deep understanding of what the customer wants to achieve, where the sign will be going and how it will be used, which will guide the design and manufacturing considerations. This is a carefully managed process, engaging a range of skills and experience to ensure the sign is both functional, aesthetically pleasing, and meets the customer’s brief.” When it comes to offering this type of service, Crotch says price, quality, and lead time are the main concerns that Applelec’s trade customers have, with sustainability and energy efficiency slowly gathering more momentum. Crotch explains that the signage industry has always been fast paced and traditionally Applelec finds that consumer demands on sign companies require them to provide fast, competitive quotes with keen lead times. “This has always been a challenge, due to the complex nature of signage fabrication and the many key considerations needed, including fixing options, illumination solutions, finishes, reliability, environment, safety, visibility, running cost, etc; which can all impact the design of your signage fabrication,” Crotch says. understanding their requirements and being capable of providing advice and guidance where needed is of paramount importance, adding that the aim is to make the experience as smooth and as positive as possible for the client. Glancing to the year ahead and how companies can succeed in the sign fabrication sector, Giles issues a warning over wider factors that are impacting the market, namely how it will likely be dictated by the economy. “As we all know these are challenging times for the UK, and therefore it depends how the effects trickle through markets, and specifically our industry,” Giles says, adding: “Fingers crossed any impact is minimal or non-existent. The sign industry has reacted positively in the past when experiencing economic downturn. “Apart from that I don’t see much change. A lot of the products available are mainstays of the industry. Of course, people try to push boundaries with the creation of bigger and bolder signs, but the characteristics and components largely remain the same.” Part of William Smith Group 1832, Smith Trade Signage is the manufacturing division of the business and supplies the signs and graphics with a range of product types. The product portfolio consists of all the standard and traditional signage types that companies within the industry are familiar with. These include built-up letters, tray signage, railed sign panels, bespoke signage, post and panel systems, CE market traffic signage, and chapter 8 chevron kits. Deep understanding Also deeply involved in this market is Applelec, whose head of signage, Michael Crotch, says when it comes to bespoke signage manufacturing, no one sign is the same and each sign is designed and engineered in unique ways based on artwork and design from clients, and in cases like this, sign fabrication quality is key. “With a variety of key considerations to make, it can be a complex process with which the fabricator engages a wide variety of manufacturing techniques and materials to help bring a design to life,” Crotch says. “Key to this process is gathering a Looking to what the industry can expect from sign fabrication in 2023, Crotch says that the market will largely be dependent on whether the UK enters a recession. With businesses already feeling the pinch from the energy crisis, Crotch says many companies will be determining the importance of their signage needs and how much of a priority this is against a backdrop of rising business costs. “Here at Applelec, we predict that this will see an increased focus on energy efficiency and reliability within the illuminated signage market, a factor that has the potential to reduce running costs up to as much as 30% with the right LED solution, Crotch says. “Being able to educate and offer these types of savings to your customers, could make the difference between them deciding whether or not to purchase signage and with increased demand for environmentally friendly designs, especially from big global brands, sustainability and energy efficiency could be the key to remaining relevant in the current market.” As to how Applelec can support new and existing customers in the sign fabrication sector, Crotch says that there are several exciting developments to support its trade clients moving into 2023. As the exclusive distributor for SloanLED, Crotch says Applelec is able to offer 54 ▲ Part of William Smith Group 1832, Smith Trade Signage supplies the signs and graphics industry with a range of product types Here at Applelec, we predict an increased focus on energy efficiency and reliability within the illuminated signage market reduction in running costs 30% email: news@signlink.co.uk February / March 2023 - Issue 245 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES / SIGN FABRICATION
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