The food and accommodation sector has been one of the hardest-hit sectors by Covid-19. Limitations on trading have seriously damaged hospitality business finances. 45% of hospitality businesses have been able to continue trading by implementing digital transformation and various signage schemes.
According to ONS figures, for the period February-March 2021, only 43% of hospitality businesses were trading, compared to 74% across all industries. In financial terms, the hospitality sector’s output was down by 90% during the pandemic than in February 2020. All businesses that participated in the ‘Eat Out to Help Out scheme’ in August hired a wide variety of signage solutions; health and safety, directional, floor graphics, sanitiser stations and notices, etc.
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, hospitality sector signs have played a vital role in protecting staff members and customers, and it will continue to do so when the UK lifts the lockdown. There are many types of signs that different businesses within the sector require and we have created a list of the top 10 that you should prioritise:
>> Top 10 Must-Have Signs for the hospitality sector:
Wayfinding Signage
Wayfinding (you may find it used as directional or traffic signs) are specifically designed to assist your visitors. They help your clients and employees to find their way to a given location.
Hospitality businesses have been recommended to use one-way systems in their physical locations. Wayfinding signage advises customers to follow a specific path from the entrance to the exit.
Floor Graphics
We have become familiar with the ‘Keep 2m distance’, ‘Please maintain a safe distance’ graphics placed everywhere. The demand for floor graphics in supermarkets and other locations caused a worldwide shortage of floor graphics and plastics.
Floor graphics help to remind your different stakeholders to keep the distance, be aware of the rules in place and ultimately keep your business safe.
Our creative team can design unique artwork, or otherwise, our multi-award-winning workshop team can print from your design.
TouchShield™
TouchShield™ is a new health and safety product that has revolutionised health and safety measures. It is proven to protect against up to 93.41% of viruses and 99% of bacteria.
TouchShield™ is a transparent self-adhesive, anti-microbial film designed to protect your surfaces, such as retail counters, touchscreens, desks, doors, tables, bars, etc.
It is an affordable solution, and our in-house graphics team offers customer-branded options and will supply bespoke roll and sheet sizes if required.
Transparent Roller Banners
Transparent roller banners come as two-in-one. They can be used for promotional purposes whilst acting as a safety screen between people. You may have encountered these types of flags in retail counters, barbers and beauty salons.
There are two ways we can install them to your hospitality business; they could be free-standing, or they could be hanging.
Transparent protective screen roller banners are manufactured from clear PVC and we can design and print your branding to make them personalised.
Hand Sanitiser Stations and Notices
Just like social distancing floor graphics, hand sanitiser stations are placed in the most prominent areas. They can serve in indoor and outdoor areas to ensure that your customers, visitors, and staff sanitise their hands.
Our hand sanitising offer includes free-standing, wall-mounted and automatic dispensers.
They are solid and efficient, and our team can work with your designs, or our creative team can create a new artwork bespoke to your needs. We can also supply you with hand sanitiser gel and liquid.
Vehicle Wrapping
Some hospitality businesses deliver their goods to customers. Imagine being a small business that makes corporate cakes and delivers to its customers.
Your business may also deliver for your customers, within your area or to another city. Consider adding some graphics to your vehicles and generate leads while delivering to different locations.
Vehicle signage is a cost-effective approach that you can change as many times as you wish for a lot less money. Your initial investment is very likely to generate results for years, providing you look after your vehicle/s.
Safety Screens
It is predicted that safety screens are here to stay for the near future. The different types of screens installations that hospitality businesses need include counter protection screen – framed acrylic, framed crystal plastic, perspex screen fixings, table edge brackets, to name a few.
Bespoke sneeze guards blend into any workspace environment. They maintain their shape and protection levels for a long time instead of cheap and relatively thin screens.
Pavement Signs
As a hospitality manager, you know how crucial it is to promote your business and attract your customers and passers-by. Pavement signs, otherwise known as A-Boards, equip you with a great marketing tool to bring more visitors to your shop.
You could show an offer or display your products by incorporating chalkboard or dry-wipe options and including clip frames and noticeboards to quickly change the information on display. You can also use it to inform customers about your health and safety rules.
Pavement signs can be fixed or manoeuvrable and can be designed to rotate or swing to catch attention.
Banners
Outdoor banners are perfect for promoting your menus, special occasions, happy hours, and more.
We can print PVC or mesh banners in any size, both single and double-sided. Our creative team can create a design from your initial concept, and our installation team can install it within your deadlines.
We recommend using mesh banners because they are windproof, lightweight, and the holes are almost invisible.
Illuminated Signs
Illumination is one of the hospitality sector signs that can help you stand out from your competitors. There are a few options to choose from: If you want something modern with a retro twist, neon signage is prevalent and used in many bars worldwide.
Halo illuminated signage is very subtle, but the illumination itself is cast on to the surface behind the feature to create a ‘halo effect, which eventually increases the three-dimensional impact.
Face illuminated signs are also very appealing to audiences. These can be used internally or externally and typically built with internal LED lights illuminating an acrylic face. These signs are bold and usually used as fascia signs but look incredible as a centre point.
There are plenty of hospitality sector signage solutions that can provide safety and generate new customers frequently. Our team is equipped with all the knowledge to consult you on your project. You can contact us on 01283 569102 or via [email protected]. Alternatively, you can message us via the chat option or fill the contact us form, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
