Leading full-service provider of traditional and digital signage solutions Astra Group has been recognised at the UK Graphics Awards.
The national awards, hosted at The Hilton Metropole in Birmingham, are the biggest night in the UK wide-format print calendar. They recognise the talent and creativity that goes into producing the most exceptional projects in the country, and the impact of these on the broader commercial and social community.
Astra Group was awarded Silver in the prestigious annual event’s Hospitality and Leisure category for its work with the UK’s largest indoor entertainment arena, Co-op Live.
The contract, awarded in 2022 and spanning over two years, saw Astra Group tasked with designing, manufacturing and installing all exterior, infinity mirror, neon graphic, and large format LED Displays at the arena, contributing to the overall aesthetic and functional excellence of the landmark venue.
Speaking on the business’s success, Astra Group CEO, Jim Kerr, said: “This was a unique and complex brief brilliantly executed by the team, who drew on their collective extensive graphic design, production and installation expertise to deliver a suite of products that fulfilled Co-op Live’s requirements to the highest of possible standards.
“To see this work recognised at this prestigious event and amongst so many industry peers is fantastic. It’s a win not just for Astra Group but for Co-op Live to whom we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks for entrusting us with this world-class signage project.”
Holly Watson, Head of Marketing at Co-op Live, added: “What a fantastic win for everyone involved! The innovative signage solutions from Astra Group went above and beyond, blending high quality design, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology. The final result is absolutely stunning and built to last. We’re so happy to collaborate and see the incredible work of the team recognised!”
The graphic signage brief, one of four components within Astra Group’s contract, saw the Manchester headquartered business required to consider a number of complexities. These included the varying substrates of the building including brick, block and concrete, which necessitated a versatile and adaptive material to be used, and the evolving nature of the venue, which required all graphics to be easily and cleanly removed. In-keeping with Co-op Live’s vision to be the most sustainable arena in Europe, the graphics were designed and produced using the latest innovative and environmentally friendly materials.
Astra Group expertly navigated all, harnessing the latest innovative materials and the business’s industry-leading technical expertise to create a visually impactful and functional environment fitting with one of Europe’s most prominent indoor arenas.
Astra Group is a leader in producing innovative visual solutions for a wide variety of sectors including travel and transportation, hospitality, retail, leisure, stadia, and international events.
Recent projects include working with Co-op Live to design, manufacture and install all exterior, neon graphic, infinity mirror and large format LED Displays; Manchester City to deliver their new Large Format LED Displays in City Square; Manchester International Festival to deliver the signage throughout its new Aviva Studios home; Arnold Clark with whom it has worked into new business sectors, and Out of Home media partners such as Global with whom Astra Group continues to deliver both with Transport environments Large Format Roadside Advertising Displays.
UK and international clients include BT, Manchester Airport Group, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Bowmer & Kirkland, NHS, Gino Restaurants, Manchester City Football Club, Samsung, Gatwick Airport, Skechers, Global, JCDecaux, easyJet, Alight Media, Arnold Clark, and Unilever.
European Sign Federation