Small is beautiful

One of the most important prizes to be presented at this year’s British Sign Awards is the trophy for the Small Sign Business of the Year.

The award, which is supported by Current by GE, is open to any sign business employing five people or less and recognises that by far the greatest part of the sign industry is made up of smaller businesses.  It is also an acknowledgement that these businesses offer their customers a vast range of creative and practical capabilities.

“We created the award to provide smaller businesses with an opportunity to win recognition for the outstanding work they do,” said Ray Hirst, who organises the awards in association with ISA-UK (formerly the BSGA).  “We felt that many small businesses might avoid entering because they might not have the confidence to go up against the bigger sign makers.

“The Small Sign Business category gives them the opportunity to compete against similar sized businesses and we would encourage any smaller business – whether a one-man band or a signmaker with a small team – to enter their best work.  Winning or even being shortlisted can give a business a real kick start, impressing both present and future customers and, even if they’re not interested in expansion, it delivers huge bragging rights and enormous satisfaction.”

Entering the awards is free and easy and is open to all UK signmakers (membership of ISA-UK is not a requirement).  “We ask entrants to submit a representative selection of work completed over the past year – say three or four projects together with a brief written summary and, of course, good quality images,” said Ray Hirst.  “Judging is by a panel of industry experts who are totally independent of ISA-UK to ensure a level playing field for all.

“Previous winners of the award have demonstrated the incredible versatility and capabilities of smaller sign business, with entries including everything from traditional shopfronts, through complex interiors and vehicle wraps to hand crafted signs. We are looking forward to more of the same this year.”

The Small Sign Business category is one of thirteen awards which will be presented at the Gala Awards Ceremony in Leicester on November 14th.

Full details of all the awards, including judging criteria and entry forms, can be found on the awards website – www.britishsignawards.org.  Closing date for receipt of entries is Friday, September 13.