Here at Digital Plus, we have recently completed our latest project for The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust after printing and overseeing the installation of hoardings surrounding the site of the high-profile new Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

The former Leeds Rhinos star was diagnosed with MND in 2019, and since then, he’s raised millions of pounds, along with ex-Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield, to help others living with the disease. This includes fundraising for the state-of-the-art new £6.8million centre, which will be built at Seacroft Hospital.

The hoardings span 130 metres around the perimeter of the site. We managed the procurement and installation of the timber on the NHS Trust’s behalf, in addition to carrying out a site inspection and full survey to assess ground elevations across the site. This enabled us to create digital templates for the artwork, which could be designed in a completely seamless way, regardless of the different steps and levels in the hoarding.

We then produced and installed skirtings for the top and bottom of the hoardings and printed the striking graphics to create a seamless visual that flows with the natural contours of the site.

After considering various options, we opted to print directly onto a 3mm aluminium composite complete with an anti-graffiti finish, which is tough, durable and can be easily cleaned in the event of it being damaged. Crucially, the panels can also be updated as the project progresses.

We then installed it onto the hoardings over a four-day period against a backdrop of wintery dark nights and adverse weather.

In addition to displaying signage about health and safety and marking site entrances, the graphics also include high-definition images of Rob, information about the new centre, details of how to contribute to the fundraising appeal and facts about MND. This is all complemented by other key messages that The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Leeds Hospitals Charity were keen to promote.

Once complete, the new Rob Burrow Centre for MND will comprise of three primary areas in the building, an East and West Wing containing clinical spaces, and a central atrium designed as a community-focused area with reading and quiet spaces, as well as activity and dining areas.

Emma Quinn from The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: “It looks great”, leading the job here, was our very own James Vickerman and Gareth Hartley, James had this to say “To be involved in such an important job not just for us but for our city was such an honour, the cause itself and the project as it evolves will change so many lives, it was such a privilege”.

Our head of projects, Gareth Hartley said, “as always, the job was not without its challenges, but I am over the moon with the production quality and installation professionalism on the project which is what we are renowned for, to have the opportunity on working on such an inspiring project in terms of its subject matter was a real privilege”

This latest project comes after we also printed a mammoth 1,000-metre site hoarding for The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s new Leeds Children’s Hospital, which will house the UK’s biggest single-site maternity centre, as well as a new adult hospital at Leeds General Infirmary.

We also have a longstanding relationship with Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, spanning everything from large format waterproof posters and hospital signage through to banners to be displayed outside surgeries.

If you’d like to find out how we can assist with and add value to your next large format printing project, contact us now at sales@digitalplus.co.uk or call on 0113 2783133.

The post High end graphics for the new Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease appeared first on Digital Plus.

What better way to start the new year than by giving ourselves a fresh new look that combines our extensive in-house large format digital printing capabilities with the latest visual graphics technology?

We’ve been in our current home, just outside Leeds city centre in Kirkstall, for 12 years, and we know that there’s no better way to showcase what we can do, than by making sure our state-of-the-art print facility looks as appealing and eye-catching as possible.

So, what have we done?

The first thing you’ll notice across all our branding is our refreshed logo. The sharp corners of the square have been curved off, to give it a softened and tempered look and feel.

This might seem like a small gesture but in our industry, detail is everything and we’re already receiving great feedback about how the logo feels less corporate, which reinforces our credentials as an approachable and friendly bunch!

Signage

This new logo is now the first thing you see on our website and vans, as well as on our brand-new

roadside sign, perched high above Wyther Lane, as you approach our building from either direction. The sign has immediately become a local landmark and features laser cut red acrylic, fixed to a 3mm aluminium composite tray with returns, which again matches the bright shade of red that is synonymous with Digital Plus.

This is then finished with kiss cut vinyl text, which is a lighter cut that only goes through the vinyl decal and not the backing material, like a die cut.

In addition, we’ve also unveiled a large 7 metre long sign on our building, displaying our logo and company strapline. This comprises of a 3mm aluminium composite tray, with returns,wrapped with an exterior grade vinyl. This was then finished with an exterior UV laminate for weather protection and was fully colour matched by our studio and machinery to match our distinctive shade of remarkable red.

We’ve then added a third sign to create a showstopper next to our main entrance. This baby is powder coated and aluminium fret cut with beautiful acrylic lettering and an attractive integrated illuminated system that works on a day and night timer, meaning our brand keeps on shining 24 hours a day!

This is complemented with directional signage and wayfinding step runners to guide visitors to our reception area or collection and delivery points. Again, these feature 3mm aluminium composite, wrapped with an exterior grade vinyl and finished with an exterior UV laminate to give them full weather protection.

Window graphics

Last, but by no means least, we’ve transformed our glass atrium into a powerful marketing tool by creating a stunning large-scale, attention-grabbing window graphic, that looks agonizingly good, even if we do say so ourselves!

To do this we used repositional vinyl, which enables us to swap and change our campaigns on a quarterly basis, in response to products or services that we want to promote, or even depending on seasonal themes or events.

This choice of vinyl is particularly good because it leaves no residue when it’s removed and is finished with an exterior laminate, so it’s ready to face the elements, which made it the perfect material for the job.

Let us know what you think!

We’d love to hear what you think and don’t forget that this is only a small snapshot of the graphics technology and large format digital printing capabilities that we offer clients across all sectors.

If you’d like to find out how we can assist with and add value to your next large format printing project, contact us now at sales@digitalplus.co.uk or call on 0113 2783133.

See more of our signage ideas to freshen up your branding … here

The post New year and a new look for Digital Plus appeared first on Digital Plus.

Say it loud and clear in every season with weatherproof signs

Rain, wind, frost, snow and sunshine all cause wear and tear to external signs. But that doesn’t mean you should stop sharing new messages outdoors when the winter months come.

There are lots of weatherproof signage materials suited to outdoor conditions that have been designed to stand up to the worst conditions. Read on to find out what they are.

Long-lasting and re-usable posters or banners

When you have a new announcement, event or offer to share, banners and temporary signs are the fast and easy way to do it.

It’s possible to print banner and poster designs on to unrippable, waterproof vinyl. These signs can be fixed pretty much anywhere, including on walls, railings or entrances, or freestanding supported by posts. Because they are hardwearing and bendable, you can store and reuse them.

Printing with a UV inhibitor

Outdoor signs have to be strong and waterproof to stand up to rain and wind. But the sun can cause damage to signs over time too. To combat this, we print with a UV inhibitor ink, meaning that the signs are protected from sun bleaching and the design lasts for longer.

Permanent outdoor signs

Any building, entrance or directional signage always needs to be weatherproof. If your signage is going to be installed on a permanent basis, there are several different material options. The one you go with depends on the desired style and your budget.

Aluminium – sturdy and rust-proof, this metal is ideal for creating quality signs that go the distance.

Acrylic – this material can be printed full colour with polished edges for a premium look. It’s also available unprinted in various colours, including what is called a ‘live edge,’ which captures certain lighting. You can opt for a solid shape acrylic sign or cut out lettering.

Wooden – although wood might not be as long-lasting as man-made materials, it can be treated to create weatherproof signs that look highly attractive.

Recyclable weatherproof signs

Finding a material that stands up to harsh weather conditions and is eco-friendly is tricky. But there is one material that is weatherproof and recyclable. Bubble board is a non-PVC board material made of polypropylene. It’s fully printable and can be cut and drilled, making installation easy.

Bubble board is perfect for businesses that have seasonal or frequently changing outdoor messages to share. Because it’s recyclable, less waste is produced each time you update your messages, thus reducing your business’ carbon footprint.

What weatherproof sign material is best for my project?

As you can see, there are several options to choose from. The best way to know for certain what’s right for your design is to speak to a professional printer and describe exactly where and how your signs or banners will be displayed. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action.

Do you have any an outdoor sign you’d like to discuss with us? You can get in touch on 0113 278 3133 or via sales@digitalplus.co.uk.

The post Weatherproof signs for outdoors – the options appeared first on Digital Plus.

Have you ever bitten into a big, juicy apple only to find it’s tasteless on the inside? Perhaps you’ve jumped into the sea on a hot day and it’s been icy cold?

Appearances can be deceiving.

Unfortunately, this isn’t always recognised in the world of business. And when it comes to attracting customers, appearances matter a lot, even if they shouldn’t!

Make sure you’re sending the right message

External signage has the power to impact how your business is viewed by the outside world. Whether it’s an accurate impression or not, it’s something people will remember. In fact, a study by FedEx found 79% of consumers said they’d remembered a business based on its sign.

The same study found that over two thirds of consumers believe a business’ external signs reflect the quality of their products and services. This means you could be providing the best products and services around, but if your external signage isn’t telling that story, people are less likely to hear it.

Although these may not be conscious biases, they have the potential to influence whether a customer does business with you or not. It’s therefore incredibly important that you get your signage looking smart and keep it updated.

Great signage turns heads and wins new customers

In today’s highly competitive world, both online and on the high street, your business’s façade should help you attract new customers, not turn them away! Signage that looks smart and accurately reflects who you are as a business is one tried and tested way to do this.

Winning external signs needs to be:

1. Clear, eye-catching and easy to read.
2. In line with your branding, be this traditional, contemporary, luxury or sleek etc.
3. Smart and well-maintained (not faded and falling to bits!)
4. Made from quality, hardwearing materials and expertly manufactured.
5. Unique – they could only belong to your business.

If you’re reading this and thinking ‘my external signage could do with a refresh,’ then now is the time to do it. After all, what better way to step into the new year than with fresh, new signs? Updated signage tells people that you’re moving in the right direction and could even attract customers who might previously have passed you by.

So, what will your signs say about you in 2021?

Are you interested in getting a quote for new external signage? Or would you like to find out more about the options? Talk to one of our experts and we’ll help you get started.

The post What does your external signage say about your business? appeared first on Digital Plus.