78 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 260 - August / September 2025 cannot exist without the other. At Nova Aluminium, we’re proud to be a key part of that relationship, offering our clients the confidence and capacity to take on more, grow faster, and deliver better. We’ll keep doing what we do best – developing smarter, more practical systems – and helping our customers do what they do best – create stunning signage that stands the test of time.” Sperring notes that trade suppliers for signage are “not just convenient but essential” and sees the advancements taking place in print and signage as testament to how providers of trade signage are more vital than ever. “At Nova, we’ll continue investing in new product development, guided by real-world feedback and our passion for innovation,” adds Sperring. “We anticipate growing demand for systems that are easier and faster to install, as well as environmentally friendly materials. Our team is already exploring ways to expand our range while keeping simplicity and performance at the heart of every design.” An Extension of Your Team It is clear to see from everyone we have spoken to that those who provide trade signage to the industry are vital to signage businesses and the way in which the industry operates. Many of those who run and operate trade suppliers have a vast amount of knowledge and experience in the industry. Norman Pickvance, managing director of Tradesignz Manufacturing, is one such person having started his career as a screen printer before moving into design and then sign-making and installation. Pickvance says: “Being on the tools and face-toface with customers taught me what really matters on a job – reliability, precision, and getting it right first time. That hands-on experience led me to set up Tradesignz Manufacturing, with the aim of building products that truly serve the needs of the trade.” It would be easy to assume that trade suppliers and makers of trade signage could be corporate and faceless operations, but as evident by everyone we’ve spoken to in this article, nothing could be further from the truth. While many industries may outsource as a way of taking away the human element and making operations more robotic, in the signage sector, trade suppliers still operate as independent operations. “A good trade supplier becomes an extension of your team,” says Pickvance, who adds: “With our large-format CNC and fabrication setup, we can take care of the complex or time-consuming parts like trays, bracketry, or custom panels, leaving sign-makers free to manage more projects and keep production flowing. It’s not just about outsourcing; it’s about working smarter and scaling up without the overheads.” When it comes to advice for working with a provider of trade signage, Pickvance says to communicate clearly and treat a trade supplier like part of the team. “Be upfront about your deadlines, expectations, and any challenges you’re facing. The more we understand your job the better we can help you deliver it. A good trade supplier will want to support your success, but we’re not mind readers, so don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and talk things through – there’s no such thing as a daft question.” Pickvance also emphasises building relationships early: “Don’t wait for a lastminute panic job to find someone. When you take the time to work with a supplier consistently, they get to know your standards, preferences, and ways of working, and that can make a massive difference when the pressure is on. A strong trade partnership can save you time, money, and a lot of stress down the line.” Speaking to Pickvance, it’s promising to know that the future is in safe hands as providers of trade signage are constantly investing and expanding. This is evident in all the businesses we have spoken to, which have all invested in machinery, premises, and staff over the last few years. “The sign industry is evolving fast – partly due to new materials and technology, but also because customer expectations are changing,” says Pickvance, who concludes: “There’s a growing demand for cleaner, more minimal signage, integrated lighting, and quick turnaround on bespoke work. Sustainability is also becoming a bigger factor, with more clients asking where materials come from and how long products will last. “As sign-makers adapt, trade suppliers need to stay ahead, which is why we’re investing in 6000sq ft of workshop space and over £90,000 in further CNC, laser equipment, and stockholding – to be ready for the demands of the industry.” TRADE SIGNAGE | DAVID OSGAR ▼Norman Pickvance, managing director of Tradesignz Manufacturing started his career in screen printing Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and talk things through – there’s no such thing as a daft question
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