David Derbyshire is one of the BSGA’s longest-standing members. In this article he introduces himself and tells us about his career, his association with the BSGA and an overview of the Technical Committee.
40 years in Sign
Over four decades, I transitioned from a traditional sign writer to managing a large-scale fabrication company. In this time, I witnessed firsthand the technological and regulatory shifts in the signage industry.
This experience gives me a unique ability to navigate complex fabrication processes, understand material science in signage, and integrate emerging digital technologies. This extensive background enables me to provide real-world insights to other BSGA members, particularly in complex project management, compliance with evolving technical standards and solving fabrication challenges.
Together with my colleagues at the BSGA, we leverage a collective wealth of knowledge to offer solutions rooted in decades of practical and technical experience.
Personal Growth Through the BSGA
Being involved in the BSGA has significantly broadened my understanding of technical standards related to signage and graphics, such as British Standards (BS559). This includes familiarity with evolving health and safety regulations, material testing, and fabrication techniques, all critical for maintaining industry excellence.
Participation in the BSGA has connected me with leading structural engineering, materials science, and digital signage innovation experts. This network enhances my technical knowledge and fosters collaboration across different sectors of the signage industry.
My leadership role within the association has allowed me to refine my abilities in managing cross-disciplinary teams, leading technical committees, and driving strategic initiatives to address industry-wide challenges.
Technical Committee’s Work and Resource Development
The Technical Committee is crucial in drafting and updating compliance documents, such as BS 559-1:2023 Design, Manufacture & Installation of signs. We review BS 50107-1 and 3 relating to Low Voltage & High Voltage Installations and many other standards that fall under the umbrella of signage manufacturing, such as BS EN 1090 – Structural requirements, BS 7671 IET wiring regulations.
We focus on technical precision, ensuring that these resources align with current legislation and future-proofed against upcoming regulatory changes. These documents provide technical guidance on materials, structural integrity, safety compliance, and sustainability.
Standardising compliance requirements enables members to navigate technical and regulatory challenges confidently. The documents act as an authoritative source for ensuring that signage installations meet legal requirements and industry best practices.
European Sign Federation