market where efficiency, consistency, and reliability are more important than ever. “One of the main benefits of working with a dedicated trade supplier is access to specialist knowledge and product expertise,” she says, adding: “At Nova, we focus on developing and refining our signage systems. This means our customers benefit from proven solutions, technical guidance, and industry insight that help streamline projects. “Operational efficiency is another key advantage. By outsourcing manufacturing to a trade supplier, customers can free up internal resources and concentrate on their core specialisms. Faster turnaround times and dependable supply chains enable quicker responses to demand. “Working with a trade supplier also allows sign-makers to scale their operations without expanding in-house production. Rather than investing heavily in equipment, stock, and additional labour, businesses can rely on specialist fabrication support. This flexibility makes it easier to take on larger or more complex projects with confidence.” Nova Aluminium offers a range of systems, all manufactured and powder coated in-house and, where required, supplied with fitted LEDs and printed skins for flex systems. Acrylic-faced products, common in high street applications, are supplied with blank opal panels, fully prepared with hanging strips and rebated joins, ready for graphics application and installation. Meanwhile, NovaTrim frames, a widely used framing system for acrylic or composite panels, are cut and mitred to size with corner angles pre-installed, eliminating an extra on-site fabrication step. In addition, overhead lighting systems are supplied with drivers fitted internally, ensuring they are installation-ready and minimising preparation time before heading to site. “Internal and external flex systems remain among the most popular signage solutions, with many customers seeking advice from the early stages of a project,” Harvey comments, continuing: “With extensive in-house expertise and a large product portfolio, guidance can be provided to ensure the most suitable system is specified for each application. “Our internal fabric system starts at 18mm deep and uses screw free corner cleats to enable a neat appearance. Our newly innovated and upgraded NovaTex has been designed with the installer in mind, with all internal supports removed and a full perimeter fix, it not only reduces the weight but halves the fabrication time, meaning costs to customers is significantly reduced.” TRADE SIGNAGE | ROB FLETCHER Get What You Want Also weighing in is Carl Hodgson, chairman of SignFab, who says rather than having to invest so much effort and cost in their own manufacturing facility, sign companies can get what they want through a reliable trade partner “Since our inception in 2001 we have offered a very broad trade supply service; we want our clients to have a one-stopshop and team who can support their signage needs,” Hodgson says, continuing: “We can support small, medium, and large sign companies on all key areas of sign manufacturing. “All clients get a dedicated account manager to give that personal service. The production team are in regular contact with all customers, making sure they have agreed production slots and delivery dates, while our customers and their end clients have the reassurance of our ongoing threeyear warranty.” SignFab works across two factories, each of which is kitted out with a range of machinery. Its arsenal includes three laser cutting machines, three routers, 4,000mm-capacity brake presses and guillotines. In addition, Hodgson says the company’s new eight-stage powder and paint line gives high-quality finishing, with over 700 stock colours and a wet paint mixing system. “We manufacture our own flex face units and are a partner of SignComp Europe,” explains Hodgson, adding: “We weld and coat all units for extra assurance of integrity and durability. “SignFab is also certified and meets all ISO-9001 and ISO-14001 criteria, meaning that our customers have the assurance of our quality control procedures. In addition, we are working on waste management and recycling, and our sustainability credibility is at the highest level, with none of our waste going to landfill.” Clearly, trade partnerships go much further than simply outsourcing certain work to a third-party; they allow you to significantly expand your service offering without having to plough thousands of pounds into new equipment. Linking up with a trusted and reliable trade sign company can help you access profitable work and take on new customers across a range of exciting markets. There are more than 4,300 signage companies registered in the UK across all business sizes Factoid ▲ Nova Aluminium employs around 48 members of staff and operates from a 40,000sq ft facility based in Bristol ▲ Sign Trade Supplies says there are no minimum order quantities on its core range 48 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 264 - April | May 2026
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