Sign & Digital UK reveals new ‘SDUK Explains Lounge’ programme

Print Solutions

Sign & Digital UK (SDUK) has announced the programme for the ‘SDUK Explains Lounge’ at the 2022 show. The exhibition returns to the NEC Birmingham from 22 to 24 March 2022.

The SDUK Explains Lounge, in partnership with the ISA, will feature a rolling programme of business and technical advice sessions designed to help visitors keep up with the changing market, gain insight to strengthen and grow their businesses, and identify new revenue opportunities. 

The programme has been developed to include real world case studies and interactive presentations in an informal space where advice and information can be exchanged. 

All of the sessions are free to attend and there is no need to book. Visitors can find a full line up on signuk.co.uk ahead of the show. Sessions include:

Is recruiting and retaining staff causing you pain?

Join this session to get fresh ideas on how to find, keep and motivate staff. Recruitment and staff retention remains a topic that impacts much of our industry both in time and money. We will touch on traditional and non traditional methods of attracting the right people along with training and support to help them develop themselves and grow your business.

With Craig Brown, CEO, ISA-UK, Dan Tyler, CEO, Vism Ltd, and Jeff Bufton, head of operations – Signs Express Ltd.

Is your business in the best shape today and for what the future holds?

This open forum session is designed to help people get their business in shape, share experiences, both good and bad and learn about best practices adopted by successful businesses in our industry. Issue covered include financing options, growth and exit strategies, and look at best practices adopted by successful and forward thinking business owners. With a focus on small businesses, come and find out how you can get your company into better shape for 2022.

With Sam Armstrong, managing director, Make it Happen Signage Consultancy Ltd, David Allen, managing director, Allen Signs Ltd, and Craig Brown, CEO, ISA-UK.

Social media and effective marketing

The noise created by social media can be a fantastic vehicle for engaging with your customer base and potential customers. Do you know what really works and what type of return you are getting on the time and money you invest in that process?

Here, real life examples from our industry will be looked at with feedback and experiences of the subtle changes taking place across the media platforms.

With Gary Bagstaff, director, Print Sauce Associates Ltd.

Diversifying and thriving in a changing marketplace

Successful businesses adapt and react to a changing marketplace and with such rapid change driven by the pandemic, join this session to get pointers and advice on lessons learned from business owners who have thrived in the last 18 months.

How is the sign and graphics market is evolving? What is influencing that change? And how you can capitalise on the opportunities presented?

With Gary Richardson, managing director and owner, Ash Signs & Engraving Ltd, Carlo Matarazzo, director, Signs Now UK Ltd, and Sam Armstrong, managing director, Make it Happen Signage Consultancy Ltd

Save time and money: How to choose the correct adhesive or tape for your Sign Project.

Eurobond Adhesives will be in the lounge to explain how to select the correct adhesive or tape for your specific sign project. Join the session to learn how to employ the correct surface preparation techniques, the benefits and disadvantages of different adhesive types, how bonded joint designs can improve or degrade adhesive performance and how temperature the environment and weather affect bonded materials. Getting it right first time will save you time and money on your Sign Projects.

With Kevin Henry, technical manager, and Andy Sabine, technical manager, Eurobond Adhesives.

Women in signs and graphics The sign industry has traditionally been a male dominated sector but with more females joining, running, and influencing the sector what can be done to encourage more women into our trade and support those already working in it?

The Women in Signs and Graphics group is working to do just that. Founded in December 2020 and with over 200 members, the group will be officially launching ‘in person’ at SDUK. Its vision is to inspire, encourage and promote women in the industry. If you want to be part of a group of like minded women and fast track your career, or want to hear how women can be better supported in your workplace, come along to this session and meet the founders.

Sarah Winterbottom, Izabella Ivanovici and other inspirational women will be in the lounge and look forward to hearing your ideas and experiences.

Essential tools for garment decoration

Get inspired! Join this workshop and discover useful technical tips on how to how to make your garment decoration faster, easier, and more beautiful. The expert presenter will show you how to: