Born in 2015, Lavastar is a Surrey-based sign manufacturing and installation company, covering London and the UK. The company describes itself as a specialist in large-format print, and an installer of wide-format graphics like hoardings, building wraps, and display solutions for construction sites and scaffolding. Following its ten-year anniversary and a series of noteworthy installations, we speak to Ed Kelsing, owner and founder of Lavastar, who tells us more about the company. Building Big, Bold Signage Recently, Lavastar has worked on a variety of projects, demonstrating the enduring popularity of built-up signage, site hoardings, and large-format print. In 2024, Lavastar won Gold in the Construction category at UK Graphic Awards for its work at Kew Gardens. Explaining why they chose Lavastar, the judges said they were “blown away” by the project, calling it a “marvellous and breathtaking visual spectacle of the grandest scale, beautifully brought to life.” The following year, Lavastar purchased its own office in Farnham, Surry, which has been titled “Star House”. The 7,000sq ft office houses the 14 members of staff who manage jobs from survey to installation. Commenting on the team, Kelsing says: “I love the people we have at Lavastar – we have a really tight team who I think all really enjoy what they do and take pride in what is produced.” The company also completed an impressive building wrap in the summer of last year for The Lazari Building in Mayfair, helping to cover construction work taking place at the site. The project included a 2,400sq m building wrap which was designed by Hugo Dalton and featured six advertising panels that could be updated as the construction progressed. The project also required the creation of 3D In this Company Spotlight, we speak to Ed Kelsing, founder of Lavastar, a company which recently celebrated ten years in business, and has seen a number or expansions and significant projects come its way Going from Strength to Strength fabricated lettering and bespoke lighting features, making it one of Lavastar’s biggest ever projects. Following the installation, Kelsing said: “From precision engineering to seamless artwork alignment across multiple frames, there was zero margin for error – and our team absolutely delivered. We’re thrilled to be part of such a prestigious development. It’s our second ultra high-profile Mayfair site in the past year, following our work on the branded hoardings at the much-talkedabout 1 Mayfair residences.” Later in 2025, the company invested in a new Canon Colorado M5W printer from CMYUK, leading to increased capacity and quality which is outputting prints in addition to a Colorado 1650, which the company purchased in 2022. At the time, Kelsing said: “We were very happy with the speed and quality of our existing Colorado, and a second one not only gives us more volume, but some back-up too – if one goes down, we can still deliver. The Colorado doesn’t need anyone standing over it: we can print five 2015 – The company was founded ten years ago by Ed Kelsing 7,000 – Lavastar purchased a 7,000sq ft office last year 14 – Currently 14 members of staff are employed at Lavastar £3m – Annual turnover of the company is close to £3m Statistics ▲ [L to R] Elliot Charles, Steve Fahy, and Tommy Lees from the Lavastar production department COMPANY SPOTLIGHT | LAVASTAR 28 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 263 - February | March 2026
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