Jonathan Pert talks to a range of sign-makers and suppliers to discover recent innovations in illuminated signage and the many ways they can enhance your core offerings SHINING A LIGHT ON ILLUMINATED SIGNAGE Over the past decade, illuminated signage has undergone a quiet revolution, driven by advances in lighting technology, smart controls, sustainable materials, and digital integration. From energy-efficient backlit systems to interactive wayfinding solutions, the tools of the trade have become more sophisticated, cost-effective, and tailored to a connected, design-conscious world. For industry professionals, staying ahead means understanding not only what these technologies can do, but how they’re being deployed across sectors, from retail and hospitality to live events and corporate environments. In this feature, we explore the latest developments transforming illuminated signage, the impact these developments have on design and installation, and what sign-makers and suppliers need to know to remain at the forefront. Boots on the Ground To understand how illuminated signage has developed in recent years, it’s important to speak to the sign-makers on the ground who are tasked with installing new displays. Ellis Signs, a signage expert based in the North East, is a strong representative of the ‘boots on the ground’ notion, offering a comprehensive service of signage design, production, and installation for clients across the UK. Ellis Signs provides a range of illuminated signage solutions including face-illuminated and halo-illuminated letters, illuminated flex face signage, bespoke light boxes, and LED faux-neon offerings. Each offering is custom-made to suit the client’s unique brand identity and environment, with the aim of ensuring maximum visual impact in both day and night settings. For Jessie Smith, digital marketing manager at Ellis Signs, illumination plays a crucial role in signage because of the range of visual enhancements it can offer. “Illuminated displays have the power to significantly elevate a brand's visibility, recognition, and perceived value,” she says. “In busy environments like shopping centres, high streets, or urban commercial districts, the competition for consumer attention is intense. Illumination ensures that a brand doesn’t just blend into the background, even from a distance or in low-light conditions.” Smith reports that one of the most notable developments she has seen in recent years is the widespread adoption of LED technology, largely replacing traditional lighting. Smith comments: “LEDs offer superior brightness, longevity, and energy efficiency, making them a more cost-effective and a more environmentally friendly option.” LEDs have been calculated to be between 68 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 260 - August / September 2025 ILLUMINATED SIGNS | JONATHAN PERT
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