Our Awards
Over 250 separate projects were entered for the 2017 sign awards, providing the judging panel with an incredibly difficult task.
Their decisions were revealed at the BSGA’s fourth annual awards ceremony which took place in early November at the Athena Centre in the heart of Leicester’s cultural quarter. The art deco style building provided a superb backdrop for the presentation of the awards.
“The occasion once again brought the whole industry together in a convivial and thoroughly enjoyable atmosphere, albeit one with a competitive edge,” said David Catanach, Director of the BSGA.
“We take the time and trouble to remove the identities of entrants from the submissions before the judges, who are entirely independent of the BSGA, see them. The principle is that they judge the signs or projects, rather than the companies that submitted them.
“The standard of entry this year was excellent, giving the judges a really difficult task. Their decisions were revealed at the Athena and our congratulations go to all the winners and those who came close and received commendations.
“We would also like to thank every business that entered but didn’t quite make it to the shortlist. The voting in many categories was exceptionally close and, if you missed out this year, don’t give up – the awards will be back in 2018 and it could be your year.
“We would also like to formally record our thanks to all the businesses that supported the awards through sponsorship. Your involvement demonstrates your commitment to and involvement in the industry and makes staging the awards possible.
“In particular, I would like to thank Signfab UK and their partners GE for stepping forward as the main corporate sponsor of the event and Trade Etching Direct who, as well as sponsoring the Craftsman Award, used their skills to produce the trophies presented to the winners.
“The other sponsors this year included Roland DG, Amari Plastics, Blackburns Metals, Soyang Europe, Epson, Pyramid Display Materials, William Smith, Nationwide Platforms, Complete Sign Illumination and Metamark. Both of the industry’s leading publications, Sign Directions Online and Signlink, also supported the event and, in a first for the awards, the BSGA and the Sign Design Society worked in collaboration to stage the Wayfinding Award of the Year.
The 2017 Awards
Sign of the Year
Winner: isGroup for Storyhouse
The Sign of the Year was won by the isGroup for Storyhouse. The award was presented Mike Smith (left) from Signfab UK and Jamie Bonser (right) from GE.
Young Signmaker of the Year
Winner: Natasha Berry of Lyncraft
Young Signmaker of the Year, won by Natasha Berry. The award was presented by Rob Goleniowski, Head of Sales at RolandDG.
Highly Commended
Alice Dowle, Signs Express (Exeter)
George Hannay, Astra Signs
James Stuchbury, Signs Express (Sheffield)
Commercial Vehicle Graphics of the Year
Winner: Apogee Print for DTE
Commercial Vehicle Graphics of the Year was won by Apogee Print for DTE. The award was presented by Mark Brown, National Sales Manager for William Smith (right)
Highly Commended
Paul Turner Signwriters for ‘Harrison Thompson’
PVL UK for ‘Connect 2’
The Innovation Award
Winner: HNS Signs for The Arcadian
The Innovation Award, won by HNS Signs for The Acardian. The award was presented by Phil McMullin,Sales Manager, ProGraphics at Epson (far left).
Highly Commended
Spectrum Signs, I-door signage
W&Co, HKX
The Decor Award
Winner: Signbox for Alpha Bank
The Decor Award was won by Signbox for Alpha Bank. The Award was presented by Metamark CEO Paul French (right)
Highly Commended
Contract Sign Systems for Euston Toilets
Digital Tyger for Hogarths and The Crown Inn
Roll-out Programme of the Year
Winner: Signs Now for Hilton Heart of Hotel
The Roll-out Programme of the Year won by Signs Now for Hilton Heart of House. The award was presented by Peter Douglas, UK Operations Director at Nationwide Platforms (right)
Highly Commended
Innovate Signs for JD Sports
Castleton Signs for Associated British Ports
Small Signmaker of the Year
Winner: Lavastar Signs
Small Signmaker of the Year was won by Lavastar Signs. The award was presented by Sign Link Editor, Brendan Perring (right).
Highly Commended
Apogee Print
SIGNCO
Wayfinding Scheme of the Year
Winner: Populous Activate for Groupama Stadium
The Wayfinding Scheme of the Year was won by Populous Activate. The Award was presented by Sian Kelly, President of the Sign Design Society (right).
Highly Commended
Maynard Design for Paddington Portable Event Signs
dn&co for ‘Here East’
The Construction Award
Winner: John Anthony Signs for Astana International Airport
The Construction Award was won by John Anthony Signs for its project at Astana International Airport. The award was presented by Signfab UK’s General Manager, Mike Smith (right).
Highly Commended
Widd Signs for Rushden Lakes
Signs Express (Manchester) for CityLabs
Leisure Industry Signage Award
Winner: Print Sauce for Tiny Rebel Brewery
The Leisure Industry Sign Award was won by Print Sauce Associates for the Tiny Rebel Brewery. The award was presented by JMHDigital’s James Hirst (right)
Highly Commended
Castleton Signs for Scarpetta and Oddsocks
Wide Format Project of the Year
Winner: DMA Signs for Building Wrap at Birmingham University Library
The Wide Format Project of the Year was won By DMA Signs for their building wrap at the University of Birmingham. The award was presented by David Hunter from Soyang Europe (right).
Highly Commended
Digital Tyger for Hogarths Gin Palace
N1 Visual Solutions for YMCA, Nottingham
Wrap of the Year
Winner: RGVA for Convoy
The Wrap of the Year was won by RGVA for their Convoy Wrap. The Award was presented by Andy Carroll of Amari Display, Signs and Graphics (right).
Highly Commended
Eyecatching Signs for Harley Harlequin
Slam Signs for Josh Price Racing
Product of the Year
Winner: Button-Fix
Product of the Year was won by Button-fix. The Award was presented by Sign Directions Online editor, Val Hirst
Highly Commended
Applelec for NeonLux
Mimaki 3D Printing
More about the British Sign Awards
See all the winning projects and more images from the awards ceremony at The Athena.
