Tell us about your business. What do you do, who do you work with, and what makes your company unique?
Spandex has been supporting the UK sign and graphics industry for more than 50 years, supplying materials, printers, finishing equipment, software and expertise to sign makers, vehicle wrappers, print service providers and graphics professionals across the country.
What makes us unique is our ability to support the entire production workflow. We offer one of the industry’s broadest product portfolios, supplying leading global brands including 3M, Arlon, Avery Dennison, Orafol and STEK, alongside our own trusted Imageperfect range. This is supported by printers, finishing equipment, software, technical advice, training and business development expertise.
Our heritage is what truly sets us apart. Founded in Bristol in 1976 by Charlie and Mary Dobson, Spandex helped pioneer many of the technologies and products that transformed modern sign making. From introducing some of the world’s first rapid-assembly sign systems and desktop vinyl cutting technology to helping drive the growth of coloured self-adhesive vinyl and digital print, Spandex has been at the forefront of innovation for decades. Many of the products and processes now considered standard across the industry can trace their origins back to developments pioneered by Spandex and its founders.
Today, while the industry has evolved significantly, our purpose remains the same: helping sign and graphics businesses grow by providing the products, knowledge and support they need to succeed.
Why did you become a BSGA member, and what has membership meant to your business?
As a business with deep roots in the UK sign industry, becoming a BSGA member was a natural fit. The BSGA plays a vital role as the leading trade association for the sector, helping to raise standards, promote best practice, support education and training, and provide a collective voice for the industry, all of which aligns closely with our own philosophy.
Spandex has always been committed to supporting sign makers, and our BSGA membership reflects that commitment. We see the association as an important platform for bringing together manufacturers, suppliers and sign businesses to strengthen the visual communications market as a whole.
Membership allows us to stay connected with the challenges and opportunities facing sign makers today while contributing to initiatives that help develop skills, promote professionalism and support future growth across the sector. We are proud to support an organisation that champions the industry and helps ensure it continues to thrive for future generations.
Which project, achievement or milestone are you most proud of, and why does it stand out?
One of our proudest recent achievements has been the success of the Spandex Summit series. Across four events in Glasgow, Leeds, Surrey and Bristol, we welcomed more than 800 customers and industry professionals from across the UK.
The Summits were designed to bring the industry together, showcasing the latest innovations in vehicle wrapping, paint protection film, architectural finishes and signage production, alongside wide format printers from Canon, Epson and Roland. Visitors could also explore finishing solutions from suppliers such as Vivid, including VeloBlade flatbed cutters and EasyMount laminators, as well as ONYX software, all available through the Spandex hardware division.
Working alongside many of the industry’s leading manufacturers and brands, we created opportunities for visitors to see new technologies first-hand, gain practical insights and connect with fellow professionals.
What made the events particularly special was the sense of community they created. Bringing together customers, suppliers, manufacturers and industry experts under one roof reflected everything that makes the sign and graphics sector unique: innovation, collaboration and a willingness to share knowledge.
The success of the Summits reinforced something we’ve believed for more than 50 years: when the industry comes together to learn, network and exchange ideas, everyone benefits. The events reflected the same values that sit at the heart of the BSGA, making them a milestone we are incredibly proud of.