increasingly expected to do more at a higher quality within tighter deadlines, which will only happen more so in 2025. We’ve seen a consistent trend for shrinking project timelines and rising customer expectations. At the same time, the industry is having to deal with a skills shortage. This means sign companies have to put more effort into forging stronger partnerships with third-party suppliers, fabricators, and installers to meet the demands of their customers.

We will also see workflow efficiency and automation being key trends in 2025. AI technology is transforming the business landscape, and sign and print will be no exception

Every year, the call for a greater focus on sustainability increases. In 2025, it won’t just be about sign companies’ practices. The focus is shifting to ensuring more responsible supply chains, with more environmental sourcing and production being critical. We will see greater advances in ACM recycling, more PVC-free print media, and low CO2 aluminium. This will encourage more companies in the industry to be early adopters of more environmentally focused technology, particularly as sustainability becomes an increasingly decisive factor in winning larger contracts.

We will also see workflow efficiency and automation being key trends in 2025. AI technology is transforming the business landscape, and sign and print will be no exception. 2025 could be a real breakthrough year for AI as it becomes a critical tool in streamlining everything from project management to artwork production, content creation, and digital marketing. It will secure its place as the ideal tool for boosting productivity and optimising workflows.

Wide-format printers and sign-makers will need to focus on innovative products and systems that can help them deliver better solutions for their customers. The fastest way to grow is by offering new solutions that cater to their existing customer base. Partnering with suppliers who provide cutting-edge products and offer comprehensive sales support will be key to success. At Sign Trade Supplies we’ve seen that our customers are eager to adopt new products. Still, they achieve the best results when they leverage the sales resources and information we provide to present those innovations to their clients effectively.