Questions from Sign Buyers

1.1. Finding a Signmaker

Q: Why should I use a BSGA member company to make and fit my signs?
A: Every member of the BSGA has been vetted, prior to acceptance, and every one has signed up to the association’s Code of Practice, which is designed to promote a high standard of quality, design, workmanship, health and safety and commercial practice within the sign industry.

It is essentially this Code that sets members of the BSGA apart from the rest of the industry. Any sign maker that has joined has agreed that the articles of the Association shall be binding on them and will be observed in letter and spirit. The fact that they are members is a firm indication that they are serious businesses and are serious about the sign industry.

Q: How do I find a BSGA member company in my area?
A: The quickest and easiest way to find a BSGA member company in your area is by using the Sign Search facility on our web site. This unique facility, not only allows you to find and select a signmaker in your area, it includes company profiles and gallery images which allow you to see the quality of their work.

Q: My shop sign has stopped working, where can I get it fixed?
A: You can find a BSGA member company in your area using the Sign Search facility on our web site, if they are unable to help with the specific problem, they should be able to offer advice on where you might find help or a solution.

1.2. Planning Requirements

Q: Will I need planning permission for my sign(s)?
A: There are 3 groups of Outdoor Advertisements (signs):
• Excluded – where the rules delibererately exclude this type of sign from the planning authority’s control
• Deemed Consent – planning authority's consent is not needed, provided your advertisement is within the rules.
• Express consent – signs where the ‘express consent of the planning authority is required.

For details on the types of signs within each category refer to the ‘Outdoor advertisements and signs: a guide for advertisers’ on www.communities.gov.uk

Q: What are the planning regulations relating to signs?
A: Refer to the government web site www.communities.gov.uk ‘Outdoor advertisements and signs: a guide for advertisers’.

Q: Do I need planning permission for every sign?
A: For details refer to www.communities.gov.uk and the guidelines given in the document ‘Outdoor advertisements and signs: a guide for advertisers’

Q: How do I apply for planning permission and how long will it take to obtain permission?
A: For details of the planning application process, refer to the government web site www.planningportal.gov.uk The local council should decide your application within eight weeks. Large or complex applications may take longer. Your local council should be able to give you an idea about the likely timetable.

Miscellaneous

Q: To which specification(s) relate to the design and construction of signs?A: The standards, associated with the design and construction of signs are given within the BSGA ‘Obligation of membership and code of practice’, copies of which can be downloaded from the BSGA web site www.bsga.co.uk

Q: What types of signs are available?
A: We are often asked ‘how many types of sign are there?’ or to explain the terminology used by signmakers. The range and style of ‘sign’ available is vast, greater almost than you can imagine or more correctly, as today’s signmakers can create. You will find a glossary of signmaking terms, together with descriptions of a few major sign types in the Information for Sign Buyers section of the BSGA web site.

Q: How long should my sign last?
A: For an external sign within the UK a life expectancy of 7 to 10 years is realistic. Most materials, components and finishes used in the manufacture of signs have good protection against general weathering and UV exposure. Given that the sign is regularly maintained, and although it is expected that a slight deterioration in colour and gloss levels will occur, the overall sign should still remain serviceable.

Q: My shop faces south; will this affect my choice of sign(s)?
A: Exposure to UV is always a consideration when specifying an external sign and a south facing sign will have a greater exposure than a north facing sign. Typically modern sign materials and finishes are sufficiently UV resistant for this not to be a concern for a UK application. However, if the sign in question is a free standing sign such as a pylon then for a specific location the orientation of the sign is an important factor as this will have a direct effect of the calculation for its wind loading and consequently its cost. In the UK a southerly wind has the greatest force.

Q: Are neon signs safe?
A: Yes; if they have been manufactured, installed and maintained, to the appropriate standards, by a qualified [BSGA] signmaker.


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