Many businesses, old and new, overlook key parts of creating and installing new signage, which can result in costly last minute changes. We’ve helped our clients through practically every situation that comes with the installation of signs and graphics, so we’ve put together this handy list of 4 key things to remember! 1) Planning permission

Be clear what your planning permission covers

Planning permission is a key part of external signage installation. Not getting planning permission for your new shop fascia or post & panel sign can mean it must be removed if the rules are not followed! An Aberdeen kebab shop recently fell victim to this, when they were ordered to remove their ‘Vegas-style’ animated LED sign as it broke regulations. The owner, who spent a whopping £5,000 on the sign had gained permission for a new sign but failed to notice that the regulations did not allow ‘moving’ signs as to not distract drivers. You can read the full story, and catch a glimpse of the sign in action here: https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/news/local/takeaway-your-sign2/ 2) Placement

Click to see why you should always consider placement...

Signs are an excellent and often cost-effective form of advertising, but a badly placed sign could have a negative effect on your campaign or your brand. Always take note of the other businesses and signs around the area before you install your sign, as there may be a reason why you shouldn't place yours there! For example, this billboard advertisement for a new series of a popular television show, placed around the corner to a funeral care shop is perhaps not the best location. Although, one could argue this is either a badly placed sign, or a tongue-in-cheek, well thought out campaign, perhaps in bad taste. 3) Size

Signs have to be seen to be effective

Something to be considered alongside gaining permission and the placement of your sign or graphics is the size. Incorrect measurements can result in a poorly fitted and unattractive sign that can reflect badly on your business. A sign too small for your shop front, or a graphic that isn’t clearly visible on a van or company car driving past may be overlooked and is not going to have the impact it should. Each of our Signs Express centres can offer expert advice on the correct sizing for your signs and graphics and offer on-site surveys to ensure your signs will be measured correctly. 4) Spelling & Grammar

Always check for rogue apostrophes!

We’ve all spotted that rogue apostrophe that creeps into newly installed signs and graphics on our high street or had a giggle at a misspelt word, but simple mistakes in spelling and grammar on a sign can mean additional costs for businesses new and old! A borough council in Northern Ireland learnt the value of proofreading after promotional material, including billboard signage, window graphics and flyers, had to be reprinted when an apostrophe was spotted in the wrong place. The reprints cost the council, and local taxpayers, an additional £1,200 to correct their mistake which was put down to a simple human error. Read more about this story here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-40878110 It certainly pays to proofread! Here at Signs Express, we have over 25 years’ experience working with clients large and small to design and install their perfect signage solution and we’re pleased to say that none of the signs and graphics featured are ours! Find your local Signs Express centre today for a free no-obligation quote on your new signs and graphics!