It’s been six years since William Smith last threw open the doors of its Barnard Castle HQ, and this October the wait is over. On Thursday 16th October, signmakers from across the UK will head north for the company’s “Beyond the Surface” Open Day and the BSGA will be there to listen to members, share insights, and champion the industry.
For Craig Brown, Chairman at the BSGA and Linda Edwards, managing director at the BSGA, the event is about more than new products or glossy demonstrations. It’s a chance to connect.
“The real value of days like this is the conversations,” says Craig. “Yes, you’ll see some brilliant innovation – films, wraps, tools – but you’ll also get to talk to the people behind them. You get that honesty and openness that you don’t always get at a busy trade show.”
Visitors can expect product zones spanning everything from vehicle wraps and architectural films to safety materials and chevron kits. Live demonstrations will feature brands like 3M, Avery Dennison, Arlon, Contra Vision, and William Smith’s own VION range. Add in factory tours, hands-on workshops, and a seminar line-up tackling both trends and business strategy, and it’s clear this isn’t just another open day.
Linda says that’s what makes it special, “It’s very hands-on and very real. You get to see how things actually work, and that makes it easier to imagine how you could apply them in your own business. It’s a great space to share knowledge, both with the suppliers and with other sign-makers.”
The day finishes with a casino night at Barnard Castle Cricket Club, which Linda says is just as valuable as the daytime sessions: “It’s about community as much as it is about products. You learn a lot during the day, then you carry on those conversations in the evening but in a more relaxed way.”
For the BSGA, taking part in events like this is central to its mission. Craig explains: “Our role is to connect the industry. By being at Barnard Castle, we can listen to what matters to sign-makers, feed that back, and help ensure their voice is heard. That’s what being part of a trade body is about.”
Want to join?
The William Smith Open Day takes place on Thursday 16th October, 9.30am–4pm. Booking is required via Eventbrite.