We’ve got great news for the UK sign-making community: David Allen will continue as President of the BSGA for another two years, and the entire leadership team remains firmly committed to strengthening and championing our industry.
This decision isn’t just about keeping the ship steady. It’s about building on the momentum created over the past two years and ensuring key initiatives are seen through to completion. The BSGA has made significant progress on several fronts, from raising industry standards to improving member support, and continuity of leadership will help ensure that work continues uninterrupted.
“We all felt like we were just getting started,” said David. “To change now would risk losing the progress we’ve worked so hard to achieve.”
Following the disruption of COVID-19 and subsequent leadership changes, the value of stability and consistency has never been more important. The team is confident in the direction they’re heading, and they’re determined to stay the course.
Why David’s staying on and why that matters
Craig Brown, BSGA Chair, summed up the mood perfectly: “The team has really clicked. Taking a step back now would be a step in the wrong direction.”
With Managing Director Linda Edwards bringing renewed energy and strategic focus to the association, Craig added: “Great things are happening. The chemistry is right, and we’re finally starting to see the positive impact of all the hard work.”
The current leadership group shares a strong sense of purpose and a clear roadmap to elevate the standing of sign-making as a recognised and respected profession.
What’s the vision? Value, training, and raising our industry’s profile
At the heart of the BSGA’s mission is delivering meaningful value to members and raising the profile of sign-making as a skilled trade and professional discipline.
“We’ve lost some ground, and we need to win it back,” said David. “This is about real, practical value, not just what members receive directly, but how our industry is perceived by clients, contractors, and the public.”
One of the association’s biggest priorities is training, including aligning training programs with the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS). The team is actively working on a comprehensive training initiative that will integrate with existing frameworks while addressing significant gaps in the current provision.
“It won’t be quick or easy,” David acknowledged, “but it’s one of the most important things we can do for the future of our trade.”
Alongside training, the BSGA is also investing in building a deeper technical knowledge base for members and helping to educate the wider marketplace, especially signage buyers, about the importance of working with trained professionals.
“Our members produce signage that delivers real business value,” said David. “We want to raise awareness of that and make sure businesses turn to our members first.”
Recognising our value
Linda Edwards highlighted a point that often goes unspoken: sign-making is a specialised and skilled profession, and the industry should be proud of that identity.
“Sometimes we don’t see ourselves as a distinct industry, but we are,” she said. “We’re professionals. We’re experts. And we should never underestimate the value we bring.”
The BSGA’s work continues to focus on three key areas:
- Community – Strengthening networks and creating spaces for collaboration
- Compliance – Expanding technical guidance and standards
- Collaboration – Partnering with other trade bodies to future-proof the industry
Linda also spoke to the complexity of the current training environment. Progress is being made with the existing Level 3 apprenticeship, and the association is also exploring a potential Level 2 pathway to support wider entry into the profession.
“It’s about creating a common language and shared expectations,” she said. “That’s how we build a stronger foundation for the future.”
Getting involved is a two-way street
While the leadership team is driving initiatives forward, they’re calling on the wider sign-making community to actively participate.
“It’s not a one-way street,” Craig emphasised. “We’re all business owners, and we all face similar challenges. But too often, we’re facing them alone.”
He encouraged members to engage with the BSGA, share their views, and make use of the resources available. “If you get involved, you’ll get something out of it every time.”
The BSGA is committed to being more than just a passive association; it aims to be a trusted, responsive resource that sign-makers can rely on for insight, advice, and practical support.
Training, apprenticeships, CSCS: how to get started
If you’re thinking about hiring an apprentice or upskilling your team, Linda’s message is simple: reach out.
“What we offer is tailored support,” she said. “This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you need help navigating training options or advice on the CSCS pathway, we’re here to help.”
Craig added that both Linda and another board member serve as end-point assessors for apprenticeships, so they have firsthand knowledge of what’s expected and where businesses might need extra support.
“We can offer real-world advice on how to guide apprentices, what to watch out for, and how to get the most out of the process.”
And on the ever-complex CSCS issue, Linda issued an open invitation to members:
“If you care about how we solve this, now is the time to get involved. We’re stronger when we work together, and this is going to take a team effort.”
David’s Goals for the Next Two Years
So what’s next for the BSGA?
“I want to see the association take a central role in the CSCS card solution,” David said. “That way, we’re not just responding to change; we’re leading it.”
Ultimately, David’s vision is for the BSGA to become the natural home of the trade.
“I want people to ask, ‘Why wouldn’t I join?’ instead of ‘Why should I?’” he said.
He’s also clear-eyed about the association’s evolving role.
“I’m not fond of the word ‘regulator,’ but let’s be honest, that’s the space we’re entering. And if we do it right, we’ll bring real value and leadership to the industry.”
The message is clear: your leadership team is focused, collaborative, and determined to build a stronger, more recognised future for our trade. With your input and involvement, the BSGA can continue to grow as a force for good in UK sign-making.
Have your say. What do you think of the BSGA’s plans? Let us know how we can support you.