Two of the country’s leading sign manufacturers, who are undergoing growth nationally, have been recognised at the industry’s top awards.
Astley, which is based at Team Valley in Gateshead, and Northamptonshire-based Sign of the Times walked away with four accolades at the British Sign and Graphics Association (BSGA) Awards. The awards recognise the best companies and individuals within the signage industry and come following Astley’s acquisition of Sign of the Times.
The two brands, which came together in 2016, have remained individual, however because of the services they offer are able to provide clients with a fully integrated package under a ‘two brands, one solution’ approach.
Astley, which designs, manufactures and installs signs for national brands such as BP, Sainsbury’s and Hilton, won in the Illuminated Sign of the Year category for their production of the Tyne Bridge’s Great North Run sign, whilst also winning in the Rollout Programme of the Year for their BP contract across the UK. Astley is also extremely proud of its apprentice Ian Dixon for being shortlisted as Young Signmaker of the Year.
David Forrester, Sales Director at Astley, said: “These awards are highly regarded within the signage industry and our success really does emphasise the strengths and diversity of Astley and Sign of the Times.
“Our acquisition of Sign of the Times has really complemented the services offered by Astley and has put both companies in a significantly stronger position to grow our portfolio. Walking away with four awards shows that our approach of ‘two brands, one solution’ is working.
“I really want to give special mention to our apprentice Ian, who was shortlisted in the Young Signmaker of the Year category. Ian was recruited as part of our commitment to bringing the best young talent into the business and has proved a real asset to Astley as he continues on his apprenticeship.”
Sign of the Times, which specialises in producing creative custom displays and experiential environments for design and branding agencies, won in both the Craftsman and Innovation of the Year categories for their work as production partners for Acrylicize, on the production and installation of the Piccadilly Lamps in Manchester.
The five over-sized, illuminated lamps and surrounding building graphics adopted many traditional and cutting-edge processes, creating a unique space that continues to draw in the crowds.
Darren Roughton, Managing Director of Sign of the Times, said: “We are extremely proud of what has been achieved by the teams at both companies, and these awards acknowledge the dedication and hard work our employees demonstrate on a daily basis.
“To be shortlisted at an event like this, which recognises the best of the best from the signage industry, is an achievement in itself, but to win two awards and be part of our partner Astley’s success too is a real indication that what we’re doing is working.”
The wins at the BSGA Awards completes a busy year for the companies, who launched the ‘two brands, one solution’ approach at their first joint exhibition at the Retail Design Expo in May. Both Astley and Sign of the Times continue to share expertise, knowledge of the signage industry and in-house capabilities, maximising opportunities across the UK and fulfilling contracts together in order to fully make the most of the benefits of the partnership.