Blu Hardy - Hardy Signs

This month we celebrate our 28^th anniversary this month. Founded in 1993 by Nik Hardy, the company have become the UK leading professional and digital signage supplier to a wide range of sectors.

In our 28^th year of business, we count over 1,000,000 signs designed, manufactured, and installed for customers across the UK and beyond.

Over the last decade, we have seen huge investments in sustainable machinery, manufacturing techniques, and recycling, leading to the recent publication of a five years green vision for the future.JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjI1NjAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjIzMTUlMjIlMjBzcmMlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbSUyRmVtYmVkJTJGVmp5WWFDeWplLWclMjIlMjB0aXRsZSUzRCUyMllvdVR1YmUlMjB2aWRlbyUyMHBsYXllciUyMiUyMGZyYW1lYm9yZGVyJTNEJTIyMCUyMiUyMGFsbG93JTNEJTIyYWNjZWxlcm9tZXRlciUzQiUyMGF1dG9wbGF5JTNCJTIwY2xpcGJvYXJkLXdyaXRlJTNCJTIwZW5jcnlwdGVkLW1lZGlhJTNCJTIwZ3lyb3Njb3BlJTNCJTIwcGljdHVyZS1pbi1waWN0dXJlJTIyJTIwYWxsb3dmdWxsc2NyZWVuJTNFJTNDJTJGaWZyYW1lJTNFInitially starting the business in his home garage, Nik then rented the first unit in 1995. Early projects primarily consisted of hand-painted signs and vehicles, predominantly for breweries and pubs across Burton-On-Trent. When Hardy Signs started working for national and international organisations such as the NHS, Plastic Omnium, Muller, Nestle, etc., the team changed several units until they moved to our current headquarters, Hardy Place, in 2011.

Key to the long-term mission of Hardy Signs has been high-quality customer service, investment in people and a close connection to the community. Over the last 36 months, 100% of the young professionals in the company have been taking training, with a view to strengthening ‘homegrown’ talent.

Our team has won numerous awards in the last ten years, including ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ in 2019 and 2020, respectively, at East Midlands Chamber and Staffordshire Chamber awards. Recently they were also nominated for ‘Excellence in Manufacturing’ with the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

This year also marks the 10-year anniversary at our state-of-the-art headquarter at Hardy Place where the magic happens. To celebrate the occasion, we welcomed Kate Griffiths MP for Burton and Uttoxeter. Read more here>>Key milestones of the last decade include:

2012, we run the ‘Resuscitation Grab Bag Appeal’ campaign in support of Burton Hospital to raise £10,000
2016, we founded the Hardy Signs ‘Signs and Print Academy’ in partnership with Burton and South Derbyshire College. The partnership’s mission is to train and develop young talents in all areas of the sign and print industry.
2016, 200 solar panels were installed on the roof at Hardy Place.
2018, our team completed the first installation in Brussels, Belgium for the French automotive giant, Plastic Omnium.

2020, our team completed the first digital signage project in California, the USA.

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.

Throughout 2021 and 2022, Hardy Signs have been working with Sciensus to help achieve a nationwide rebrand across three main offices and several distribution centres. Sciensus are a leading multinational healthcare provider with their head offices based in the Midlands.

Sciensus’ objective was to enhance the welcoming and professional environment for their colleagues and to create memorable experiences for their clients, contractors and visitors. Their rebrand was also aimed at connecting their physical environment with their brand values and personality.

In Phase 1 of the rebrand, refreshed signage was designed, manufactured, and installed for the following sites in West Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Plymouth, Avonmouth and Sevenoaks, Aberdeen, Coatbridge, Newcastle, Bolton, Brandon and Southampton. Signs consisted of a variety of solutions for each site;

in Staffordshire, it was a mixture of internal and external fascia signs non-illuminated and illuminated, wall graphics and office signage –

in West Yorkshire, it was parking signage, high level internal and external logos, Foamex signs and reverse printed acrylic panels –

in Plymouth, window graphics were applied and warehouse safety signs, etc.

The entire fleet saw a total makeover with new graphics applied for the distribution centres in Glasgow, Plymouth, Sevenoaks, Southampton, Washington, and Brandon.Lisa White, Head of Internal Communications and Priya Saggar, Brand Manager played a key role in the delivery of the rebrand.

Lisa and Priya said: “We are really pleased with the outcome, and we recommend working with Hardy Signs. They helped us with the pre-production stage, producing some samples so we could see the finish of the signs before we progressed with the next stages.

“They were really easy to work with and we were really impressed with the communication at every single stage, so we thoroughly recommend working with them.” – Priya Saggar, Brand Manager.

Tom Hardy, Operations Director, said “It was fantastic to win the prestigious contract of rebranding Sciensus. Projects of this size are a great opportunity for the whole team at Hardy Signs to exercise our expertise in Design, Manufacture and Nationwide Installation.”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.

T. J. Parry & Family Funeral Directors is a family-run business based in Burton on Trent. Founded in 2018, the company continues to support families from within the town and the surrounding areas, under the direction of Managing Director, Timothy Parry.

Timothy and his staff have a wealth of experience in caring for the community and they use their expertise to provide high-quality care and a personal service to families at their most difficult time.https://youtu.be/r4xtFiYptjcFollowing a period of research, Mr Parry contacted Hardy Signs to explore the possibility of ‘vehicle wrapping’ the company’s fleet. Vehicle Wrap is a process of applying vinyl film to part, or all, of a vehicle’s bodywork. The film can be printed with designs and images or, as in this case, can be a solid, pre-finished colour. The process gives similar results to respraying a vehicle, however, the film can be removed at any point in the future to return to the original finish. The film provides good protection to the original bodywork and therefore increases resale value further down the line.

A decision was made to change the colour of the company vehicles from black to grey after discussing the idea with clients and receiving a positive response. In order to substantiate the feedback, T.J. Parry decided to create a Facebook poll to source opinion from a wider audience. The result of the poll was conclusive, with 98% of the public voting to change the fleet to grey. As the first company in the region to carry out this kind of change it was important that the process be carried out correctly.“Hardy Signs ticked all the boxes for us as a supplier” explained Mr Parry. “We found them to be competitively priced and with a great reputation for quality and service. It was also important to us, as an independent, to look to another independent and local supplier. We have been very impressed with Hardy Signs and have received nothing but positive comments since the works were completed. Our clients have told us how much they like the new grey fleet and we’d like to thank Hardy Signs for all their help with the project”.Get a quote now

Gallery:

Hardy Signs was proud to sponsor the Business Contribution to the Community category at the Support Staffordshire Volunteer Star Awards 2021.

We would like to congratulate Farm Fresh Revolution at Packington Farm on winning the award, and also recognise the fantastic work of the other finalists, including AMG IT Solutions and LJ Hanbury Ltd.

Supporting local communities has always been important to Hardy Signs. Since the business was founded in 1993, we have continued to support charities, community initiatives, and local organisations alongside our work across the UK.

Nik Hardy, Managing Director of Hardy Signs, said:

“We were delighted to sponsor the award and support such a positive event. The standard of entries was incredibly high, and it was clear that all finalists had made a meaningful contribution to their communities. Congratulations to Farm Fresh Revolution at Packington Farm on a very well-deserved win.”

The Volunteer Star Awards are an important celebration of the individuals, businesses, and organisations making a real difference across Staffordshire. Hardy Signs is pleased to have played a small part in recognising that contribution.

A company that designs and makes signage for brands including Nestle and Müller UK is seeking to establish new partnerships in the region after becoming the latest East Midlands Chamber patron.

Multi-award-winning company Hardy Signs, based in Burton upon Trent, has also joined as a partner of Generation Next, the Chamber’s growing network for young professionals and future leaders in the region.

It will also sponsor the Community Award at the inaugural Generation Next Awards, which will be held at a virtual ceremony on 16 July.

Managing Director, Nik Hardy, said: “We have been a member of East Midlands Chamber for many years and have formed a great partnership, which has allowed us to be involved in many ways.”

“We are delighted for the opportunity to become a patron, where we will not only support the Chamber but Generation Next.

“In line with our mission, vision and values, our key focus is to form new partnerships with other partners and members, and ultimately enable success for them through our bespoke, high-quality professional and digital signs.”

Founded in 1993, Hardy Signs is fluent in every aspect of the signage industry and has established itself as a preferred supplier to national and international organisations, with other high-profile clients including Plastics Omnium, St George’s Park, Selfridges, the NHS and Turbine System Technologies.

It offers an end-to-end signage package through its creative, manufacturing and installation teams.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “Hardy Signs is a fantastic example of the innovative manufacturing base we have in the East Midlands, as evidenced not only by its double recent success in our Business Awards but also the prestige of its client list.

“We are delighted to cement our relationship further by bringing Nik and his team on board as a patron, and look forward to working closely together.”

2021 has been a fantastic year for wallpaper graphics, it’s an on-trend signage solution that is truly in high demand.

Wallpaper graphics are a great way to promote your business, and one of the main benefits is that they can emphasise and increase your brand identity. Visual content helps to tell a story or enable your core values to be shown off and remembered. Bringing colours and creativity into bare spaces can really open a room.Wallpaper is widely used and obviously not even something new; it dates from ancient Chinese culture. Around 200 BC, in China, the first ‘type’ of paper was created, to turn this into wallpaper they used pasted rice to help it stick to the walls. In 1785, the first wallpaper machine was invented in France. Now, let’s look at wallpaper graphics in the modern era.

A few things to consider:

Place: Digital wallpaper can be put anywhere however if you’re using this as a marketing tool it must be in a high footfall area such as the main entrance, reception, showroom etc to get the most out of it.

Size, fonts, colours: The design is very important as you want to catch everyone’s eyes, making sure the size, font and colours all go together is possibly the most important factor. Especially if you want to show off your brand values, goals and protocols.

Quantity: Visual content has a high impact on customers so the quantity is also important, you don’t want to overdo it as this can put people off.

See here

>> Grab Attention

Everything in and outside of your business building should be related to your brand and services. It is believed that the human brain processes visual content 60,000 times faster than text.

Two main factors make wallpaper content easy to memorise: first, you can always decide to change it as per the latest trends and second, it allows customisation.

Wallpaper has gone beyond the simple usage purposes of being a background element or covering damage on a wall; now, it’s an art, an attraction, where technology development allowed a more extraordinary design.

>> Engagement

Visual content has the power of showing many things at once, like composing a quote, message, achievements, reviews, all together with relevant images. Wallpaper graphics can be a smart choice to be placed in your halls or seating areas with questions and barcodes for your customers. By doing this your customers can interact whilst waiting around etc.

>> Marketing

Once attention and engagement are achieved, the next step is marketing. Along with graphics and text, there is space to highlight key marketing messages. You would typically expect a different call to action, brand values, website, social media channels as a unique selling point to get people interested in your online presence.

Another option is by composing the graphics with services or products in an entertaining or attractive way.

>> Professionalism

In a very busy marketplace, attention to detail is what often makes the difference. A defined environment in every aspect shows professionalism and a positive attitude towards visitors’ experience. Adding Wall graphics to your offices shows confidence in the products or services the company provides and boosts customer impressions.

Achievements can stand beautifully in halls or offices walls which help motivate and inform your staff, visitors and clients.

In our experience, wallpaper graphics won’t have a significant impact unless you make them part of your continuous development plans or marketing strategies. When you look at key stakeholders, wallpaper can impact the mindset of internal stakeholders and the perception of external stakeholders.

With plenty of options available to choose from, wallpaper design and material, it’s time to take advantage of using it. Wallpaper designs can be from any style of modern, digital, or antique.

Our team of experts in our design studio can advise and help to find the best alternative for you to maximise the space.

Contact UsAbout 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.

Hardy Signs win big at the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Awards 2020.

We are delighted to announce that Hardy Signs have been chosen as the winners for the Manufacturer of the Year at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Awards 2020. The award celebrates a company that has excelled in Manufacturing over the past three years.

Sponsored by Michelin, the judges were looking at all aspects associated with the business; including short and long term objectives, manufacturing processes, examples of innovation, efficiency, sustainability and more. The judges spoke with managing director, Nik Hardy, to understand more about the work that takes place at Hardy Place in Burton.JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjI1NjAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjIzMTUlMjIlMjBzcmMlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbSUyRmVtYmVkJTJGdV9aYkIxeGdTZTAlMjIlMjBmcmFtZWJvcmRlciUzRCUyMjAlMjIlMjBhbGxvdyUzRCUyMmFjY2VsZXJvbWV0ZXIlM0IlMjBhdXRvcGxheSUzQiUyMGNsaXBib2FyZC13cml0ZSUzQiUyMGVuY3J5cHRlZC1tZWRpYSUzQiUyMGd5cm9zY29wZSUzQiUyMHBpY3R1cmUtaW4tcGljdHVyZSUyMiUyMGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbiUzRSUzQyUyRmlmcmFtZSUzRQ==https://twitter.com/StaffsChambers/status/1329507504448024576‘Staffordshire has long been recognised for its manufacturing history. The judges were looking at all aspects of the manufacturing process including product design, testing, development, production, marketing, sales and overall business performance. This may relate to a new product or product range, or an existing product that continues to lead the way within its field.”

Francois Levert, Michelin’s site manager in Stoke, said: ”The standard of applications was yet again very high. Finalists not only showed their flexibility in these difficult times to develop their customer offer and secure jobs, but also showing business growth and potential to create jobs moving forward. Sales and marketing, innovation in design and of course their responsibility to the environment and sustainability as well as being a responsible employer in the local community setting. The winner of the award tonight showed so many attributes above and beyond of what you would normally expect from this size of business and indeed those of twice this size.”

Nik Hardy, managing director of Hardy Signs, said: ”Over the last few years, our team has managed to secure projects with leading UK, European and North American brands. Within the past 24 months, we have completed our first major international project in Brussels and our first major digital signage project in California. We have a keen commitment to the environment, prioritising best practises in our manufacturing processes, in order to complete this vision. In recent years, we have taken significant steps to reduce waste, increase sustainability and maximise the efficiency of our manufacturing.

We would like to extend our congratulations to all finalists and winners of the night, including Klarius Group of Companies and Varley Hydraulics who were also finalists in our category!”

12 months ago we were awarded the ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ at East Midlands Chamber of Commerce awards.

Signage is an essential tool for communication with visitors, employees and other members of your company, institution, or organisation. Still, another fact stands for people with disabilities where the general signs might not be enough. Regarding that fact, navigation and wayfinding have become a challenge for visually impaired persons.

Accessibility is something many people with sight will take for granted. It is a major sensory organ that helps us see vital information all the time. From timetables to directions or even signs indicating danger. For those who are visually impaired, this information is accessible and therefore the use of braille and tactile signs is very important.

When it comes to sectors that need the appliance of braille and tactile signs, few of them can be more critical than others such as signage in care homes, or hospitals.

Easily recognisable signage, including the use of tactile and braille signs, plays a vital role in giving visually impaired people the chance to access all the goods, services, and facilities that we take for granted and provide them with a greater level of confidence and independence.

In the majority of the buildings, you will find a variety of braille and tactile signs where their main functions include:

-Providing direction

-Giving Warning

-Supplying Information

-Communicating and Identity

Let’s look at the different sectors that use braille and tactile signs in their signage solutions:

Care Homes

The care home sector is one of the most in-demand sectors for braille and tactile signs. Visually impaired, elderly people are a sensitive group that needs attention to effectively guide them inside and around their care homes. Braille and tactile signs help in recognising their rooms, toilets, dining area etc. Other signs such as common rooms, stairs, and lifts will be easily recognisable to help navigate their living space.

Hotels

Hotels are used all across the world, having different people stay in them consistently. If you’re opening up a hotel or bed and breakfast of your own – there are a few signs that will need to be installed to ensure accessibility for all guests.

Bathroom Signs

Hotels use toilets in different areas making them easily accessible at all times. They use various signs to direct visitors in hotel lobbies, dining areas, spas and gyms. Not all guests will be able to read those signs and including braille and tactile signage makes navigation much easier. These signs should include men, women and baby changing so that guests are heading in the right direction.

Elevator & Stair Signs

Most hotels will also use elevators so employees and guests can move from one floor to another efficiently. With lifts, visually impaired guests will need braille and tactile signs so they can identify specific floors and emergency alarms.

Under certain circumstances, the elevators may not be operational – in this case, the stairs are the only other option. Braille and tactile signs offer navigation and instruction for each floor helping to inform of which floor you may be on at that time.

NHS

The NHS is another sector that needs to have accessibility for people with visual impairment due to the large number of people that attend at all times.

Entrances and Exits

Locating entrances and exits is very important, especially in emergencies. In hospitals and doctors surgeries there will be different departments all with separate entrances and exits and even one way systems you must follow. These signs help direct people to the right areas, making finding a certain ward much easier for those whose sight is impaired.

Education

Educational facilities such as schools, colleges and universities need braille and tactile signs to help their students direct their way around the buildings. In general, most educational institutions feature a variety of signage which will include braille and tactile signs to help those with disabilities. They help to create a fully accessible environment, making sure the students can be independent.

Maintaining the signs:

Care homes, educational institutions, and the NHS as public spaces, have a high number of people accessing them on a regular basis. This means the Braille and Tactile signs are touched regularly, which allows dirt and germs to gather. Here are some simple steps to maintain the lifespan of the signage:

Use a microfibre cloth or cotton pads.
Use water and soap or cleaning products (avoid products with chemicals)
Dry them quickly

If you are looking for professionals to take over the design, manufacture and installation of these signs, please do contact us. Using high-quality materials and working to suit your needs in a timely manner is where we specialise. Contact us here or phone us on 01283 569102.

To find out more, give us a call on 01283 569102 or click the button to chat direct:

Click hereAbout 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, 2020 and 2023.

Kate Griffiths MP has visited Hardy Signs to celebrate the 10 years of doing business at Hardy Place.

Hardy Place, located in Burton Upon Trent, is the headquarter of Hardy Signs Ltd since July 2011. It is also known as one of the manufacturing bases of Staffordshire. Over the years, the company has also traded at Hawkins Lane, Wharf Road, Hunter Street.

Since starting the business in 1993, the company have now produced and installed over 1,000,000 signs.Kate Griffiths is a Member of Parliament for Burton and Uttoxeter. You can find out more about her work on www.kategriffiths.org.uk

Kate Griffiths MP said: ”It is fantastic to visit Hardy Signs this morning as Nik and his team celebrate 10 years of business at Hardy Place. Hardy Signs has an outstanding reputation as a leading signage company in the UK and has won many awards over the years including Manufacture of the Year in 2020 at the Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. Their numerous signage products cover a wide variety of business sectors, including some of our best known and loved brands. The company invests not only in technology but also in its people and is also at the heart of our community here in Burton.”Nik Hardy, managing director of Hardy Signs, said: ”We’re delighted to host Kate Griffiths MP at Hardy Place today, helping us celebrate 10 years in this building.”

”We’re truly a nationwide company now, although our roots will always be here in Burton.”JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjI1NjAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjIzMTUlMjIlMjBzcmMlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbSUyRmVtYmVkJTJGb2dhMDFBVlExNDglMjIlMjB0aXRsZSUzRCUyMllvdVR1YmUlMjB2aWRlbyUyMHBsYXllciUyMiUyMGZyYW1lYm9yZGVyJTNEJTIyMCUyMiUyMGFsbG93JTNEJTIyYWNjZWxlcm9tZXRlciUzQiUyMGF1dG9wbGF5JTNCJTIwY2xpcGJvYXJkLXdyaXRlJTNCJTIwZW5jcnlwdGVkLW1lZGlhJTNCJTIwZ3lyb3Njb3BlJTNCJTIwcGljdHVyZS1pbi1waWN0dXJlJTIyJTIwYWxsb3dmdWxsc2NyZWVuJTNFJTNDJTJGaWZyYW1lJTNF

Author: Blu Hardy

Throughout 2021 and 2022, Hardy Signs have been working with Sciensus to help achieve a nationwide rebrand across three main offices and several distribution centres. Sciensus are a leading multinational healthcare provider with their head offices based in the Midlands.

Gallery:

A few things to consider:

>> Grab Attention

>> Engagement

>> Marketing

>> Professionalism

Hardy Signs win big at the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Awards 2020.

Let’s look at the different sectors that use braille and tactile signs in their signage solutions:

Care Homes

Hotels

Bathroom Signs

Elevator & Stair Signs

NHS

Entrances and Exits

Education

Maintaining the signs:

Kate Griffiths MP has visited Hardy Signs to celebrate the 10 years of doing business at Hardy Place.

Ready to get started?

IN GOOD
COMPANY

Throughout 2021 and 2022, Hardy Signs have been working with Sciensus to help achieve a nationwide rebrand across three main offices and several distribution centres. Sciensus are a leading multinational healthcare provider with their head offices based in the Midlands.

Gallery:

A few things to consider:

>> Grab Attention

>> Engagement

>> Marketing

>> Professionalism

Hardy Signs win big at the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Awards 2020.

Let’s look at the different sectors that use braille and tactile signs in their signage solutions:

Care Homes

Hotels

Bathroom Signs

Elevator & Stair Signs

NHS

Entrances and Exits

Education

Maintaining the signs:

Kate Griffiths MP has visited Hardy Signs to celebrate the 10 years of doing business at Hardy Place.

Ready to get started?

IN GOODCOMPANY

IN GOOD
COMPANY