By David Allen, President of the BSGA
On behalf of the British Sign and Graphics Association, we would like to formally recognise and thank David Derbyshire as he steps down from his role within the Association.
David has been a valued and highly respected member of the BSGA Council since 2016. He served as President from 2017 to 2019 and, more recently, as Technical Chair, where he played a central role in shaping the Association’s technical direction and standards work.
We first met David at his initial Council meeting in Leicester, and it was immediately clear that he brought a genuine passion for the industry and a strong commitment to raising standards.
Over time, he became instrumental in a wide range of Association initiatives, including the development of the Best Practice Guide, the Knowledge Hub series, and wider technical governance work across the sector. David is also Chair of the BSI CPL/34/11 Electric Signs Committee, which oversees the BS 559 series.
Within the BSGA, David has made a significant contribution to the development and practical application of industry standards, helping to strengthen clarity, consistency and safety across the signage and graphics sector. His work has ensured that guidance remains both technically robust and grounded in real world industry practice.
On a personal note, we have been fortunate to work closely with David on a number of these initiatives and have benefited from his experience, knowledge and guidance.
He has also played an important role in supporting professional development across the industry, contributing to apprenticeship and occupational standards frameworks. In addition, he serves as one of a small number of Independent End Point Assessors through SIAS, helping to maintain consistent standards in apprenticeship assessment across the UK.
David’s contribution has been defined by strong technical insight, sound judgement, and a consistent commitment to best practice, with a clear focus on improving standards and supporting the long term professionalism of our industry.
On behalf of the Council and our wider membership, we would like to thank David for all he has contributed. He leaves with our genuine appreciation and respect, having made a real and lasting impact on the BSGA and the wider industry.
We wish him every success for the future.