Distributors sought for street signs with robust green credentials

The Street Nameplates are made from polycarbonate, the same material used in the covers of fighter jet cockpits. In rigorous testing they’ve proved to be extremely robust and have the added benefit of a unique clip, intrinsic to the way the top fits together, which further helps deter vandalism.

Alun Pearson, Managing Director at N Sign explains the inspiration behind the Street Nameplates: “Three or four years ago when we were making steel street signs for a local council I decided we should manufacture high quality street signs using a recycled material that would also be recyclable. I’d seen some signs around made from recycled polythene but they weren’t good, expanding and contracting with temperature changes, I knew they weren’t right for us.”

After time and money spent in research, Alun developed what he believes is the ideal product, which he then patented. N Sign sold its first recycled and recyclable Street Nameplate two and a half years ago and won Renew Tees Valley Product of the Year soon after.

To date, the company has supplied Street Nameplates to more than 45 local authorities. That number’s still growing and councils are increasingly specifying them for areas subject to high levels of vandalism, so Alun explains why the company is looking for distributors.

“The Street Nameplates’ toughness and green credentials are exactly what’s wanted. We know the market is out there because on several occasions we could have got orders, even though councils prefer to buy locally. But taking into account travel and accommodation, it just wasn’t cost effective for us to serve many parts of the country,” he says.

“We would supply the kit for a local sign maker to put on their vinyls, fit in to the tray and attach the legs. Street Nameplates are the perfect opportunity to get a foot in the door with their regional council. The margins on selling these signs alone aren't huge, but they can lead to loads more sign work.”

Street Nameplates alone makes up only about 10 per cent of N Sign’s work; the company provides a wide range of different signage and engraving solutions, from the simple to complex, using variety of different materials. But Alun estimates that figure is nearer 25 per cent when you count all the jobs that have come about as leads from Street Nameplates.

“We’ve often supplied Street Nameplates and it turns out they need other new signage, such as livery for all their vehicles, and then we’ve won that work too,” says Alun.

Claire Spink, Engineering Assistant at Hambleton District Council, is just one satisfied customer.

Claire says: “N-Sign provides Hambleton District Council a superb quality and efficient service, which use recycled materials and I would recommend their Street Nameplates."

The Street Nameplates sign trays are available in two sizes, 1120 x 150 mm and 1120 x 285 mm. To find out more or to discuss distributorship, visit the website www.n-sign.co.uk or telephone 01642 800222.