Actor and comedian Shaun Williamson, who will host this year’s sign awards.
Entry to this year’s British Sign Awards is now open.
The Awards, now in their seventh year, are designed to highlight the best of British sign making, with awards being presented in 12 categories covering every aspect of the industry, from traditional crafts through large scale architectural signs to the increasing range of wide format graphics produced by sign businesses for interior décor and vehicle liveries.
“The award categories reflect the diversity and creativity of British sign makers and their ability to combine traditional skills with engineering know-how and hi-tech materials and machinery,” said David Catanach, Director of ISA-UK.
“Winning one of the awards should give any business a major boost, both with customers and with staff, and we would encourage all UK sign businesses that have produced work of which they are genuinely proud to enter,” he added. “If you’re not in it, you can’t win it!”
The awards are open to all UK-based sign businesses (membership of ISA-UK is not a requirement) and entry is free. Judging is by a panel of industry experts, to ensure a level playing field for all. The closing date for entries is Friday, September 13th.
Special prize for the winner. Picture shows Trevor Davison (third left) representing Blaze Signs, winners of the 2018 Sign of the Year award, at Sign Expo in Las Vegas. Also pictured (l to r), Mike Quigley (ISA Chairman of the Board), David Catanach (Director ISA-UK), Christine Davison, Rob Lambie (President ISA-UK), Lori Anderson (ISA President & CEO) and Pat Catanach.
There is an extra-special prize for the company selected by the judges to receive the Sign of the Year accolade. A representative of the winning company will be invited to Sign Expo in Florida in 2020 (the prize will include flights and accommodation courtesy of ISA – International Sign Association – following the affiliation of the BSGA to ISA (and subsequent re-branding to ISA-UK).
The winners and shortlisted entries will be revealed at the gala awards ceremony at the Athena Centre in Leicester on Thursday, November 14th, when actor and comedian Shaun Williamson (best known for his roles in Eastenders and Extras) will be the host. Rated at the best industry networking event of the year, the awards ceremony has proved to be both inspirational and very entertaining.
“We’ve stuck with the daytime formula and the central location to give as many people as possible the opportunity to attend,” said David Catanach. “And we have an early bird ticket offer, providing a discount of over 10% to those who book early.” (tickets can be booked via the website).
He paid tribute to the businesses that have sponsored this year’s awards. “We believe that the sponsorship package deliver a real return on investment, but the fact is that without the sponsors the awards could not go ahead and we would like to thank them for their commitment to the industry and support for ISA-UK.
This year’s categories and sponsors include:
Corporate sponsors – Signfab UK, Make it Happen, FirstLite LED (who will present the Sign of the Year Award)
Architectural Sign of the Year – Righton Blackburns
Wide Format Award – Epson
Sign Construction Award – Eurobond Adhesives
Craftsman Award – Trade Etching Direct
Young Sign Maker of the Year – Antalis
Roll-out Programme of the Year – VISM
Decor Award – Drytac
Leisure Sector Award – RMC Digital
Retail Sign of the Year – shopVOX
Vehicle Livery/Wrap Awards – Pyramid Display
European Sign Federation