News
This year more than ever it is vital to support small businesses by shopping local. Small Business Saturday is an annual event that puts the spotlight on small businesses, encouraging people to support their local shops, cafes, restaurants, professional services and tradespeople.
By encouraging you to think local this fantastic campaign continues to grow with £800 million spent in small businesses across the UK on Small Business Saturday in 2019 thanks to a record 17.6 million shoppers. * Here at Signs Express, we are a network of over 60 local businesses who support Small Business Saturday. We pride ourselves on serving our loyal, local customers with a personal, expert service and a smile. So why not support us to support you?
Here is how we can help support your small business with professional signage solutions:
Retail
Independent, small retail businesses have been one of the hardest hit this year and we understand signage might not be at the top of your priority list. However, we’re here to support you when you re-open and to help keep your customers and staff safe. With 80% of consumers stating that they enter a business purely based on its signage** it is vital to stand out from the crowd, let people know that you're open and showcase what you can offer them. Key ways of doing this with signage are: 1. Shop front fascia signs: having an eye-catching sign at the front of your premises is bound to get you noticed by your customers. These can even be illuminated so they stand out in darker conditions. 2. Window graphics: most shops will have a window display showcasing their products, you can also add exciting messaging to your windows with offers or festive teasers to entice your customers. 3. Wayfinding and social distancing: letting your customers know how to navigate your store has always been important but if you need to introduce one-way systems or signpost to sanitiser stations there are plenty of options. Hospitality & Leisure As with retail it has been far from a normal season for most hospitality businesses and whether you’ve adapted your business or are looking to open with a fresh new look there are plenty of ways we can help:
1. Awnings and canopies: many pubs and restaurants have chosen to adapt their services to include takeaway and outdoor seating areas. Now the weather has become more uncertain an awning or canopy is a great way to help protect your customers from the rain if they’re queueing outside. 2. A-boards: display your menus or temporary opening times on pavement furniture outside your business. If you’ve changed your services, you need to tell your customers about it so they don’t just assume you’re closed. 3. Refresh: if you’re seeking a refresh, we have a vast range of solutions that can help breathe a new lease of life into your establishment. Professional
Many professional businesses have seen a big shift in day-to-day operations with the move to home working. Coming back into the office may be a concern for employees and this will require the employer to think ahead and implement solutions to make a safe working environment. This can be achieved by installing: 1. Acrylic screens and partitions: transparent screens are a great way to not only partition areas and desks in offices and reception areas but also provides an opportunity to add your branding or messaging. 2. Floor graphics: one-way systems and anti-slip social distancing markers will help create clearly defined spaces and show employees where to walk. 3. Sanitiser stations: regular hand washing and sanitising is still extremely important so offering stations around the office will help improve hygiene. Trade
Some businesses have remained open throughout the year and have had to take immediate precautions, especially if they’re working at different sites or in peoples' homes. Perhaps it is time to consider the ways in which signage can help grow your existing business, for example, branding your works vehicle with eye-catching graphics. There are plenty of options from decals with your contact details and services or a full wrap to get noticed on the roads.
How can you help support your local signs express?
We love to support other local businesses in our communities and there are some easy ways you can help support us too! 1. Leave us a review: if you have used us before please head to our Google My Business page and leave us a positive review! These are super important to us and doesn’t everyone like to feel appreciated? 2. Share, like and comment: supporting us doesn’t always mean you have to spend money. Sharing, liking or commenting on our Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram posts helps to keep our name out there. 3. Recommendations: tell your friends or business connections about us, word of mouth can be the most influential way to promote our services. Show your support for Small Business Saturday on Saturday 5th December. Engage with your local businesses and be sure to encourage others to do the same so that together, we can show our support for the businesses that make our communities special. Find your local Signs Express here and see how we can help your business stand out! *Source: Small Business Saturday **Source: FedEx Office “What’s your sign” survey