Author: Blu Hardy

How to Guide: Applying Graphic Wallpaper Vinyl to a Wall

Transforming your space with graphic wallpaper vinyl is a great way to make a bold statement. Whether you’re refreshing an office, retail space, or any room in your home, proper application is key to achieving a professional finish. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide from Hardy Signs to help you apply graphic wallpaper vinyl like a pro.

Tools You’ll Need:

– Measuring tape

– Level

– Pencil

– Utility knife or X-Acto knife

– Squeegee or wallpaper smoother

– Spray bottle with a mild soap solution (optional)

– Ladder (if needed)

– Masking tape

Step 1: Prepare the Wall

Clean the Wall: Ensure the wall is smooth, dry and free of dust or debris. Use a damp cloth to clean the surface, allowing it to dry completely before you begin.

Repair Imperfections: Fill in any holes or cracks with spackle and sand them smooth. A clean, even surface will help the vinyl adhere better and create a smoother finish.

Measure and Mark: Use your measuring tape and level to mark vertical and horizontal guidelines on the wall. This will help ensure that the vinyl is applied straight and aligned.

Step 2: Position the Vinyl

1. Align the Vinyl: Hold the graphic wallpaper vinyl up to the wall. Align it with your guidelines, ensuring the top and sides are straight.

2. Secure with Tape: Once aligned, use masking tape to temporarily secure the top corners of the vinyl to the wall. This will keep it in place while you begin applying.

Step 3: Apply the Vinyl

1. Peel Back a Section: Starting from the top, peel back about 12 inches of the backing paper from the vinyl. Be careful not to let the adhesive side touch itself or get dirty.

2. Apply to the Wall: Press the exposed vinyl onto the wall, smoothing it out with your hands to avoid wrinkles or bubbles. Continue peeling back more of the backing paper, a few inches at a time, while pressing the vinyl onto the wall.

3. Smooth as You Go: Use a squeegee or wallpaper smoother to firmly press the vinyl against the wall, working from the centre outwards to remove any air bubbles. Take your time to ensure a smooth application.

Step 4: Trim the Excess

1. Cut Along the Edges: Once the vinyl is fully applied, use a sharp utility knife to carefully trim any excess material along the edges of the wall, ceiling and floor.

2. Smooth the Edges: After trimming, use your squeegee to press the edges down firmly, ensuring they adhere well and create a clean finish.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Inspect for Bubbles: Check the entire surface for any remaining air bubbles. If you find any, gently lift the vinyl and reapply, or use a pin to puncture the bubble and smooth it out.

2. Reapply as Needed: If your project requires multiple panels, repeat the above steps, ensuring that each panel aligns perfectly with the previous one for a seamless look.

Step 6: Enjoy Your New Space

Once you’ve applied the vinyl, step back and admire your work! Your wall should now feature a stunning graphic design that enhances the room’s overall aesthetic.

Applying graphic wallpaper vinyl can be straightforward with the right approach. By following these steps, you’ll achieve a professional-looking result that will stand the test of time. At Hardy Signs, we’re here to support your creative vision with high-quality products and expert advice.

In the ever-evolving food industry, efficiency, waste reduction and continuous improvement are paramount to maintaining a competitive edge. Lean manufacturing, a methodology centred around these principles, has become a game-changer for food manufacturers looking to optimise their operations and consistently deliver high-quality products. At Hardy Signs, we recognise the profound impact lean manufacturing can have and are committed to supporting food manufacturers in their lean journey through strategic signage solutions. Let’s explore the transformative power of lean manufacturing in the food industry, backed by compelling statistics.

Understanding Lean Manufacturing

Lean manufacturing is a systematic approach aimed at minimising waste without sacrificing productivity. Originating from the Toyota Production System, lean principles focus on enhancing value for the customer by eliminating non-value-added activities. The core principles of lean manufacturing include:

• Value: Understanding what the customer values and delivering it efficiently.
• Flow: Ensuring that the production process flows smoothly without interruptions.
• Pull: Producing only what is needed, when it is required, based on customer demand.
• Perfection: Striving for continuous improvement in all areas of production.

The Impact of Lean Manufacturing in the Food Industry

Waste Reduction

Waste is a significant concern in food manufacturing, where it can manifest as excess inventory, overproduction, or defects. According to a study by the World Resources Institute, food loss and waste amount to roughly £1 trillion annually. Lean manufacturing helps identify and eliminate these wastes, leading to substantial cost savings and more sustainable operations.

“Implementing lean principles can reduce food waste by up to 30%, resulting in significant cost savings and environmental benefits” (Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations).

Improved Quality

Continuous improvement and defect removal are fundamental to lean manufacturing. They enhance the overall quality of food products, resulting in higher customer satisfaction and reduced costs associated with recalls and rework.

“Companies that adopt lean manufacturing report up to a 50% reduction in defects and rework costs” (Aberdeen Group).

Increased Efficiency

Lean principles streamline processes, reduce downtime and optimise resource use. This increased efficiency leads to faster production times, better labour utilisation and higher output without additional costs.

“Lean manufacturing can boost productivity by 25% to 40%” (Lean Enterprise Institute).

Enhanced Flexibility

Lean manufacturing enables food manufacturers to respond more quickly to changes in customer demand and market trends. This flexibility is crucial in an industry where consumer preferences and regulations change rapidly.

“Manufacturers utilising lean techniques experience a 20% improvement in their ability to meet changing customer demands” (McKinsey & Company).

Employee Engagement

Lean manufacturing fosters a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork. Employees are encouraged to participate in problem-solving and innovation, leading to higher engagement and job satisfaction.

“Companies that implement lean manufacturing see a 15% increase in employee engagement and satisfaction” (Gallup).

Compliance and Safety

Lean principles improve compliance with food safety regulations by standardising processes and reducing variability. This results in safer products and a more reliable production environment.

“Lean manufacturing can enhance compliance with safety regulations by 30%” (Food Safety Magazine).Implementing Lean Manufacturing with Effective Signage

Effective signage plays a crucial role in the successful implementation of lean manufacturing. At Hardy Signs, we offer tailored signage solutions that support lean principles and help food manufacturers achieve their goals.

How Signage Enhances Lean Manufacturing Efforts

• Visual Management: Tools such as floor markings, shadow boards and information boards create an organised workspace. These tools make it easy to identify abnormalities, streamline processes and ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.
• Standard Work Instructions: Clear and accessible work instructions displayed at workstations ensure that all employees follow standardised procedures. This consistency reduces variability and improves product quality.
• Safety Signage: Safety signage communicates hazards, safe practices and emergency procedures, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

Conclusion

Lean manufacturing is essential for food manufacturers seeking to enhance efficiency, reduce waste and improve quality. Effective signage is critical to lean implementation, providing the visual tools needed to support continuous improvement and operational excellence. At Hardy Signs, we are committed to helping food manufacturers achieve their lean goals through strategic signage solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can support your lean manufacturing journey and transform your operations.

External Illuminated Signage Leicester

For businesses in Leicester, external illuminated signage is an essential tool for visibility and brand presence. With a diverse mix of retail, dining, and professional services, Leicester’s commercial areas are highly competitive. An illuminated sign can help your business capture attention, attracting customers and enhancing brand recall in both day and night conditions.

Options for illuminated signage include LED, backlit, and halo-lit signs, each offering unique advantages in Leicester’s dynamic environment. LED signs are especially popular for their energy efficiency and high visibility, while backlit and halo-lit options add an elegant depth that appeals to modern aesthetics. Hardy Signs works with Leicester businesses to craft bespoke illuminated signs that align with branding goals and location specifics.

With a reputation for quality and innovation, Hardy Signs provides a comprehensive signage service, from initial design through to installation and ongoing maintenance. We understand the nuances of Leicester’s market, and our dedicated team ensures that each illuminated sign reflects your brand’s values and vision. When you choose Hardy Signs, you’re investing in a durable, eye-catching solution to make your business stand out in Leicester’s competitive landscape.

About the company: Hardy Signs is a professional and digital signage company that designs, manufactures and installs bespoke signage products to a wide range of business sectors in the United Kingdom. The company has been awarded the manufacturer of the year in 2019 and 2020.

External Illuminated Signage Leicester

For businesses in Leicester, external illuminated signage is an essential tool for visibility and brand presence. With a diverse mix of retail, dining, and professional services, Leicester’s commercial areas are highly competitive. An illuminated sign can help your business capture attention, attracting customers and enhancing brand recall in both day and night conditions.

Options for illuminated signage include LED, backlit, and halo-lit signs, each offering unique advantages in Leicester’s dynamic environment. LED signs are especially popular for their energy efficiency and high visibility, while backlit and halo-lit options add an elegant depth that appeals to modern aesthetics. Hardy Signs works with Leicester businesses to craft bespoke illuminated signs that align with branding goals and location specifics.

With a reputation for quality and innovation, Hardy Signs provides a comprehensive signage service, from initial design through to installation and ongoing maintenance. We understand the nuances of Leicester’s market, and our dedicated team ensures that each illuminated sign reflects your brand’s values and vision. When you choose Hardy Signs, you’re investing in a durable, eye-catching solution to make your business stand out in Leicester’s competitive landscape.

About the company: Hardy Signs is a professional and digital signage company that designs, manufactures and installs bespoke signage products to a wide range of business sectors in the United Kingdom. The company has been awarded the manufacturer of the year in 2019 and 2020.

This year has been nothing short of phenomenal for Hardy Signs as we navigate an incredibly busy awards season. We are beyond thrilled with the sheer number of nominations we’ve received. We’re proud to announce that we’ve not only made it to the finalist stage in several prestigious categories but have also taken home some exciting wins. We’ll take you through chronologically.

 

Sponsorship

This year, we had the pleasure of sponsoring not one but two fantastic awards. The first was the Burton & South Derbyshire College “Creative and Innovative Thinking” award at the Further Education and Apprenticeship Awards, held at the Pirelli Stadium. It was inspiring to witness some of the fantastic talents of the next generation within our community. The second award we sponsored was the “Innovation and Technology” award at the Generation Next Awards, hosted at the vibrant Bustler Market in Derby. This awards ceremony honoured individual accomplishments and created a vibrant community for the region’s young entrepreneurs and leaders. That same night, our former marketing executive, Morgan, was a finalist in the “Creators and Makers” category – a testament to his phenomenal content creation skills and hard work during his time at Hardy Signs. 

Enterprising Women Awards 

We enjoyed attending the annual East Midlands Chamber Enterprising Women summer social and awards announcement at the beautiful Kilworth House in May. We were incredibly honoured to learn that our marketing manager, Blu Hardy, became a finalist for the ‘Social Commitment Award.’ This recognition is a reflection of Blu’s ongoing work to make a positive change within the community. 

Midlands Air Ambulance Recognition Awards 

Next, we attended the Midlands Air Ambulance Recognition Awards and Charity Ball, where they broke their fundraising record, raising an incredible £85,560 – enough to fund 55 vital missions! Team Hardy Signs was delighted to be a finalist for the Corporate Partnership Award, which was awarded to a deserving organisation that demonstrated hard work, initiative, and commitment through their CSR policy to raise awareness and vital donations for the charity. 

Greater BYPY Awards 

Now, we move on to the BYPY (Birmingham Young Professional of the Year) Awards 2024, part of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, where we celebrate the talents and achievements of young professionals across diverse industries in the Greater Birmingham area. Blu Hardy was a finalist for the Social, Environmental Governance Award for her extensive work and dedication to advancing initiatives that support community well-being and create positive social impact.

Midlands Family Business Awards 

We were excited to attend the Family Business Awards, hosted at the breathtaking Athena in Leicester. The venue’s elegant Art Deco surroundings provided the perfect backdrop for a glamorous night filled with the celebration of excellence and the unique spirit that family-owned enterprises bring to the business world. We were up for Small Family Business of the Year and are honoured to have been highly commended in this category, especially since it was our first time applying! Congratulations to all those nominated, and a massive thank you to WARD, the sponsors of the award. 

Derbyshire Business Awards  

Our final win so far this year was for the “Business and Education Partnership” at the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce Derbyshire Business Awards. The 2024 Business and Education Partnership Award highlighted exceptional collaborations between educational institutions and businesses that enrich employability skills among students. Hardy Signs took home the award, which was recognised for our active engagement with local academic partners to provide students with practical learning opportunities and career-ready skills development. 

Burton & District Chamber Awards

We received some great news earlier this week to wrap up our awards season at Hardy Signs: we are finalists for “The Business of the Year Award” and Blu for “Rising Star of the Year” at the Burton Celebratory Lunch, making its return in mid-November this year – hopefully, Hardy Signs can score an awards hat trick in 2024! 

 

It’s been a whirlwind year filled with hard work, dedication and growth and we owe our success to the incredible support we’ve received from clients, partners and industry peers alike. Your encouragement has driven us forward and inspired us to continue innovating and delivering top-quality signage solutions. From all of us at Hardy Signs, thank you for standing by us and believing in our vision. Here’s to more milestones, more recognition and an even brighter future ahead. 

This week, we had the absolute pleasure of hosting students from Fountains High School at our Hardy Signs headquarters in Burton-on-Trent. The visit was all about inspiring young minds and sharing a behind-the-scenes look at what we do best – creating innovative signage solutions!

 

The session kicked off with a tailored marketing presentation, where we shared insights on how we promote our signage and offered the students practical tips on selling their handmade Christmas baubles this festive season. It was fantastic to see their enthusiasm and creative ideas take shape as we explored how to communicate and engage effectively with their audience.

 

Afterwards, we took the students on an exclusive tour of our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. From live demonstrations of digital printing to vinyl printing and weaving, they got a firsthand look at the technology and processes that bring our signage to life. Our talented team also shared insights about their roles and skills, sparking curiosity and excitement among our young visitors.A spokesperson from Fountains High School said “Today, 4A3 had an exciting visit to Hardy Signs Ltd to learn all about how they market their products! This hands-on experience will help us with our own Christmas bauble project, as we explore creative ways to promote what we’ve made in school. We even got a behind-the-scenes tour of the factory to see how the magic happens when they create their amazing signs. Big thanks to Hardy Signs for showing us the ropes!“

 

We thoroughly enjoyed spending time with such a bright and enthusiastic group and were inspired by their energy and creativity. We hope they left with new ideas and confidence to make their festive fundraising project a huge success.

 

At Hardy Signs, we’re passionate about giving back to our community and supporting the next generation and this visit was a wonderful example of that in action. Thank you to Fountains High School for joining us – we hope to see you again soon!

Loughborough University: LUMotorsport Pit Sponsors

 

We’re thrilled to showcase Hardy Signs’ latest collaboration and sponsorship with the Loughborough University Formula Student Team at this year’s prestigious Formula Student UK (FSUK) event, which took place at the iconic Silverstone Circuit! 

 

As a leading signage company, Hardy Signs is passionate about supporting innovation and the next generation of engineering talent. The FSUK event is a premier platform where the brightest students from across the globe showcase their engineering skills, creativity and teamwork by designing and building single-seater race cars.

 

Our collaboration with Loughborough University reflects our commitment to excellence and precision—values that are at the heart of both motorsport and high-quality signage. The Hardy Signs branding was prominently displayed at the team’s pit, offering us a unique opportunity to be part of the excitement and energy that defines Formula Student. The team achieved their best EV score to date, coming 14th out of 56 competitors! We’re proud to support their journey and can’t wait to see them in action.

External Illuminated Signage Derby

In Derby’s bustling business landscape, external illuminated signage has become an invaluable asset for companies wanting to stand out. Whether you’re a high-street retailer or an independent café, an illuminated sign ensures your brand is visible around the clock, capturing attention from passers-by in both daytime and night-time settings. For Derby businesses, where foot traffic and brand visibility are essential, external illuminated signage provides a lasting impression.

Illuminated signs are available in a range of styles to suit every brand. LED signs are popular for their energy efficiency and durability, while backlit and halo-lit options add depth and sophistication to any storefront. Each style offers unique benefits, and Hardy Signs works closely with clients in Derby to create bespoke signage that aligns with brand identity and operational needs.

As experienced professionals in signage solutions, Hardy Signs offers a full service – from design and manufacturing to installation and maintenance. This commitment to quality ensures that businesses in Derby not only capture attention but also create a memorable presence in the city. With Hardy Signs, you’re choosing a local partner who understands Derby’s market and strives to enhance your brand with high-quality illuminated signage.

About the company: Hardy Signs is a professional and digital signage company that designs, manufactures and installs bespoke signage products to a wide range of business sectors in the United Kingdom. The company has been awarded the manufacturer of the year in 2019 and 2020.

Hardy Signs was delighted to welcome a group of students from Korea as part of an educational visit with Burton and South Derbyshire College. The students had the unique opportunity to tour our cutting-edge facilities in Burton upon Trent and gain first-hand insight into the world of modern signage manufacturing.

During their visit, the students explored how Hardy Signs operates, from initial design concepts to the final production of high-quality signage solutions. They were introduced to our advanced machinery, including large-format printers, CNC routers and laser cutting technology, while also learning about the various materials and techniques used in the industry.

This visit was part of an ongoing collaboration with Burton and South Derbyshire College, which aims to provide international students with practical learning experiences in innovative UK businesses. The students engaged with our expert team, asking insightful questions about the business and the processes that drive our success.

Blu Hardy, Marketing Manager of Hardy Signs, commented: “It was a pleasure to welcome the students and showcase the expertise, technology and craftsmanship that go into our signage solutions. At Hardy Signs, we believe in encouraging learning opportunities and inspiring the next generation of talent in manufacturing and design. We hope the students found the visit insightful and enjoyed their experience with us.”

Hardy Signs is proud to support educational initiatives and strengthen ties with international learners. By opening our doors to future professionals from around the world, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to innovation, skills development and industry excellence.