The winners of the ten Sign and Digital UK Awards have been announced. They are:
Individual Sign Project of the Year: 1-9 employees.
Winner: Allen Signs.
Tasked with creating a dramatic sign to draw attention to newly independent Chameleon Print shop premises, Allen Signs expertly retrofitted the store’s original fascia and projecting sign to create an eye-catching Chameleon sign with a colour changing eye.
Allen Signs’ Chameleon Print sign was unanimously praised for its clever use of LED technology, using illumination to really lift the whole project. The judges were impressed by an imaginative solution to a simple brief featuring a creative, arresting and appealing sign.
Second place: Signs Express (Leeds)
Third place: ID Signs and Graphics
Individual Sign Project of the Year: 10+ employees.
Winner: Signbox
The company provided signage at global investment solutions firm Blackrock, in line with its re-brand which bridges the two approaches to investing – the ‘intuitive’ and ‘scientific’. By using natural materials including black granite, cherry wood and glass to represent the ‘intuitive’ and technological signage to represent ‘the scientific’, the result was a visually impressive and elegant project.
The judges were blown away by Signbox’s contemporary signage with creative use of materials to really capture the branding and environment of the organisation.
Second place: Piggotts
Third place: Amber and Green
Multiple Sign Project of the Year: 1-9 employees
Winner: The Grain Sign Company
Vinyl, dibond, acrylic, wood, PVC and metal were used across a range of locations through Longleat Safari Park to create imaginative, fun signage which remained sensitive to its surroundings. Impressing the judges with the professional creativity displayed throughout, The Grain Sign Company won the award for its sensitive yet bold interpretation of the brief, where it combined materials, visual effects and impact with finesse for a very beautiful and attention grabbing signage project.
Second place: Create Signs
Third place: Signs Express (Leeds)
Multiple Sign Project of the Year: 10+ employees
Winner: Graffiti Design
The company’s largest ever single contract was to provide signage for the ‘American Express Community Stadium’, including external identity and wayfinding, internal public wayfinding, internal hospitality and graphics. Graffiti Design used a variety of modern signage materials and digital signage for this truly spectacular project.
Graffiti Design was recognised for its excellent conception and execution of work at this prestigious location, overcoming difficult installations with finesse to create remarkably varied signage with remarkable effect and impact.
Second place: Piggotts
Third place: Image Technique
Vehicle Wrapping Project of the Year
Winner: Raccoon
Raccoon was given ‘Official Branding’ status for the prestigious Gumball 3000 event, requiring the company to create individually designed car wraps. Utilising a range of materials and cutting edge technology, Raccoon produced a range of arresting and innovative designs.
Winning rave reviews from all the judges with comments such as “beautiful on every level,” and “unsurpassable work”, Raccoon took home the Best Vehicle Wrap Project Award for the second year running.
Second place: Wrap Kings
Third place: Principle Reprographic Services
Wide-Format Print Project of the Year
Winner: Signbox
Using a range of materials and technology, including white ink, Signbox used a fun approach to wayfinding and produced beautiful and arresting designs for the Expedia head offices.
Described as simply a perfect blend of materials, creativity, expression and precision, Signbox wonth award for its consistently excellent work throughout this complex project.
Second place: Service Graphics
Third place: Hollywood Monster
The Green Award
Winner: Aggregate Industries
Environmental responsibility is at the core of this company’s values with ISO and Building Research Establishment certification, the framework for responsible sourcing of construction materials. Using natural stone materials and environmentally friendly production techniques Aggregate Industries produced a stunning signage project for the forestry commission. Its
excellent craftsmanship coupled with elegant, minimalist designs to create durable signage from natural materials bowled over the judges for its green credentials and lovely hand-crafted pieces.
Second place: The Grain Sign Company
Rising Star Award
Winner: John Matthews of Sign Vision
Against the odds Matthews has grown his business throughout the recession, including an increase in projects and moving to larger premises. A truly aspirational individual, his passion for his work is clear in the creativeness and effort he infuses into each project he works on.
With comments from judges including “definitely one to watch”, “a success story for tomorrow’s industry” and “definition of rising talent”, it is no surprise that Matthews is this year’s winner of the Rising Star Award.
Second place: Chris McIntosh of Service Graphics
Third place: Gemini Katwa of Fusion Print
Wide-Format Printing Company of the Year
Winner: Hollywood Monster
Hollywood’s dedication to offering customers the best service using the latest technologies with as little impact on the environment as possible, make it an example to the sector. Following a successful 2011 with increase in turnover, increased numbers of employees including investing in two apprenticeships, it continues to grow from strength to strength.
Second place: Service Graphics.
Sign Company of the Year
Winner: Signbox
Signbox battled the economic downturn by investing in its in-house printing facilities so the company could diversify into new markets leading to a tremendously successful 2011 with strong retained profits and a 10% increase in employees. “This is simply what a modern sign company should aspire to become” said one of the judges. This is the second year that Signbox has won this award.
Second place: Graffiti Design
Third place: Sign 2000.
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