Vinyl Pros Issue 2

TOP TIPS FOR BEING MORE SUSTAINABLE IN PRINT

HOW TO UP YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA GAME

Why Japan is 20 years ahead in ARCHITECTURAL WRAPPING

Vinyl in the background with

NEON CREATIONS

KITCHEN WRAPPING

26-27 April 2023 | Silverstone, UK

Dedicated event for the vehicle wrapping, vinyl installation and car detailing community

Wrap specialists can immerse themselves in a unique event to explore the latest product innovations from leading industry brands, connect and exchange ideas with industry peers, plus access a host of valuable content from our Pit-Garage Demos and Wrap Talks sessions.

FIND OUT MORE AND BOOK YOUR TICKET AT WWW.WRAP-FEST.COM FOR ENTRY DISCOUNT, USE PROMO CODE WPFA305

Organised by

Letter from

the editor

To everybody’s surprise, January seemed to be a booming month for everything vinyl related. Some of the Vinyl Pros community are booked up until the end of April, which is a testament to the quality of their work and loyal customer bases.

A special thanks goes out to Neon Creations, who you’ll see on the front cover this month. Using vinyl to create artwork behind their showstopping genuine neon signs is a craft you must see up close and personal to understand the complexity of the skillset required. After 17 years in business, they’re still navigating their way around the many misconceptions surrounding neon.

If you’re working with architectural film, don’t miss our interview with an expert all the way from the USA, Brent Williams. After more than 40 years of working with this product, he shares his prediction of how this relatively new phenomenon is going to experience rapid growth across Europe and the UK in the coming years.

Oxford and Leicester were both on our hit list of visits this month as we visited Dan Heaton from D27 Vinyl Wrapping and Sam Armstrong from Make it Happen Signage Consultancy. Dan turned a hobby into a thriving kitchen wrapping business postlockdown and has recently moved into a new unit to keep up with the demand in his local area. Meanwhile, in Leicester, Sam gave us a rundown of the workshops on offer at Make It Happen and the exclusive news that their popular Sustainability Bootcamp will be running in

partnership with Leeds-based Imageco to offer training in two locations. As coincidence would have it, Imageco’s Managing Director, Nathan Swinson Bullough contributes to Vinyl Pros this month with his top tips for becoming more sustainable in print. As FESPA’s Sustainable Director, he is ahead of the curve in sustainable journeys. If becoming greener as a business is on your agenda for 2023, joining FESPA will give you the insight you need to succeed.

Some of our featured projects include a high-profile football club, an entire building rebrand, an exterior building wrap and Blackpool Zoo’s washroom refurbishment. If this isn’t proof that the industry is flourishing, I don’t know what is.

- Rosie Christie

4 Ones to Watch

ONES TO WATCH

IMAGE WINDOW TINTING

@imagewindowtintingwigan

When you’re offering a lifetime guarantee on your work, you have something to be confident about. And yet, that comes as standard when you book in with Image Window Tinting. Owner Simon Denver and his team also offer full and part wraps, vehicle graphics, headlight tints and dechroming.

FLAIR SIGNS

@flair.signs

From their newly launched online shop to the signage and vehicle graphics that have gained them a huge following, Flair Signs cater for all their customer’s branding and advertising needs. Their vehicle wrapping can be seen all over Liverpool and beyond, with eye-catching designs to ensure their customers stand out from the crowd.

ASTRA SIGNS

@astrasigns

Finalists at The Sign Awards 2023, Astra Signs’ clientele is a testament to the quality of the work they produce. Bursting with technical expertise and thoroughly understanding their client’s needs, Astra Signs deliver complimentary signage designs using a wide range of materials.

ELLIS SIGNS

@ellissigns

If you haven’t seen a timelapse from Ellis Signs, we suggest you go and take a look. From attaching LEDs to adding washers and applying vinyl, they’ve documented a part of every process involved in creating a sign. This North East based company specialise in bespoke signage solutions and is approaching 40 years in business.

OMNIA VINYL

@omniavinyl

With the popularity of lift wrapping increasing at a rapid rate, 3M Endorsed Installers Omnia Vinyl are ahead of the trend. Using architectural film to give their clients a lift refurbishment at a huge cost saving to their clients, owners Richard and Gareth have been offering this solution since 2014.

GRAFX @grafxuk

Founded in 2010 by co-owners Charlie and Andrew Potts, Grafx has continually grown year after year. Wrapping vehicles up to 18 tonnes, Grafx counts horseboxes and boats as some of their projects including a wide range of motorsport livery. You’ll find everything from colour changes to creative signage if you give them a follow.

POPPY SIGNS

@poppysignsltd

If you’ve passed through Lancashire, the chances are you’ve seen Poppy Signs work. Everything is manufactured in-house in their custom-built facility, and they provide a turnkey solution for their clients. Every day brings something new to this team; fleet wrapping one day and a hoarding install the next. Poppy Signs promise variety to your feed.

WRAPT INTERIORS @wrapt_interiors

Portsmouth-based Wrapt have used architectural film to transform offices, cafes, walls and even tables in The Shard. Headed up by Ben Morris, the team at Wrapt offer interior wrapping solutions for both commercial and residential projects.

There’s a course for you!

Whether you’re looking to expand your business, brush up on your application skills, improve your sales and marketing pitching, or just fancy a taster for the products and opportunities in an exciting and innovative marketplace, we are the Academy for you.

Make it Happen Signage Consultancy joins FESPA UK

and looks forward to ongoing collaborations.

Make it Happen has recently joined FESPA UK, a federation of trade associations and an organiser of exhibitions and conferences for the screen printing and digital printing industry.

The move complements its existing alliance with the International Sign Association (ISA UK), of which founder Sam Armstrong currently stands as President.

Sam comments, "At Make it Happen, we have delivered our Signage Bootcamp and On the Frontline training to over 3000 delegates combined. Many of these have large format print activities within their businesses." Sam goes on to say, "The move opens up further opportunities to learn, co-create and develop solutions to industry challenges that ultimately benefit those working in the Signage, Print & Display sectors. We are delighted to have had such a warm welcome from Suzi and the FESPA team and look forward to exciting times ahead!"

Early 2023 collaborations have seen FESPA UK’s Managing Director Suzi Ward and Creative Coordinator Jay Burfield attend one of the consultancy’s one-day Signage Bootcamps, to glimpse first-hand what FESPA members might expect from the day. Suzi says, "It was great to get a better understanding of the challenges that sign makers face when undertaking projects. The day was really beneficial, and we think our members could take a lot of knowledge away from the courses."

Further to this FESPA UK will be featuring details about Make it Happen’s Sustainability Bootcamp on their Responsible Print website, an online resource to help its members to future-proof their businesses.

Suzi Ward, Managing Director at FESPA comments: "We are thrilled to be welcoming Make it Happen to our community. The work we have been doing with our waste management accreditation sits nicely alongside their sustainability workshops meaning together we can help to guide printers and sign makers throughout the UK, how to become more responsible with their waste and choice of materials, without it costing them the earth."

ABOUT MAKE IT HAPPEN

Make it Happen is an exclusive resource for the signage and display industry, providing product sales, workshops and consultancy.

Established in 2016, our mission is to expand on current knowledge and encourage new ideas and practices to enhance the services our clients provide. Our Vision is to connect the signage and display industry at all levels. Put simply, we Make it Happen.

Founder, Sam Armstrong, currently stands as president of ISA UK and has recently been shortlisted as a finalist for ‘Industry Champion’ at the 2023 UK Sign Awards. Make it Happen will celebrate its 7th birthday this February.

More information about Make it Happen’s oneday workshops can be found on their website: www.makeih.co.uk/training

Details about FESPA UK’s new Accredited Waste Management Scheme can be found here: https://www.fespauk.com/waste-management

For further information or images please email Aimee Davies, aimee@makeih.co.uk or call 07821 635632

SIGN & DIGITAL UK 2023: BACK FOR A CELEBRATION OF SIGNAGE

Sign & Digital UK (SDUK) returns to the NEC Birmingham from 21st to 23rd March 2023. The floor plan is growing fast, with some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Roland DG, Epson UK, Premier, Hexis UK, Vivid Laminating Technologies and swissQprint, signed up. There will also be a host of familiar, and maybe not so familiar, exhibitors ready and waiting to welcome visitors from across the sign and large-format digital printing world.

This show remains the UK’s only exhibition dedicated to the sign and digital display market. Event director, Jenny Matthew, says, "Last year we had a great show, even though the country was just getting used to the idea of getting out again. However, this year promises to be a no-holds-barred celebration of all that is good and great

Source: www.signuk.com

in the wonderful world of sign-making and large-format digital printing. I have spoken to many people who say that SDUK 2023 will be their first opportunity to see the latest technology and innovation for several years, and they can’t wait. And neither can we!"

As well as a broad and diverse range of exhibitors, SDUK is running a series of features designed to educate and inform sign-makers of all shapes, sizes and experience levels. The ever-popular UK Wrap Battle 2023, hosted by HEXIS, will run throughout the show, giving visitors a rare chance to see the very best of the vehicle wrapping profession as they demonstrate their skills in a battle of speed and accuracy to claim the title of Best UK Installer 2023.

ARCHITECTURAL FILM MARKET IS POISED FOR GROWTH

The global Architectural Film market is poised for growth in the coming years, driven by rising demand for energy-efficient and eco-friendly building materials. The increasing focus on sustainability and energy efficiency in construction and architecture is expected to drive the growth of the architectural film market in the coming years.

Key Drivers:

•

•

•

Rising demand for energy-efficient and eco-friendly building materials. Increasing construction and renovation activities: The construction industry is growing globally, leading to an increase in the demand for architectural films.

There is a growing awareness among architects and builders about the advantages of using architectural films

Source: www.digitaljournal.com

HYBRID TO PRESENT LATEST MIMAKI TECHNOLOGY AT SIGN & DIGITAL UK

Mimaki’s exclusive distributor for the UK and Ireland, Hybrid Services, is to use its prime position at the entrance to the upcoming Sign & Digital UK exhibition to show a broad selection of the latest solutions from the Japanese technology manufacturer.

With an unrivalled line-up of products ranging from production solvent printers to the latest full colour 3D printing systems, visitors will be able to view new machines and applications, as well as discuss the opportunities they create with the Hybrid team on the stand.

"Mimaki’s huge range of solutions present businesses with multiple opportunities to expand, diversify and develop their printing capabilities," states Duncan Jefferies, Hybrid’s head of marketing and business development. "We’ll have some exciting new hardware for visitors to get up close to, and we very much look forward to discussing the significant potential it offers their companies."

Visitors will be able to view two of the three, recently introduced Mimaki 330 Series printers. Featured on the stand are both the dedicated solvent print only JV330-160, and its integrated solvent printer/cutter sibling, the CJV330. Also available as the dye sublimation-specific TS330-1600, the three models share a common 1.6m platform, offering high performance and productivity, coupled with ease of use.

A pair of multi-award winning flatbed UV printers at opposite ends of the size spectrum will also be on show, with the A2/ A3 format UJF Series displayed alongside the best-selling JFX200-2513EX 8’ x 4’ model. Both offer trademark print quality for direct to substrate printing, with the UJF leading the way in the small format arena, and the JFX being the goto option for print providers producing large format signage, graphics and décor.

Mimaki’s ground-breaking full colour 3D printer – along with numerous samples that demonstrate its commercial and creative capabilities, will also be presented at Sign & Digital UK. "Mimaki’s move into the 3D printing sector has generated substantial interest," continues Jefferies. "The 3DUJ-2207 is a unique proposition with its comparatively low cost of entry breaking the barriers to this extremely creative sector. Offering a powerful solution to teaching establishments, architects, TV and props creators, gaming companies and other creative businesses, the output has to be seen to be believed, and we’ll have a wide array of full colour 3D printed models for visitors to view."

In addition, the Hybrid stand will feature further printers and cutters from Mimaki’s Sign & Graphics range, including popular solvent and UV roll-fed models such as the UCJV300160, a 1.6m LED UV printer/cutter offering considerable creative opportunities, and two models from the entry level 100 Series – the UJV100-160 1.6m UV printer and the JV100-160 solvent printer.

"Sign & Digital UK is the ideal opportunity for businesses to research the very latest printing technology and we look forward to the suite of Mimaki solutions on the Hybrid stand being at the very heart of the show," Jefferies concludes.

Full details of all the Mimaki products at Sign & Digital UK can be found by visiting hybridservices.co.uk or calling 01270 501900.

Visitors to Sign & Digital UK will be able to see a wide array of full colour 3D printed models produced on the Mimaki 3DUJ-2207

The Mimaki CJV330-160 solvent printer/cutter is one of a number of Mimaki’s sign and graphics products to feature on the Hybrid stand at Sign & Digital UK 2023

FROST BRANDING SOLUTIONS

PROJECT: ME GROUP REBRAND

Project Overview:

CLIENT: ME GROUP

ME Group, an international market leader in automated self service equipment, were operating out of a buidling that was not reflecting their forward thinking, company vision, or the whole ethos of the brand. We worked closely with their in-house design team to bring a sense of vibrancy, style, and fun to the building, making it an inviting place to visit and work. The project took place over a period of 4-5 weeks and multiple installers were utilised, all with different areas of expertise. Over the course of the project, approximately 500m of vinyl was used internally, as well as externally.

What was the outcome?

The outcome was a complete revitalisation of the on-site experience. Blank walls were transformed using modern, colourful, and informative wall graphics. Window films were used to refresh bland offices and partitions. The whole outside of the building was upgraded to give a striking appearance to anyone passing by. The project was not limited to vinyl alone, bespoke 3D illuminated lettering and tray signage was installed to furter enhance the building’s emergence as a new landmark in Epsom.

PULSE BRAND SOLUTIONS

PROJECT: BLACKPOOL ZOO

CLIENT: FLUSH WASHROOMS

"We

"We were recommended the services of Frost Branding Solutions when we were exploring the options available to modernise and refurbish our HQ in Epsom, Surrey. From the initial consultation to the grand unveiling, Frost and their professional team exceeded our expectations"”

FEATURED

Project Overview:

Our client asked to use some images that they sent to us to produce something eye-catching for the washrooms at Blackpool Zoo. This project was turned around in two weeks from concept to installation and the entire job was completed by a single installer. We used 3M IJ180 printable film with matt laminate for this project

2-week turn around

What was the outcome?

On-brand graphics have completely transformed the washrooms at Blackpool Zoo. The install was completed within the timeframe specified and within the client’s budget, making this the perfect example of our flexibility and depth of capabilities. We even use HP latex inks to reduce our environmental footprint, in perfect harmony with the zoo’s ethos.

CLIENT: ME GROUP

now have a HQ we can be very proud of and moreover our staff love working out of our new office design"”

500M OF VINYL

ORANGE QUARTER LTD

PROJECT: PRAVHA WALL WRAP

Project Overview:

CLIENT: BEACH EVENT SOLUTIONS (SMILE BAR AND VENUE)

This project was printed on MacTac WW100 pro. This is a 55 micron thick cast vinyl with a very high tac adhesive, purpose made for brick/wall wraps. The print media is then laminated with an Avery cast matt laminate. This product has a 5 year manufacturer’s warranty. Smile’s 22m x 3.5m wall also had half a day’s work spent on it for preparation of the surface (jet wash and soap scrub). The phrase ‘fail to prepare, prepare to fail’ certainly comes into context with an application like this.

This product is essentially installed in 2 phases:

Phase 1 (30% of the job) - Getting the prints on the wall

This is the easy part! Installing each 1260mm wide drop onto the surface if the brick is fairly straightforward. We were working with a 20mm overlap and keeping registration of each join in close monitoring for accuracy.

Phase 2 (70% of the job) - Heating the product into the recesses

This is the laborious part! Every square inch of vinyl needs heating into the mortar recesses, nooks and crannies. This is done with a semi-dense foam roller. The print media then needs to be post heated between 90-100 degrees C with further rolling. This effectively ‘resets’ the materials memory to eliminate the media from ‘popping’ out of the recesses, further down the line.

What was the outcome?

A very happy customer, with a growing working relationship made from this initial install.

PROJECTS

LAST INTERIORS

PROJECT: ARSENAL FC DRESSING ROOM

Project Overview:

CLIENT: ARSENAL FC

After 16 years without a refurbishment, the changing rooms at Arsenal FC were in desperate need of something new. The Cover Styl’ range was selected in the club’s colours. Before any installation took place, it was essential to complete preparation works on the surfaces to ensure they were suitable for wrapping. This project took place over a three week timescale.

What was the outcome?

As expected, wrapping the slatted seating was the most time consuming part of this project. Nonetheless, Last Interiors were able to get the project over the line before the team returned to their home games, and importantly, kept within the client’s budget. Cover Styl’ range used

Printed on MacTac WW100 pro

Top Tips FOR BECOMING SUSTAINABLE IN PRINT

Nathan Swinson Bullough Managing Director of Imageco Fespa UK Head of Sustainability

MORE

Sustainability has become a global focus, and everybody is becoming more aware of the environmental impact they’re making. Organisations are becoming hot on reducing their carbon footprint and are taking it much more seriously than a few years ago when a box-ticking exercise of creating a sustainability policy was left in an unopened folder. This directly affects you. The supply chain is expected to follow suit and adopt more environmentally aware practices.

Imageco, one of the UK’s leading companies in the wide-format print and signage sector has one of the largest sustainable product portfolios. Their director, Nathan Swinson Bullough, who also sits on the board of directors for Fespa UK as their sustainable advisor, outlines how we can all take steps towards a more sustainable future.

EDUCATION

Without understanding the problem, it’s difficult to try to make changes. Any business or those leading it wanting to become more sustainable needs to have the desire to change for the greater good and not be using it as a marketing ploy. To build on your knowledge, ditch your usual TV shows and start watching documentaries or reading books focused on sustainability. This way you will understand the problems being faced and how every individual has a part to play and can make a difference.

SIMPLE WINS

MATERIAL CHOICES

This is how I started our journey at Imageco. We looked at what materials were out there and evaluated whether a sustainable alternative could be used. Switching to a more sustainable choice may cost nothing. Look specifically for PVC-free options, paper-based options for rigid substrates or recycled fabrics. There is a whole world of innovative, sustainable products out there.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Make use of quick wins: conserve energy, turn off lights, recycle, and don’t fill the kettle up to the top to make a single brew. It sounds obvious but it’s basic things that cost very little that can make all the difference. You can also make more sustainable choices in your own life, for example, put on a hoody rather than cranking the heating up and what you eat can make a huge difference.Agriculture is one of the big CO2 bad guys. With meat accounting for nearly 60% of all greenhouse gases from food production, even cutting out a little bit can be a big help. 3

Most of us will be paying for waste management anyway, so choose a supplier with a zero-landfill policy. Look into how your waste is separated, invest in a baller to condense waste and send it to be recycled. Not everything can be recycled so ensure you carefully consider what can be and segregate this accordingly.

ENERGY

If you can, investigate switching to a renewable contract, or better still, consider whether you could be generating your own energy! Investing in solar energy is a great way to do this, panels can be fixed anywhere facing the sun, and can even be installed off-site. You can also look at battery storage as an option to preserve additional energy A source of renewable energy can also mean you can power the likes of electric vehicles without taking energy from the grid.

KIT CHOICE

New print kit is designed with sustainability in mind (some more than others). Look at your ink type, can you use water-based or green guard certs? Another tip would be to ask questions to your suppliers about predicted energy consumption from machinery.

SMART TECHNOLOGY AND VOLTAGE OPTIMISATION

Having an audit completed on your existing machinery can help to show how efficient they are, older gear can often use much more energy than some of the newer kit. If you have a large factory, a good way to become more efficient could be to implement voltage optimisation, this will allow you to only use the energy that you need, avoiding wastage and meaning you can lower both your CO2 and costs.

WORK SMARTER

Plan ahead, can work be nested with other jobs that are further down the line? Nesting jobs is often more efficient and can save you lots of material, time, and money. You can utilise nesting software to develop more efficient workflows. You can invest in ink profiling or get a consultant to help profile machines. Correct colour profiles can reduce the amount of ink used on any one print and save on both ink usage and money over the year.

ADVISORY SUPPORT

Investigate your environmental standards, and have an auditor come and advise on changes that can be made that you may not see. All the above can be daunting and difficult in everyday working life so it is helpful to get an expert’s advice. Set some time aside internally to advise staff on what you have learnt so everyone is getting the same level of understanding. Making use of environmental standards will seal your commitment to sustainability and show new and existing clients that you are serious about changing for the better.

KEEP IT UP!

The effort to become greener doesn’t end, it is continuous! Join Fespa UK and make the most of the support we offer. We are here to help improve our industry, we are all learning and together we can all make a difference.

OFFSETTING & CARBON REPORTING

Look at offsetting schemes, planting trees doesn’t solve the bigger problems, but it’s a positive thing to do. Our industry takes its toll on the environment so it’s good to give something back. There are many ways to give something back to the environment and many schemes out there. If you’re ever lacking inspiration, look at what brands such as Patagonia and 1% for the Planet have done.

BACKGROUND

After an interview with a signage company in 1989, Tony began to learn the unique skill of bending glass to make neon signs. Naively believing it wouldn’t take very long to master, Tony spent much longer than anticipated becoming an expert in his field. "I’d say it takes at least five years to learn how to do this job properly. It’s a long time, but if you really want to do something, you will,"he observes. It was another 16 years before Neon Creations came to be, with Tony and Catherine, who previously worked in marketing, bringing their areas of expertise together to grow a thriving business.

Despite working in the same unit together, the roles at Neon Creations are clearly defined. Catherine, who previously worked in marketing, has never bent a piece of glass. Not for a lack of trying on Tony’s part, I sense. After all these

Don’t be fooled by the unassuming exterior of Bolton’s Swan Lane Mill. Inside the former cotton mill and Grade II listed building is a treasure trove of mixed-media artwork, with prominent neon designs, handmade by the Neon Creations team. Every glance around their unit reveals another eye-catching arrangement; backgrounds of vinyl, wood, acrylic, metal, concrete, UV-lit fluorescent paint, and artificial foliage all showcase the main event – true neon.

Whilst their team got to work bending glass to create their bespoke pieces for the week, Neon Creations owners Tony and Catherine Spink welcomed me in, showed me around their colourful displays and shared their experience of being one of only a handful of genuine neon sign makers in the UK.

years in business, he does concede that their strengths are in different areas. Immeasurably passionate about his craft, Tony would rather be in the workshop, working on new designs and creatively displaying his ideas than answering emails and leading social media campaigns. Catherine’s marketing background has served Neon Creations well, from organically growing huge followings on social platforms to securing loyal customers, her role in the business is instrumental to their success. With each partner taking ownership of the different areas of business, the trust between the two is apparent. "A lot of people say you shouldn’t work with your partner, but I don’t think it’s a bad thing. You’ve both got the same end goal and you’re heading in the same direction. As long as you trust each other, it can work out perfectly," Tony says.

CLIENTELE

The importance of knowing your target market is not to be underestimated. Tony and Catherine know exactly who their potential customers are, and it isn’t everybody. "People who want a cheap illuminated sign aren’t our market," Tony says. "People who appreciate the craft and quality of neon, who want the real deal, that’s who we work with." Catherine adds, "we know that neon is a luxury item but the time involved and quality that goes out means it’s well worth it if you have the budget." There certainly appears to be enough customers who have been wowed by the craftmanship. Football players, chart toppers, YouTubers, popular TV programmes, broadcasting networks and international brands like Gymshark and BooHoo make up some of their impressively extensive client list. It’s not something Tony takes for granted. "We pinch ourselves, sometimes we look at the people and brands we’ve worked with and think ‘how did that happen?’

BUSINESS CHALLENGES

The rise of CEO celebrities like Steven Bartlett started a new trend. Workplaces are no longer uninspiring and grey, and there is a much greater focus on employee well-being with many of the Manchester-based locations that Neon Creations have produced signs for opting for more luxurious surroundings than before. For the last few years, Catherine says she has proactively focused all her efforts on working with the interior designers and agencies that design these spaces, although, in such large-scale operations, it can be difficult to pin down exactly who the specifier will be. Another challenge that Catherine has come up against in recent years is the misinformation that people hear about neon. "We had an interior designer come in a few weeks ago who had been told that the gas inside is poisonous and that the tubes get really hot. As soon as they came down to visit and touched some of the glass, they immediately knew this wasn’t correct. We’re trying to break down these misconceptions that some people have."

At the moment, there is nothing official to say that LED signs can’t be marketed in the same way as neon, which has caused Neon Creations quite a headache. Every neon sign you have ever seen has been hand bent by a skilled artisan. Respectful of the fact that LED signs will always have a place in the signage world, Catherine and Tony are passionate about the skill level required to make a genuine neon sign. "Everybody who comes to visit us gets the chance to have a go at it," Catherine says. "This way, they can understand how difficult the craft is and how much work goes into making a sign like this." Neon sign making is on the Heritage Craft Association’s list of endangered crafts, meaning that unless more people are trained up, the future of neon could be uncertain. There is a level of responsibility that is felt by Catherine and Tony as they are aware that this is a skill that they are passing on to their employee, Sam.

What’s the secret to getting such highprofile clients? Discerning buyers wanting glass over LEDs. Design agencies and interior designers with clients who have the budget for genuine neon are those who understand the value enough to bring Neon Creations repeat custom. With illuminated signs fast becoming the ‘in thing’ for business signage, Tony knows that Neon Creations won’t be the right choice for everybody who wants something striking on their wall. "The best thing we’ve ever learnt is to say no. If people ask for it cheaper, we say no. Be firm, people respect you more if you are. If somebody comes and knocks on your door, they should work to your terms and conditions, not the other way around," he explains before adding with a laugh, "this is why I’m not allowed in the office!"

"We look at the people & brand we’ve worked with and think ‘how did that happen?"

FUTURE PLANS

Currently standing at a ‘solid’ team of 5, Tony and Catherine couldn’t be happier with the team they’ve got at the moment. Sam joined the team at 16 and is 11 years into her neon signmaking career and Tony and Catherine have been continually impressed with her work ethic and shared passion for the neon-making craft. Working alongside their other experienced employee, Terry, and office manager Donna, Tony admits he’s lucky that the team gel so well, saying, "everybody knows what they’re doing and everybody works hard. It’s not always easy taking on staff because the commitment isn’t always there." Currently, there are around six custom-made pieces a week going out with 90 production hours involved, giving some perspective to the labour-intensive task that is neon making.

Continuing to grow their social presence and addressing the misconceptions through this is high on the priority list for Neon Creations. Tony says that their Instagram following has taken off for more reasons than simply being a visually

appealing product. They can show handmade signs being made in their UK workshop, giving their audience an insight into how the team puts together their designs. Education is a key focus across all of Neon Creation’s platforms and is set to continue through 2023 and beyond.

As promised, before I leave, Tony is insistent that I try my hand at bending a piece of glass myself. With the glass reaching temperatures of 600 degrees, Tony demonstrates how to make a hairpin shape before letting me loose over the flame. I am slightly disappointed in my first attempt and wonder how something that looked so simple when done by a professional can turn out to look so uninspiring by a novice. As experienced professionals in the sign and graphics industries will know, behind everything that is second nature to you, whether that be wrapping a car or installing window graphics, the hundreds of hours of practice leading up to that point are what your customers pay for.

Social media. A place where your ideal clients are waiting to consume content and make their buying decisions. Amy Forster, owner of Generate Social Media, shares her top tips for making your social media the best it can be and explains how you can up your game this year.

Where should businesses in our industry be focussing their efforts this year? Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok or LinkedIn?

Often, people will say to go on every social media platform available. However, if your target audience isn’t on a certain platform don’t waste too much time on it. For example, Facebook has a much older target audience, so if this isn’t for you don’t waste your time on it. Expanding to other social media platforms will increase organic reach, but only do so when you have mastered the platform you are on and if it is seen as beneficial.

In terms of using vinyl in a commercial space, LinkedIn must be utilised. If you are more domestic, focus on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Remember you don’t have to be on all platforms to be successful.

Amy Forster started her first business in 2019, turning over 6 figures in her first year of trading and went on to grow an organic Instagram following of 25,000 over the course of the next three years.

After selling her business, she set up Generate Social Media in 2022, a social media and brand management company. Generate works with a wide range of businesses, from those with a small following to those with an audience of over 1 million. In less than a year, one of Generate’s clients doubled its turnover from £250,000 to £500,000 after successful LinkedIn growth.

How important are videos in 2023?

You must be using video content to grow. It has the most organic reach and is essential for success. Try to make the content the highest quality you possibly can. Simple things like making sure you are in good lighting can go a long way. Additionally, ensure the content you are providing is valuable. Master your craft.

When recording a video, make sure...

You are in a room that has good lighting

The sound of your voice doesn’t echo off the walls

Make sure the background is a good setting

Ensure your camera settings on your phone are of the highest quality

If possible use a microphone. Rode Wireless Go is the best bet.

Are Facebook and Instagram ads still worth the money?

When you first start to post on social media or in the early stages of posting, you most definitely do not need to invest in ads and paid socials. When organic content and strategies are used correctly, you can get a lot from this. You simply just need to understand how to do it correctly.

How often should businesses be posting on their social media?

When you are starting out try to do a minimum of 3 posts per week. As your confidence grows you can begin to expand posting frequency, but don’t post for the sake of it. Make sure that what you are putting out is valuable. Don’t do the ‘oh I’ll just post that to put something out’ vibe. It’s inconsistent and rushed.

Here is a basic structure to follow:

1. Post 1 – wrapping reel (reel/video)

2. Post 2 – before & after (in a still or video)

3. Post 3 – Client spotlight/feedback

The most underestimated tool of them all is consistency. If you post five times one week and then zero times the week after, this is not showing consistency. Create a simple structure that you can follow consistently and increase when appropriate. Just like a training plan at the gym, create one for your social media and stick to it. Over time, you’ll gain more traction and see results.

What advice would you give to those struggling to get engagement on their posts?

Never, under any circumstance, buy followers on any platform. It completely ruins your page. Not only does the algorithm hate you, but you also look like a fool when you get 5 likes on a post and claim to have 50k followers. Behave.

It is important not to focus too much on ‘selfish metrics’ when looking at engagement. This looks at measurables like how many likes you get. If you have 10,000 likes on a post and it brings you no customers in, what has been the point? Yes, you will have the reach, but if nothing comes from it then it is pointless.

Add value to your page. This might not always get as many likes but it will get the engagement you desire. The important engagement from your ideal customer. Therefore, it is important to get a balance and not only focus on the content that’s going to get you the most likes.

To maximise organic growth, you must be interacting with your audience.

This means you should:

Reply to all messages

Reply to all comments

Interact with story replies/reply to stories

Interact with your follower’s posts that are relevant

Interact with new followers

Activate conversations where appropriate –don’t be too spammy

MAXIMISE THE USE OF KEYWORDS, HOOKS AND CALLS TO ACTION

Are Facebook and Instagram ads still worth the money?

ASK YOUR AUDIENCE

Ask your audience what they want to see. This way you can create content for your ideal audience and therefore maximise the chances of growing organically and at the same time attracting potential clients rather than randoms.

You also need to maximise your keywords relating to your niche as much as possible. These work as organic SEO. You want to reach the people who are searching for terms related to your niche, so include them in your captions as much as possible. Create a good hook for your captions and use a call to action, i.e. click here or DM for more information.

"You don’t have to be on all social media platforms to be successful"

TIP NUMBER 1

DON’T POST & GHOST

Brent Williams is Director of Design and oversees DesignFilm and DesignFIlm.com on behalf of Accent Distributing, an Authorized Distributor for 3M™ DI-NOC™ Architectural Finishes and FASARA™ Glazing Finishes in North America.

Brent has over 40 years of experience in the graphics & glass film industries and is the longest tenured DI-NOC installer in the US, having been trained as an installer for the product in early 1981, when it was purely an automotive product in the US. His career path included studying design at the University of Tennessee College of Architecture & Design and he went on became a 3M Window Film dealer in 1985 and won numerous awards in that capacity.

Brent frequently speaks to industry groups on the use of the product and was a presenter when 3M rolled out the DI-NOC program to the US domestic market. His passion is to see applied surface films become a universally accepted method of finishing and refinishing surfaces in the built environment.

ONE MAN’S JOURNEY WITH ARCHITECTURAL FILM

Beginning his career working with vinyl films over forty years ago, Brent Williams began using 3M DiNoc long before it was used in the interior settings we see today. Taking a job as a part-time window tinter to work his way through jazz school, Brent was trained by 3M on the application of Di-Noc to car exteriors, the use for which it was originally manufactured. The early 1950s trend of woodgrain side panels was how architectural film as we know it, began.

In a twist of a career move, Brent decided he needed to get a ‘real job’ and went on to study architecture, where he could see the adoption opportunities for a product like Di-Noc in the world of interiors. Thousands of miles away in Japan, Brent was unaware that architectural film was already utilised as a way of renovating existing surfaces.

BRENT WILLIAMS

By the time his studies ended in the mid-eighties, the market for new architects was terrible. Going back to what he knew, Brent started his own window tinting and car customising business, offering vehicle wrapping as a new service. Whilst there are countless wrap shops across the globe now, at the time, his business was very early to market. 1986 saw the company purchase their first computer plotter and by 1994, digitally printed films were being applied.

Being so ahead of the curve with the latest technology, 3M asked Brent to speak at their dealer meetings about decorative glass films. And so, a career-long relationship with 3M ensued, but not always without frustrations. "3M didn’t know how to go to market with Di-Noc in America because the architectural market doesn’t understand it," he tells me, "but that was understandable...no one really knew how to approach that brand new product"

An observation Brent makes is that the European market is much further ahead of its American counterpart, estimating it is ten years ahead in terms of adoption. Whilst our marketing efforts have been fruitful, it is the simplicity of our explanation that has served us well. As Brent says, we are comfortable using the two words that are unspeakable in the USA: wrap and film. "In America, we don’t say we’re going to ‘wrap’ something. We make it sound fancier, we say we’re ‘re-laminating’ a surface, or some other fancy term. The word wrap over here has a cheap and inferior connotation. I would love to say that over here but it would turn the market off," Brent explains.

As for the word ‘film’? Also a no-no. Architectural films are known as ‘fusions.’ When Brent’s original window tinting business began to introduce interior films to their existing client base in 2006, he realised his company name, Energy Control Consultants, did not fit with Di-Noc as a product. "We were selling Di-Noc as a surface finish through a company that’s doing something totally different [glazing films], and I started to realise we were confusing the market. So, we came up with a new name and built a website. My first fusion company was called Finish Fusion." When a large distribution company, Surface Quest, was unable to find a marketing angle for architectural film, they noticed Finish Fusion and decided that ‘fusions’ was the term they were going to market with over wraps or films. And so, 16 years on, architectural films are still known as fusions across the USA.

"In America, we don’t say we’re going to ‘wrap’ something. We make it sound fancier, we say we’re ‘re-laminating’ a surface"

Exclusively dealing in 3M Di-Noc for the next seven years, unforeseen supply issues meant that Brent broadened his supply chain and began to explore some of the other films on offer in 2014. With his company now able to offer Reatec, LG (now LX) and Belbien, Brent made further connections that led to his career taking another interesting turn. Japanese company Sangetsu, manufacturers of Reatec, approached Brent for consulting work and went on to offer him a job running their distribution programme in the US. Stepping up from a national level to a global one was too good of an opportunity for Brent to turn down, and he sold his company to his employees and became the Sales Director for Reatec over the Americas.

Part of his new role involved travelling to Japan, where the installation programme was an eyeopening experience. "This product is literally everywhere in the commercial building world over there. They design buildings for the product. The big difference between even Europe now and Japan is that the design community knows how to build things for fusions to go on. And the contracting community, the construction workers know how to do that because they are so familiar with the product." An example Brent uses is that if a surround is commissioned for an ATM, it is constructed from melamine, which is the perfect surface for the product to adhere to. The installation is then completed to the highest standard so that you would never know it was wrapped.

The installation training process is vastly different in Japan to Europe and the Americas. Having decades of experience over the West, their training programmes are significantly longer, and much more structured. Whereas a typical training course here in the UK is delivered over 1-3 days, that is the time of the classroom training before an apprenticeship starts in Japan. For at least six months, installer training requires being on-site and carrying out low-level jobs before ever touching the film. Pairing new recruits with an installer with 20 years of experience and blending their practical experience with classroom-based learning, the two-year cycle ensures that installers are wellequipped to handle any project once they have served their apprentice time.

In contrast, the USA provides training over two days and on the third day, participants are given a practical exam on the materials covered, all under the watchful eye of the lead trainer. In the USA, 3M has a dealer locator website where trained installers can be found. Conducting some industry research, Brent called every single one in his territory and found that a majority of those installers had completed the training but had never gone on to commercially install Di-Noc.

Now Brent is working for Accent Distribution and running the architectural side of the business – known as Design Film – dealing solely in 3M Di-Noc and decorative glass films. Not one to rest on his laurels, he has upcoming plans that are set to level up installation standards across the USA and Europe. "One of the reasons I think we fail a lot of our installers is that they get onto a job site and they’re nowhere near prepared. All of the surfaces in the training labs we have are pristine. They’re brand new. The real world is turning up on site and finding chunks missing out of cabinets, we need to be teaching what to do in these situations," he explains. February will see the launch of three continuing education courses for installers, business owners and salespeople, in which Brent will share his knowledge of architectural films. This is guaranteed to give those who participate an enormous advantage over their competition.

Head over to the Design Film LinkedIn company page for more details on the course launch dates.

D27 Vinyl Wrapping Ltd

Areas Covered:

Oxfordshire based, with national coverage

What is your background working with vinyl?

This started as a hobby, as I used vinyl to wrap car interior trims on my vehicles, occasionally advertising in local car groups to wrap interior trims. I then wrapped our kitchen & various furniture pieces and offered to wrap similar pieces in local groups once again and it took off from there.

How did this lead on to interior film?

As I completed those smaller jobs and went on to larger projects, I could sense there was a bigger market for interior film. I then focussed on advertising this only. I continue to mainly advertise the premium brands of interior film in the kitchen setting, whilst also offering various other services alongside this.

Why do you think your customers choose you?

I am very personable & try to be as honest & responsive as possible. Although this is a business, I urge clients to use Whatsapp and encourage a relaxed conversation to understand their requirements and to ask any questions or concerns they have. I can then answer any questions immediately to prevent the prolonged time frame of sending & receiving e-mails.

Do you work alone or as part of a team?

I work 90-95% alone but I have a few close friends that assist occasionally in stripping kitchens & preparing materials.

What are the best parts of the job?

Now we have Elise (18 months old), it’s the ability to be able to schedule any work around important family events is a huge positive.

Worst parts of the job?

The never-ending admin! From quotes, sample ordering, material ordering, invoice payments, invoicing clients, chasing payments, and keeping receipts for accountants. This is low down on the scale of enjoyment. And bank holidays are now meaningless.

Has there been an increased interest in kitchen wrapping in your area?

Yes, for sure and this continues to increase as people learn of the benefits of this process.

Why do you think this is?

During the lockdown period when everyone was at home, those that could afford to, completed various home improvements from redecorating rooms to garden transformations to make their living space more pleasant. The kitchen, however, is one of those improvements that has historically been a £10k+ renovation that many could simply not afford.

This is where the kitchen wrapping solution comes into its own as it allows a refresh or style change, whilst staying within a very reasonable budget. There’s the added bonus of preventing perfectly useable kitchen hardware from being thrown away and replaced needlessly. So, a big win all round.

Any tips you’d give to installers starting out?

Practice and watch online content to see how other installers work. Ask suppliers for sample materials for free (they want your business, so you need to learn how to use their products) and finally a bit more practice.

How long is the average kitchen install?

I usually assign 3-4 days to a standard kitchen, however only 1-2 hours are spent there on day one & the final day is a full day on-site, the remainder of work is carried out in the workshop, this ensures minimal inconvenience for the client & maximum efficiency as the workshop is set up specifically for this purpose.

Which interior films would you recommend for kitchens?

I am a huge fan of SURFEX Interior Film & have recently started using this more often. However, the main material used continues to be ‘Coverstyl’.

Any interior films you would avoid?

I haven’t come across any to necessarily avoid as I try to use premium materials to ensure the overall finish is the best it can be.

Which areas of running a business do you think you could improve on?

Admin for sure, although maybe one day soon somebody else can take on that privilege.

What effect do you want to have on your industry with your work?

I would like to continue to advocate the use of interior film to improve living spaces and save money for clients, as well as prevent the needless waste of useable kitchen furniture.

What do you think the future holds for kitchen wrapping?

I am very positive about the future of kitchen wrapping and look forward to seeing how these materials can continue to improve in quality and choices available to the end user.

What are your goals for the next year?

To continue spreading the word on the benefits of using architectural film and increasing our marketing efforts to reach further afield and educate more people. I would also like to secure a stand at a ‘home renovations’ style event to advertise and promote ourselves further.

OWNER: DANIEL J HEATON

Products FEATURED

WrapGlove V3 Yellow with Black Cuff £6.95

WrapCut Pro £10.95

SECABO C60IV Cutting Plotter £449.00

Wrap-U-EzeeFilm Tensioner £29.90

Vinyl Storage £140.00

Steinel HG 2120 E Carwrapper Set £149.00

Easy Cutter £4.70

OLFA SAC-1 Precision 30 Degree Snap-Off Knife £5.47

There are few buildings as impactful as Make it Happen’s training HQ, based in Leicester. From imaginative door wraps to LED signs, flex-face lightboxes and 3D acrylic lettering lining the walls, this is a training facility designed to inspire. Celebrating their 7th birthday later this month, with four years of training workshops under their belt, the Make it Happen ladies have welcomed over 3000 individuals working in the sign and graphics industry through their doors.

Founder and CEO, Sam Armstrong, shares her insight into why the popularity of her training courses shows no signs of slowing down. "Two of our four years of training were through COVID. During that time, I chose not to go online and deliver workshops. Because the training runs from 9-4 and is delivered in person, in a building that I’ve designed specifically for that purpose, people wouldn’t get the same experience. It’s very hands-on and being here there are no distractions."

THE WORKSHOPS

The three workshops currently on offer at Make it Happen fall into three categories. The oneday Signage Bootcamp is the longest-running workshop and provides its attendees with a wealth of knowledge of signage products, including flat cut lettering, sign trays and stencil cut signage, built-up and illuminated letters, totems and CE certification and new products to the industry. Come prepared to get stuck in as in the afternoon, you’ll be shaping and soldering your own builtup letter to further your understanding (and appreciation) of the craftsmanship that goes into sign making.

On The Frontline, designed for Sales, Estimators and Project Managers to increase profitability and turnover, also focuses on creating better communication and building strong client relationships. Whether new to a sales role or a seasoned professional, everyone can benefit from the knowledge that this workshop provides. There is a focus on empathising with customers, who don’t always understand the value that quality signage can bring. Before Make it Happen was born, Sam was a Sales Director and is clearly passionate about sales as a skill whilst providing customers with the best solution.

Lastly, The Sustainability Bootcamp brings together those who want to further their learning on sustainability by sharing ideas that will be of benefit to their business. Demonstrations of sustainable design and production techniques are part of the workshop, equipping those who attend with the knowledge and skills to establish themselves as a frontrunner with the ever-growing numbers of brands adopting sustainability as a key value. You can also expect to discover ways in which becoming greener as a business can also have a healthy impact on your finances.

An exciting update will be revealed in February for the Sustainability Bootcamp as Make it Happen joins forces with Imageco to host additional dates for the workshop this year. The ability to deliver training in both the Leicester and Leeds locations proves the shift towards sustainability in 2023 is gaining momentum. With Nathan Swinson Bullough and the team at Imageco already years ahead of most in actioning sustainable change within the industry, the partnership between the two can be nothing but good news for a greener approach to sign and graphics.

Make it Happen Signage Consultancy

SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT

WHAT’S NEXT?

Working within SignFab (UK) Ltd, Make it Happen’s Leicester location is easily accessible to UK residents. But word soon spread overseas, and the workshops count attendees from Mauritius, Nigeria, Ireland and Belgium. "There’s nothing like this available anywhere else, so we’ve had people coming from all over" Sam says. Being the President of the ISA, Sam says the international uptake of their training courses sparked another idea to share the benefits with those living outside of the UK. "I contacted the CEO of the ISA in America and explained how much interest there was in the workshops and how there is nothing quite the same. Once she looked into it with her education team, they were all really excited and they invited me to do three days in Vegas in April. It will be a good opportunity to see if there’s an appetite for it first and then we can look at partnering with people to deliver it."

With workshops running each month and events scheduled across the pond, the Make it Happen ladies are on the lookout for a new addition to their team to assist with the increasing workload. Keep an eye out on their social media to find out who fills the role.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Signage Bootcamp

Tues 7th Feb – Full

Wed 8th Mar

On The Frontline 9th Feb 9th Mar

Sustainability Bootcamp

Wed 8th Feb

Wed 22nd Feb –Imageco, Leeds

Tues 7th Mar

Wed 29th March – Imageco, Leeds

UPCOMING EVENTS

7th Feb

16th Feb

William Smith Group 1832

22nd Feb Sustainability Bootcamp

28th Feb William Smith Vehicle Wrap Training Course William Smith Group 1832

28th

23rd Feb

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