From our beginnings in 1993 to our current status as a trusted national signage specialist, our journey has been shaped by the support of our incredible team, loyal clients, valued partners, and the broader business community. Together, we’ve built a reputation for delivering high-quality, bespoke signage solutions across the UK and beyond.

To mark the occasion, we came together in true Hardy Signs style, with delicious food from The Hangry Burger in Stretton and a celebratory toast with Burton’s finest, courtesy of Molson Coors Beverage Company.

Managing Director Nik Hardy said:

“Reaching 32 years in business is an achievement we’re extremely proud of. It’s thanks to the hard work of our team, the trust of our clients, and the partnerships we’ve built that Hardy Signs continues to grow and innovate. We’re excited about the future and look forward to many more years of success.”

As we look back on the past 32 years, we’re grateful to everyone who has been part of our story, whether you’ve supported us from the very beginning or joined us more recently. Every contribution has helped us become who we are today.

Haven’t seen our corporate video yet?

Celebrate with us and take a look – https://youtu.be/FPgJUdxZyiA?si=oYIjVL4EMm_rFRp6

Here’s to the past, present, and an exciting future ahead for Hardy Signs.

At Hardy Signs, we’re passionate about nurturing the next generation of talent. Haris’s apprenticeship is the latest example of how we invest in young people while ensuring the future of skilled craftsmanship in the signage industry.

As part of his role, Haris will gain hands-on experience in metal fabrication, welding, and installation, contributing directly to the bespoke signage projects our clients rely on. From intricate metalwork to final installations, he will be involved at every stage of the process, learning how Hardy Signs delivers quality and precision across all our work.

Our long-standing relationship with Burton and South Derbyshire College plays a vital role in this. By combining structured learning with real-world industry experience, apprentices like Haris receive the best of both worlds — technical knowledge in the classroom and practical skills in a professional environment. It’s a partnership that not only strengthens our team but also supports the local community by creating a pipeline of skilled professionals.

“Bringing young talent like Haris into the team is exciting for us,” said Brian, General Manager at Hardy Signs. “We’re looking forward to supporting his development, watching his progression, and helping him build a rewarding career in the signage industry.”

At Hardy Signs, we are proud to champion apprenticeships as a way to inspire growth, strengthen our workforce, and continue delivering the high-quality signage solutions our clients trust. Haris’s journey marks the beginning of a new chapter, one that reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation in the signage industry.

 

At Hardy Signs, we offer an end-to-end signage package. From the initial survey, quote and design to manufacturing and installation, we certainly can provide you with everything you need. Our creative studio is here to support your next projects across the UK.

Three of our graphic designers, Scott Sudale, James Gibbs, and Kyle Timmins took part in a ‘Behind the Scenes’ Q&A session this week. With a wealth of knowledge and experience in their field, the creative team are an integral part of the team here at Hardy Signs. Check out what they had to say about their roles.

Scott Sudale has been working at Hardy Signs since 2011, after studying Graphic Design at Staffordshire University. James Gibbs joined our team almost four years ago, after taking a Graphic Design course at Burton and South Derbyshire College. Kyle Timmins joined the team as an apprentice of the Hardy Signs ‘Sign and Print Academy’ at Burton and South Derbyshire College two years ago.

Q: What is your design process from start to finish?

A – James:

The starting point is where we touch base with the clients. For example, an enquiry comes through the website and marketing sends it to us. We approach the customer via email or call them and ask all the relevant questions, e.g., dimensions, brand guidelines, and a particular design in mind. As soon as the quote gets the green light, we move forward with the project. The project could be anything from a small plaque for a house to a nationwide rebrand that involves various signs.

A – Scott:

To start, we create an initial concept/design and send this to the client. Once they have responded with their feedback (if required), we will develop this and work with the client to get the approval. Once approved by the client, the design is finalised and moved into the relevant folder. The production team then uses this to work. Throughout this process, we make checks to pick up any potential errors.

A – Kyle:

My process starts with a job sheet – which is like a project brief to follow. The job sheet includes all the specifications and is also beneficial to the workshop team.Contact UsView our Brochure

Q: What is the most important element to remember when designing?

A – James:

Every job is different, so what is essential for one project may be entirely irrelevant to the next. If a company has got strict brand guidelines, we ensure to stick to those at all times. Before I send any job off, I usually print it out and go through it to ensure there are no spelling errors, missed words or punctuation. Depending on the job’s size, I also ask one of my colleagues to proofread – as two pairs of eyes are always better than one.

A – Scott:

The main thing I make sure to remember is continually proof the visuals, making sure I’m picking up any potential errors. Avoiding mistakes is extremely important during the design process.

A – Kyle:  

We create thousands of designs at Hardy Signs every year; no two jobs are alike. When I am designing, I make sure the sizes are equal, proofread the spelling, etc. When I’m driving to and from work, I love looking at the signage around, especially vehicle graphics and thinking about what I would do differently or what I like about their design. This process helps me broaden my creative skillset.

 Q: What is a project you are most proud of and why?

A – James:

A lot of the jobs I work with are for Müller UK. I like the booklets I create for them; they take quite a lot of time to design and quality-check but undoubtedly very aesthetically pleasing.

A – Scott:

My favourite was probably Bretby Business Park. It was a bit stressful, but I enjoyed getting involved with the photography and editing all of the imagery in Photoshop. They eventually formed Large Format Printed Hoarding Signage, and it was great to see the finished article.

A – Kyle:

I don’t have a specific job that was my favourite as I’m pretty proud of all the jobs I’ve done. There have been a few projects I’ve completed or assisted with over my time here that I’ve enjoyed. We’ve done that many that I can’t pinpoint the one.

Q: Is there anything a client needs to think about when enquiring about signage?

A – James:

Customers need to think about the colours, materials and sizes because different signs will require different elements. For example, you would need ACM (Aluminium Composite Material) for external signage, whereas internal signs would require a material like Foamex. Even when it comes to Wall Graphics, there is a vast range to choose from – you can get pastable wallpaper, or vinyl is another option. It’s up to us to make sure we are using the suitable material, so it’s always good to double-check and explain the different options.

A – Scott:

They need to consider the best material for the location of the signs. If it’s an external sign, the material will need to be durable and weather-resistant so that it is long-lasting. Regarding the design, keeping a safe area around the internal edges and ensuring both the sign/text size is suitable for the requirements. For example, with a large advertising sign, the text would still need to be legible at a distance.

A – Kyle:

Most of our clients think about the sizes and materials beforehand. When they contact us, they have a good idea about what they want it to look like; as designers, it is our job to match that. Depending on the job, we may send the client the design they require and maybe 1 or 2 different versions. This way, the customer has got the option to decide which they prefer and any elements they want to combine.Each process acts as a step for the next; therefore, a singular error can create a domino effect. The design may seem a small part, but it is the most crucial part in reality. In this stage, the team doesn’t just look at the design itself but also measurements and materials. They need to work out the availability of the production team to be able to advise the customer on a delivery/instalment date. Without all of this, there is room for error, and we must make sure design for manufacturing is a part of the overall process.Whether working with traditional signage, digital signage, or an online presence – our team calls on years of experience, skills, and knowledge to ensure that the design communicates your message effectively. We’ll encourage you to work closely with the design team to develop your ideas, introduce new concepts and ultimately create the finished article that you’ll be proud of in representing your organisation.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.

Read more:

  1. Importance of Colours in Signage
  2. Choosing the Right Signage for your Business
  3. Large Format Printing – What is it and how does it work?

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This month, Hardy Signs marks 29 years in business — a milestone that reflects nearly three decades of growth, investment, and long-term partnerships across the UK and beyond.

Founded in 1993 by Nik Hardy, the business has grown from a small operation serving local customers in Burton-on-Trent into a nationally recognised signage supplier working across a wide range of sectors. Today, Hardy Signs supports organisations with the design, manufacture, and installation of bespoke signage solutions, including branded environments and digital signage, as well as wayfinding, health and safety, and large-scale rollout projects.

For our team, this anniversary is not just about longevity. It is about the relationships, projects, and progress that have shaped Hardy Signs into the business it is today.

From Local Beginnings to National Delivery

Hardy Signs began in a home garage before moving into its first rented unit in 1995. In the early years, much of the company’s work focused on hand-painted signs and vehicle graphics, particularly for breweries and pubs in and around Burton-on-Trent.

As the business grew, so did the scale and complexity of the work. Over time, Hardy Signs expanded into larger premises, broadened its service offering, and began working with regional, national, and international organisations across multiple industries.

That growth eventually led to the move to Hardy Place in 2011, which remains the company’s headquarters today and the base for its design, manufacturing, and project delivery operations.

Supporting Organisations Across the UK

Now in its 29th year, Hardy Signs has delivered more than 1,200,000 signs for customers across the UK and beyond.

Recent projects have included work for a broad mix of organisations, including major commercial brands, public sector bodies, and national events. During this period, the company has supplied signage for hundreds of businesses and organisations, including work connected to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, alongside projects for well-known names such as Amazon UK, Alstom, Bet365, Holland & Barrett, and We Buy Any Car.

This breadth of experience is one of the reasons Hardy Signs continues to work across multiple sectors, helping clients who need a signage partner that can combine design quality, practical delivery, and dependable project support.

Investing in Growth, People and Capability

A major part of the Hardy Signs story has been continuous investment — not only in equipment and facilities, but in people and long-term capability.

Over the years, the company has invested heavily in machinery, manufacturing processes, and ways of working that support both quality and efficiency. More recently, that has included a stronger focus on sustainable production, recycling, and a longer-term environmental vision for the future.

At the same time, Hardy Signs has continued to invest in training and workforce development. Building in-house knowledge and supporting young professionals has remained an important part of the company’s approach, helping to strengthen skills across the business and support the next generation entering the industry.

For many customers, that investment is reflected in the quality, consistency, and reliability of the work delivered.

Recognition for Quality and Service

Over the last decade, Hardy Signs has also received recognition through several business and manufacturing awards.

The company was named Manufacturer of the Year in 2019 and 2020 and was later recognised as a finalist for Excellence in Manufacturing in both 2021 and 2022. These achievements reflect not only the quality of the company’s manufacturing output, but also the wider standards of customer service, teamwork, and operational delivery behind each project.

For customers, this matters because choosing a signage supplier is about more than product alone. It is about confidence in the process, the people, and the outcome.

Milestones That Shaped the Business

Over the last decade, Hardy Signs has reached several important milestones that reflect its growth as a business and its connection to the wider community.

These include:

  • launching the Resuscitation Grab Bag Appeal in support of Burton Hospital, raising £10,000
  • establishing the Signs and Print Academy in partnership with Burton and South Derbyshire College to help train new talent in the sign and print industry
  • installing 200 solar panels at Hardy Place as part of continued investment in sustainability
  • completing international installation work in Brussels, Belgium
  • delivering a digital signage project in California, USA

Together, these milestones reflect the company’s ambition to keep moving forward while staying rooted in the values that helped build the business in the first place.

What 29 Years Means for Customers

For marketing managers, facilities managers, estates teams, and commercial decision-makers, experience matters.

Choosing the right signage partner is not just about finding someone who can produce a sign. It is about working with a business that understands design, manufacturing, installation, project coordination, compliance, and the practical realities of delivering signage across different sites and sectors.

After 29 years in business, Hardy Signs continues to support clients who need exactly that: a partner capable of delivering quality signage solutions reliably, professionally, and at scale.

Looking Ahead

As Hardy Signs enters its 29th year, the focus remains on building for the future — investing in people, improving sustainability, and continuing to deliver signage solutions that help organisations present themselves clearly and professionally.

From local beginnings to national delivery, the company’s growth has been shaped by long-term relationships, a commitment to quality, and a willingness to keep evolving with the needs of customers.

We would like to thank our customers, partners, and team members who have been part of that journey so far.

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.”

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

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