Case Studies
Please click on a case study below to expand the selection and view more information.
In 2009 Signs Now - the Sign Business of the Year - was invited to tender for new signage for Teeside University.
The Stockport branch of Signs Now took on the tender and submitted the most competitive price.
Signs Now had to attend an interview to demonstrate that we had reached the standards required by the university for our health and safety system, our quality system and our environmental management system.
The University was impressed and Signs Now carried out the work to the delight of the customer. The signs look great and it goes some way to explain why Teeside was awarded The University of the Year.
CB Richard Ellis
For the past 3 years Sign Now have been providing the signage requirements for a large commercial office block in the centre of Bristol called Castlemead. This building is managed by CB Richard Ellis Management Services for CB Richard Ellis.
We have produced a range of signs including general health and safety signs, direction and information signs, window decals, café signs and bespoke reception area signs which include built-up stainless steel letters and a large office directory system.
We survey all sign requirements and provide full proof drawings prior to fabrication and installation by in-house fitters.
With customers like this it is important that we adhere to safe working practices, we provide risk assessments and all insurances, etc are in place and up to date.
Neil Sheldrake who is the building manager for Castlemead comments "Signs Now provide Castlemead with a fast, accurate interpretation of all our signage needs. Quality signage delivered and installed within the timescale required by a competent and friendly team".
Kellaway Building Supplies.
Kellaway Building Supplies are the largest independent building supplies company in Bristol. They operate from 8 branches around Bristol, Stonehouse and Swindon.
For the last 5 years Signs Now have been providing all types of signs including large aluminium and acrylic wall signs, freestanding signs, individual letters, banners, ‘A’ board signs and self adhesive graphics.
With each enquiry if required we do a site survey to determine the best ways of producing the signs. They have a very strict corporate branding which we understand and use to create artwork for them. All signs are proofed and once approval is given we then manufacture all signs in-house and use our own fitters to install the signs if required.
We have a good working relationship with Kellaway which has grown and developed over the years into one where by they trust us to provide them with good quality signs, all consistently within their branding and all installed to their requirements.
As Chris Parker their Sales Development Manager comments "Kellaway Building Supplies have been using the services of Signs Now since 2003. During that time we have completed rebranding exercises through business acquisition, along with signage for new branches – including fascia signage, large ‘welcome’ boards, post mounted signs, banners and directional signs. In addition to signage for complete branches, Signs Now have been excellent in providing ideas to enhance our existing branches, such as banners, poster sites and internal signage. Project work has always been carried out to a high standard, and any challenges have always been met".
QHotels prides itself in its collection of 21 carefully nurtured, unique properties throughout the UK. Some hide away in the most beautiful countryside, some preside over bustling city centres, but each with its own little idiosyncrasies, ensures guests enjoy a truly unique experience - whether staying for pleasure or business.
Founded in 2003 the collection has grown from 2 to 21 properties over the last five years.
Signs Now has worked with the group on a number of developments to provide a wide range of internal and external signs.
A hotel has to make a great first impression and you can see from a sample of these photos how well that has been achieved.
Once you enter the hotel reception the signage should reinforce that excellent first impression.
Once inside the hotel the signage should seem clear, easy to find, and informative.
The Guinness Partnership
The Guinness Partnership is a national provider of housing based in High Wycombe. They have been providing affordable housing across the country for over a 100 years and currently employ over 2000 staff.
In August 2008 Signs Now won a tender to undertake the signage for their new branding across 14 Guinness offices nationally. Some of the reasons we won this tender not only included price and value for money but more importantly it was that we could demonstrate our Quality Systems, Health & Safety procedures, Insurances, Qualifications and our capability to undertake National Coverage all In-House.
This vast project was to implement signs based upon new branding across the different regions of Guinness each of which had their own colours and identities. We surveyed all sites and during meetings advised upon the best ways of achieving their aims. Each site was very different and a wide range of signs were required from interior acrylic and window graphics to freestanding signs and monoliths.
Once we had agreed the signs we were then given the artwork for each region so we could produce full proof drawings for every sign. All the artwork for this national signage was (and still is) produced in one office which means that we can ensure consistency which ever region is being done.
After approval was given and fabrication commenced we then presented full install schedules with contact details so we and each office knew what was happening and when. Communication is very important with jobs of this scale. All signs were produced and installed by in-house employees.
Our work and relationship with Guinness has developed considerably since this initial job; we have produced sign information and order sheets that are published internally within Guinness which helps people order signs. We have since undertaken signs for more offices and now started producing signs for actual housing estates.
Stacey Barrett who is the Brand Communications Manager for Guinness says the following; "The Guinness Partnership has been using Signs Now to undertake our signage requirements for the past year now. We have many sites nationally and it has been important to us to have one company to survey, advise on materials and provide designs that ensure our corporate brand is followed consistently. They always offer a very professional service from initial survey through to installation and it is reassuring to us that they operate safe working procedures".
Signs Now have been supplying all types of signs to the Broadwalk Shopping Centre in Bristol for the last 10 years. During that time we have developed a close working relationship based upon trust, efficiency and the supply of good quality signs.
Each sign enquiry is usually dealt with by face to face meetings surveying their potential requirements. We then discuss the best and most effective ways of producing the signs which are then installed by in-house fitters.
Being a shopping centre all signs not only need to be visually appealing, clear and informative, but particular attention needs to be paid to making the signs durable and robust using things like anti-graffiti coatings where required.
Over the years, we have produced a whole multitude of signs including simple vinyl graphics, directional signs, health and safety signs, banners, aluminium and acrylic wall signs, large bespoke freestanding and projecting signs as well as fascia signs. Having in-house production capabilities makes the supply of large bespoke signs possible and means we can keep control of larger projects.
When working in and around a shopping centre we need to adhere to safe working practices, providing risk assessments and when required only working when there are no members of the public nearby. We sometimes need to work at height and have trained and qualified fitters capable of doing so.
As Tim Maloney the Centre manager says, "I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Jerry and the crew at Signs Now for all the help and advice over the years during our refurbishments and re-branding work. We have used you for a number of years now and have always received a first class service with a prompt response and fast turnaround".
In July 2002 the proposed British Empire and Commonwealth Museum approached Signs Now with regard to the planning and implementation of their exterior signs. The museum was to be housed within Brunel’s famous engine shed, a grade 1 listed building at Temple Meads railway station in Bristol.
We undertook meetings with the museum where we listened to their ideas and requirements. These included the name of the museum being placed onto the front of the building in a sympathetic yet effective way, various branded and temporary exhibition banners, requiring bespoke fixings systems, window graphics, forecourt information signs and directional signs.
We were able to suggest and advise upon the best ways of achieving their requirements and together developed the ideal solutions. Given the sensitive nature of the project and the importance of the building we worked with museum staff, local designers, architects and other specialist advisors to make sure the best ways were chosen.
All signs were produced in our in-house facilities and installed by Signs Now employees.
A job of this nature meant we had to adhere to safe working practices especially as we were installing some signs at great height. Full risk assessments and method statements had to be provided and our fitters qualified to undertake the different tasks.
Mr Feisal Khalif who was the Marketing Manager for the museum comments "In July 2002, we commissioned Signs Now to become involved in the design, fabrication and installation of our museum’s signs. Given the nature of the building and the issues involved with it, they provided much help and support and supplied signs of a high standard which both complement the building and look excellent".
Signs Now were contacted by the senior managers of the Birmingham Post and Mail with the challenge to re-vamp the company image and change all signage throughout 150 shops in the West Midlands. Signs Now were successful to attain the entire project that consisted of 50 shops in phase one and over 100 shops in phase two – all required in record time!
The Birmingham Mail is Trinity Mirrors flagship title in the West Midlands, with its core audience in the regional capital and the surrounding West Midlands. It’s a modern vibrant and campaigning paper which reflects a hugely diverse population in terms of interests, culture and ethnicity. Image is everything.
The paper is Birmingham’s number one read and outperforms all daily newspapers within its area.
Birmingham Post & mail carried out a huge image change from the outdated ‘Evening Mail’ logo to the new modern vibrant logo of the ‘Birmingham Mail’. Their objective is to sponsor local and regional newsagents and advertise the logo on the shop front retail signage throughout the Midlands.
There are not many sign-makers who were able to challenge Signs Now with the quality, talent, speed and ability of Signs Now project teams to successfully accomplish such a project in a short space of time. Paul Fradgley (Marketing Manager, Birmingham Post and Mal) says “having worked with a number of signage companies the service received from Signs Now was second to none.”
Signs Now were able to pull together large file numbers of fitting and production teams from other Signs Now outlets in the country to enable us to install 80 shops in just two weeks!
Signs Now keep in close contact with all the parties to design and comprehensively project manage in order to analyse and plan the project in advance within the agreed specified timescales. Signs Now are able to schedule and allocate necessary resources to complete all sizes of projects. We are able to meet all critical paths at each of the project
Stages and exceed customer’s expectations.
Carlo Matarazzo, the Manager of signs Now Birmingham and the Black Country set aside time to understand the customers expectations and needs. “This was a very exciting project, providing a challenge for the workforce and I was delighted with the end result.”
Paul Fradgely says “A professional approach ensured the customer experience for both Birmingham Post and Mail and independent retailers was very positive. Signs Now delivered a high quality product, to schedule with an excellent level of aftercare service.”
Birmingham Post and Mail were extremely happy with the new contemporary and lively image and conclude “I would recommend Signs Now to any other business considering a fascia replacement project programme
In October 2006 Signs Now East Midlands won the tender for all signs at the £32 million Keepmoat Stadium and Sports Complex for Doncaster MBC. This is the new home of Doncaster Rovers FC, Doncaster Lakers Rugby League Club, Doncaster Belles LFC and Doncaster Athletic Club.
The contract involved all signs for inside the stadium, ranging from Health & Safety and directional signs, through to all external signs for the main stadium and adjacent athletics stadium and sports pitches.
Neill Ransom of Signs Now Nottingham undertook the planning of the contract with the main contractors, Carillion and we worked together to a very tight schedule in order to hit the deadline of the stadium opening in December 2006.
The first element of the external signs were the large monolith signs on the main approaches to the stadium which included text and digital images of the complex. Also all the car parking and directional signage which included finger post pedestrian signs and a large number of post & panel signs.
Inside the stadium we had to undertake the positioning of all signs in the concourse area and seating areas including installation of seating block numbers and exit route signs. We worked closely with the onsite contractors whilst doing this to abide by the strict Health & Safety guidelines required on site and work in parallel with other trades.
The project took a great deal of planning both in the manufacture and installation of the variety of signs involved, which included a large number of signs added as the contract went on which meant Signs Now showing a great deal of flexibility and adaptability to ensure we completed the job on time.
Sandwell Council had previously endured a few bad experiences with sign companies – with some signs falling down and a number of signs falling below an acceptable standard of quality.
Signs Now first encountered the council when we were asked to remedy a problem with an existing large sign. Sandwell Council were pleased and have used Signs Now on a number of jobs since then.
The Council operates a number of recycling centres and contracted Signs Now to remove the old out-dated signs and to make and fit a new range of signs.
The Council has organised a major regeneration project – the Lyng Regeneration Project – and asked Signs Now to make and install a monolith sign to advertise the project.
The council is responsible for a number of parks and asked Signs Now to fit a number of signs around Warley Woods Park.
The responsible manager at the council, Alison Coughlan, has praised Signs Now “for operating to strict budget guidelines, meeting tight timescales, following high standards of health and safety, and for a high quality customer service”
West Midland Police are keen to promote a new image. A designer was engaged to produce a number of images that reflected the diverse operations of the police in the 21st century. A tender to produce and fit signs for 48 of their properties across the west midland region was publicly issued.
Signs Now fought off fierce competition to win the tender at the most competitive price. With 6 installation crews at our disposal and the purchasing power of a large sign group – we were able to win this prestigious tender.
Initially the tender was to install large colourful acrylic signs around each police station. In total we made and fitted over 500 of these signs.
Getting the image right inside the station was one thing – but it became apparent that the image at the front of the station had to look right.
Back inside the station it was noticeable that notice boards had become strewn with paper over the years. Here was a chance to tidy up and so, in accordance with the new image, we supplied and fitted notice boards and acrylic pocket holders.
Signs Now conducted a detailed survey with each of the 21 Operational Commanders and that identified some other areas needing attention – car park signs (WMP Car Park) and graphics on some of the windows.
The project had to be brought in on budget and on time. The pressure was intense but Signs Now managed to work with the designer and photographer to make the project a huge success – just look at the testimonial letter we received from the manager of the project – Jackie Harrison. (WMP Letter)
Like many old market towns, Oswestry, needed to refurbish the appearance of the town centre in order to attract more tourists. A grant was given to the council to this end. As part of the refurbishment the local council wished to install a number of maps around the centre to make it more tourist-friendly.
A tender for the work was issued. Signs Now worked with a local design agency, Hunter Bevan to win the tender and a proposal was prepared for the design of the maps and the signs. Initially this proposal was way above the budget the council had available. Signs Now and Hunter Bevan re-worked the proposal to meet the budget.
The key was to provide a simple and attractive map that visitors would find easy to follow. A number of these were affixed to walls around the town centre.
In the market square Signs Now made and installed several free-standing map displays.
A map was required for display at the local railway station – itself a listed building. Signs Now had to provide a case for the map in a colour that would meet with the standard colours of the station.
We think you would agree that the town centre looks so much better after the refurbishment.
Signs Now UK operates a branch of the business in Birmingham. This branch has been a member of the local chamber of commerce for many years. In 2008 the Business Link division was segregated from the chamber and the division was physically transferred to a new building on Quinton Business Park.
Signs were needed for outside and inside the new building and a notice of tender for the project was issued. Signs Now successfully won the tender. We believe that we had the edge because of our national purchasing power and our ability to manufacture all the items in house.
Take a look at the impressive fascia for this business. On closer inspection you can see the name and logo of the division were cut out from stainless steel.
Above the entrance there is a welcome sign cut out from acrylic and painted to the precise colours required by the client.
On the wall of this impressive building you can find an acrylic plaque. A similar sign is found just inside reception.
There is a large car park outside the building to accommodate the needs of staff and visitors. A number of parking signs were installed around the car park.
There are a number of rooms inside the building. We designed and made a door sign that suited the interior. Suspended from the ceilings we fitted a number of sign to display safety and other information.
The client wished to display topical information on a regular basis. To that end we fitted a number of poster cases and some notice boards.
In 2008 Signs Now were asked by a large construction firm, Danaher and Walsh, to tender for signage work for Birmingham Airport as part of a substantial enhancement of the safety and security of the main terminals. This work had to be done by Christmas in time for the seasonal holiday rush.
Working on the site of an airport requires very high standards of workmanship, safety and security. Signs Now had to satisfy very strict criteria to qualify to do this work.
The work involved a number of road – all of them manufactured to a very high (British Standard) specification.
Roundabout signs were installed so that visitors to the airport are properly and clearly directed and various parking signs were installed about the site.
A particular challenge was the installation of a number of gantry signs above the roads into the airport – including digital signs to communicate messages to road users.
This was not our first job at Birmingham Airport. We have previously installed a very large sign for Gateway, some post and panel signs, and some banners.
Signs Now has also carried out work for Manchester Airport.
This was a brand new surgery built just outside Bath. We are contacted by the Practise GP, Tina Cottee in 2003. We were called in to advise on the signage requirements both inside and out.
The signage had to be durable, vandal resistant but be in keeping with both the building and the landscaping. Powder coated aluminium freestanding signs were utilised outside along with a set of brushed silver stainless steel letters fixed directly onto the wall outside the entrance. We then provided interior signage on walls and doors throughout
The new building looks great and it was felt that there needed to be a sign at the front that reinforced this impression. This is a locate system where we can supply posts and panel in the same colour and there are no unsightly fixings.
On the wall of the entrance we fitted built-up gold plated letters.
Car parking is at the rear. We installed a post and panel sign giving directions to visitors.
As you come into the centre we fitted clear acrylic signs throughout the building to show the location of departments and specialists within.
A great deal of money was invested in this new medical centre. The doctors and visitors alike have been impressed.
This was a brand new surgery built in Selly Oak in 2008 in an area popular for student accommodation.
The Practise Manager wanted signs that reflected the modern efficient image of the building.
To that end we fitted a vertical sign down the front of the building which allows the practise to be easily seen and found.
In reception we installed an office-tech sign showing a list of the doctors practicing in the centre.
Inside the building we affixed suspended signs from the ceiling to provide direction for visitors.
In reception we fitted a directory system which can be easily amended by the staff in the centre.
On the doors we fitted signs showing where each doctor practices.
For a similar case study you may want to look at the work we did for Rush Hill in Bristol.
Please select your area from the list below
Signs Now Calendar
Signs Now UK Management meeting