Starting a Sign Writing Business in the United Kingdom

Beginner’s Guide on Starting a Sign Writing Business in the United Kingdom

The signage industry has caught up with technology and has shifted from the old-fashioned ladder with a brush and tin of paint. Nearly all of our signs are computer-generated and state-of-art digital printing and cutting technology. Therefore, starting a sign-writing business in the United Kingdom gives you the leeway to employ technology in your business to remain competitive. However, you must understand the rules and regulations within the sector.

Industry Practice

One may probably ask whether old-fashioned sign writing has a place in this modern world. But, honestly, the application of the old way remains in existence and blends in with the contemporary way. Some big projects still apply these methods and leave an effect that outdoes anything that modern signage technique brings to the fore.

Starting a sign-writing business in the United Kingdom is a venture that will remain in high demand for quite some time. According to statistics, over 35% of shoppers mentioned that a sign as the main reason they would know the existence of a business. This implies that the sign-writing business industry is also integral in this digital age to attract customers.

In the United Kingdom, technology is changing how sign-making is done. Even though traditional sign-writing methods are still prevalent in specific sectors, it is slowly being replaced by modern production techniques. Currently, we see computer graphics packages widely used to design lettering and logos. After completion, they are printed out or produced automatically by a computer linked to the cutter, cutting the design out of a vinyl sheet. The sign maker can then stick the vinyl design onto the signboard, window, or vehicle side. Such methods enable a faster and easier way of creating signs without artistic skills.

Despite technological advances, sign writing continues to be a skilled trade, and there’s a massive demand for quality signs created from various materials. To create an eye-catching design, one needs technical ability and design flair. Competition from new technology is now expanding the market, enabling people to enter the trade more efficiently.

Business Registration Process for Starting a Sign Writing Business in the United Kingdom

With the growing number of businesses forming, the demand for signage is on the rise. If you’re thinking of starting a sign-writing business in the United Kingdom, then you’re on the right track.

Research Your Market

Before starting, you must decide on your target market. It would be best if you thought about the users of signs and what they would probably need. For instance, sports clubs may need perimeter signs on their ground, and motor racing teams would want customized vehicles to show their sponsors’ logos. New businesses may require a wide range of sign-writing services, including shop-front, vehicles, and point-of-sale material.

By thinking about your target consumers, you need to know about your competitors. You can get on the local print directories and look out for their existence. It would help if you also remembered that sign-writing services are provided by non-specialists, such as printers, shopfitters, and craft specialists.

Register Your Business

Each time you register your business, your potential client will always take you seriously. You have a chance of writing your business through the Companies of House when you have all the legal documents. If you decide to go for company incorporation, you must produce a Memorandum and Article of Association and the details of the company’s directors. Once you complete the process, the concerned department will issue you a registration certificate. The certificate will aid you when you’re opening a bank account for your business.

Pricing Policy on Starting a Sign Writing Business

Your pricing will depend on several factors, including the quality of work, prevailing market prices, and demand. Therefore, it is essential to get the price right to be able to make some profit margin. While setting your prices, you must take into consideration the following:

The quantity and quality of materials used.
The duration that you take to make them a sign, including time spent on designing
A component to cover your profit

You must remember that the sign-writing business is competitive as you’re likely to have to price broadly to get some decent margin. Remember to check the prices of your competitor before setting your prices. This will give you a base for having the right pricing policy.

Services to Offer in Starting a Sign Writing Business

When starting a sign-writing business in the United Kingdom, you must identify which type of signage to work with. Generally, sign makers offer all or a few products and services as follows.

Painted signboards
Free-standing exterior pavement signs
Internal signs for different institutes like schools, universities, and much more
Huge banners for outdoor events
Adhesive logos and vinyl signs
Advertise Your Business

While starting your sign-writing business, you must allocate money to promote your business. You can begin with word of mouth or adopt other marketing strategies. You can register your business in the local business directories and publish ads in local dailies. Again, you can opt for advertising your business in trade journals to spread your reach beyond the local market. Go ahead print flyers and distribute them across local businesses like shopfitters, and decorators, among others.

Licenses, Permits, and Regulations for Starting a Sign Writing Business

Every industry has regulations that govern its operations. In other words, the sign-writing business in the United Kingdom has specific licenses that fall within the activities and range of services. However, we have related activities that may apply to your business and need a license or registration.

Transporting Waste

If your business carries waste generated from your sign-writing job, you’ll need to register as a lower-tier waste carrier. The registration is usually free of charge and lasts for an indefinite time. However, if you’ll be carrying away any construction waste, you must register for an upper-tier waste carrier registration. The cost runs for three years with the amount of approximately 150 pounds.

The agencies concerned with waste carrier registration include:

The Environment Agency in England
Natural Resources Wales
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency
Data Protection

The regulations stipulate that if your business operates a CCTV system, you need to register as a data user with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). More rules continue to be introduced to protect personal data.

Voluntary Certification

As a business person, firstly, you can always get certification to improve your quality of work. In fact, you may consider participating in the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) if you’re working on a construction site. This is because, in certain circumstances, you may be required to provide a valid CSCS card before you gain access to the site. In other words, you will get more information from the CSCS website. The British Standards Institution (BSI) oversees several relevant standards for sign makers, especially those who make and install electrical signs. You can always check a guide to company registration in the United Kingdom. in the United Kingdom on the government website.

Standards

The British Standards or European Standards (EN) have been set to control the installation of signs, particularly road signs. As a sign maker, you must conform to the standards that relate to your business type.

Sign Buyers’ Obligations

The moment the sign is installed, maintenance remains squarely with the sign’s owner. Therefore, several pieces of legislation require the owner to carry out periodic maintenance and inspection to ensure that the sign doesn’t pose a health risk. As a sign maker, you’ll need advice on how a sign should be maintained and inspected.

Electrical Safety

Right at the start of your sign business, you must come under what legislation affects your business. We have various pieces of legislation that apply to sign makers who construct and install electrically operated signs. These are the critical issues covered by legislation:

Compliance with electrical safety requirements
Prevention of electromagnetic disturbance

To find more information about electrical safety, you can check out the Electrical Contractors Association and the National Inspection Council. Additionally, you can always consult the services of a corporate service provider, such as 3E Accounting.

Health and Safety

Numerous regulations cover all aspects of the workplace under the Health and Safety Work Act. In fact, as an employer, you are responsible for ensuring all your employees’ health and safety at work. When you have more than five (5) employees, for example, all you need to prepare is a written health and safety policy statement. Some of the primary areas include: