76 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 260 - August / September 2025 goal of making large-format print accessible to every business in the print industry. Venture says there are many reasons why businesses use them, such as high street printers which don’t have the space for large equipment or commercial printers which want to expand their service offering without a heavy capital outlay. When asked about advice to printers who are new to the industry, or businesses who frequently communicate with trade suppliers, Scott Conway, director at Venture Banners, says attention to detail is paramount. “Many trade printers don’t provide proofs as standard, so it’s always worth spending a few minutes checking your artwork for hidden issues such as overprinting, low resolution images, keylines, and so on.” Conway adds: “Sometimes the most eye-catching signage can be eye-catching for all the wrong reasons, such as a typo in the phone number, an eyelet through the MD’s ear, or a leaf-coloured event entrance that becomes invisible in an avenue of trees. So, make sure you get your artwork right, check what you’re ordering, think about your customer’s use case, and don’t be scared to ask questions. That may sound simplistic, but if you think about all the times orders don’t come out as they should, it’s usually down to something pretty simple.” As for the future, Conway says that the trade-only space often reflects wider trends in the industry, and so at the moment, the huge demand for textile printing is demonstrating the need for sustainability and reusability. Conway states: “In March 2024, textiles accounted for 29% of our total material production and by March of 2025 that had increased to 42%. The leading material within that is definitely stretch/ display polyester, driven primarily by our stretch fabric walls, not only because they’re easy to put up and transport, but also because of how impactful they are.” Steve Muton, technical director at SignFab, agrees that sustainability is still a driving force within the industry with more and more customers asking for energy efficient solutions like low consumption LEDs. SignFab is a provider of signage products including totems, built up and flat cut letters, tray, panel, and projecting signs, all of which is particularly of interest for those looking for large and fabricated solutions. Continuing on what is currently popular and being expanded on, Muton says: “We’re seeing greater demand for bespoke, high-impact signage. As brands push for more immersive experiences, the complexity and creativity in signage projects are increasing and we’re here to deliver. Whether it’s intricate fabrication, bold illumination, or large-scale totems, we’re ready to meet the challenge.” When it comes to the founding of the company, which happened in 2001, Muton explains: “SignFab was founded on a clear principle to serve sign companies exclusively without competing for end clients. The founders saw a need in the market for a dedicated trade partner which could provide reliable, expert manufacturing, allowing sign and print businesses to expand their offering without the expense of full-scale production facilities.” Regarding what SignFab offers, Muton adds: “We are here to offer advice, troubleshoot challenges, and help deliver outstanding finished products. Ultimately, it allows our customers to focus on their core strengths, knowing their manufacturing is in safe hands.” When it comes to communication Muton stresses the importance of simply picking up the phone, something which is more and more rare from younger generations according to recent reports. “The more detail we receive from the outset – from drawings and specifications to delivery deadlines – the more efficient and accurate we can be. When in doubt, pick up the phone. We pride ourselves on being approachable and responsive. “For businesses new to using trade suppliers, treat your supplier as a partner, visit our facilities to see how we can help. A collaborative approach leads to better results, faster turnaround times, fewer surprises along the way, and better relationship building.” Specialist Providers When it comes to signage, the materials, fabrication, and installation, can all mean that specialist suppliers are needed to efficiently implement branding and displays that may fall outside of a business’ usual remit. With this in mind, many specialist trade suppliers exist as go-to companies for specific skills. Founded in 2012, TRADE SIGNAGE | DAVID OSGAR ▲Steve Muton, technical director at SignFab, a supplier of trade signage based in Leicester Most trade suppliers, ourselves included, are more than happy to share knowledge and experience. That spirit of collaboration is what keeps our industry strong
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