10-Minute Presentation Recap: Richard Taylor of Taylor Made Print – Be Seen, Be Remembered!

At our latest Business Networking South Leicestershire (BNSL) meeting, Richard Taylor of Taylor Made Print Ltd delivered an interesting and informative 10-minute presentation demonstrating just how important professional signage can be for businesses of all sizes.

With 16 years of experience in the print industry, Richard certainly knows a thing or two about making businesses stand out!

His presentation focused on the importance of modern signage, explaining how the right combination of design, materials and positioning can help businesses attract attention, establish trust and create a lasting impression.

From traditional shop signs to illuminated lettering, vehicle graphics and exhibition displays, Richard demonstrated that effective signage is much more than simply putting your company name above the door.

Find out more about Taylor Made Print:
https://www.taylormadeprintltd.co.uk/

Meet Richard Taylor – 16 Years in the Print Industry

Richard began his presentation by sharing a little about himself, his family and his professional background.

His career in printing spans an impressive 16 years, including:

• 9 years working in print production
• 2 years working in sales
• 5 years running his own business

This combination of practical production experience, customer-facing sales knowledge and business ownership gives Richard a valuable understanding of both the technical and commercial sides of the printing industry.

Through Taylor Made Print Ltd, he helps businesses develop professional signage and large-format graphics that reinforce their brand and improve their visibility.

Why Professional Signage Matters

One of Richard’s key messages was that your signage is often the first impression a potential customer has of your business.

Before someone walks through your door, visits your website or speaks to a member of staff, they may already have formed an opinion based on how your premises look.

Richard explained that effective signage delivers several important benefits.

1. Visibility – Be Seen and Remembered

Clear, contemporary signage helps customers notice and recognise your business.

Good signage uses strong contrast, readable typography and careful positioning to make sure your business can be identified quickly and easily.

It also provides a permanent advertising presence, promoting your brand even when your business is closed.

2. Trust – Look as Professional as You Are

Customers often judge a business before they have experienced its products or services.

Clean, professionally produced and well-maintained signage helps communicate attention to detail and reinforces the quality of your business.

Richard highlighted how faded graphics, outdated signs and inconsistent branding can create the wrong impression, even when the business itself provides an excellent service.

3. Customer Experience – Make It Easier to Choose You

Good signage does more than display a company name.

It can help customers find your premises, understand what you offer and locate important information such as opening hours, contact details and website addresses.

Directional signage, window graphics and clear external signs can all contribute to a better customer experience.

4. Brand Consistency – One Business, One Identity

Richard emphasised the importance of presenting a consistent visual identity across every customer touchpoint.

From the sign above your premises to the graphics on your company vehicle, your branding should be instantly recognisable.

Consistent colours, logos, fonts and messaging help reinforce your business identity and build familiarity with customers.

5. Materials – Modern Solutions That Last

Choosing the correct materials is just as important as choosing the right design.

Richard explained how modern signage can incorporate materials such as aluminium composite panels, acrylic, vinyl and specialist finishes.

The choice depends on where the sign will be installed, how long it needs to last, the desired appearance and the available budget.

The Different Types of Signage Available

Richard then took members through a selection of the signage and large-format printing options available through Taylor Made Print.

Flat Printed Sign Boards

Flat printed signs offer a versatile and cost-effective way to display professional branding.

They are particularly suitable for:

• Shopfront and fascia signage
• Construction and development sites
• Directional signs
• Temporary promotions
• Business premises

Full-colour printing allows businesses to create attractive signs that can be updated relatively easily when required.

Flat-Cut and Dimensional Lettering

For businesses wanting something with a little more impact, Richard demonstrated several forms of dimensional lettering.

These included:

• Steel lettering: Offering a premium metallic finish and a refined appearance.
• Cut foam lettering: Providing lightweight three-dimensional depth at a cost-effective price.
• 3D built-up lettering: Creating a substantial, high-quality finish suitable for professional business signage.

These options can help create a striking appearance for reception areas, shopfronts and commercial premises.

LED and Illuminated Signage

Richard also discussed the growing popularity of illuminated signage.

LED signs allow businesses to remain visible during the evening and in low-light conditions.

Options include:

• Halo-lit lettering
• Face-lit lettering
• Illuminated lightboxes
• Illuminated sign trays

These can be particularly effective for restaurants, hospitality venues, retail premises and businesses operating during the evening.

Vehicle Graphics and Wraps

One of the most effective ways to promote a business locally is through professional vehicle graphics.

Richard explained how company vehicles can become mobile advertisements, promoting the business wherever they travel or park.

Options range from simple company logos and contact details to partial wraps and complete vehicle wraps.

For tradespeople, delivery businesses and companies with vehicle fleets, consistent vehicle branding can help increase recognition and reinforce a professional image.

PVC Banners

PVC banners remain a practical and affordable advertising option for businesses.

They can be used for:

• Events and exhibitions
• Special offers and promotions
• Construction sites
• Outdoor advertising
• Temporary business signage

Options include hemmed and eyeleted banners, mesh materials and reinforced finishes suitable for different environments.

Exhibition Graphics and Displays

For businesses attending trade shows, conferences and networking events, Richard highlighted the importance of professional exhibition displays.

Products include:

• Roller banners
• Pop-up exhibition displays
• Branded backdrops
• Portable display stands
• Large-format promotional graphics

These products help businesses create an attractive and consistent presence at events while remaining relatively easy to transport and reuse.

Signage as a Long-Term Marketing Investment

One of Richard’s final points concerned the return on investment that professional signage can provide.

Unlike many forms of advertising that require ongoing expenditure, a well-designed and properly installed sign can continue promoting a business for years.

Professional signage can help:

• Increase awareness of a business
• Improve customer recognition
• Build confidence and trust
• Generate additional enquiries
• Provide ongoing exposure without paying for every impression

Of course, the results depend on factors such as location, design, visibility and customer behaviour, but signage remains an important part of the marketing mix for many businesses.

Is It Time to Refresh Your Business Signage?

Richard encouraged members to take a fresh look at their own business premises and promotional materials.

Ask yourself:

• Can potential customers easily identify my business?
• Does my signage reflect the quality of my products or services?
• Is my branding consistent across my premises, vehicles and marketing?
• Are my signs clean, modern and easy to read?
• Could better signage help attract more customers?

Sometimes a relatively straightforward signage update can make a significant difference to the appearance and visibility of a business.

Need Professional Signage or Large-Format Printing?

If your business needs new shopfront signage, vehicle graphics, illuminated lettering, banners or exhibition displays, Richard and the team at Taylor Made Print Ltd can help.

With 16 years of industry experience, Richard understands how to combine design, materials and production techniques to create signage that looks professional and works effectively.

Find out more about Taylor Made Print Ltd:

Visit the Taylor Made Print website

Another Excellent BNSL Presentation

A big thank you to Richard for sharing his knowledge and demonstrating just how much thought goes into creating effective business signage.

His presentation was another reminder of the breadth of experience and expertise available within Business Networking South Leicestershire.

Our weekly 10-minute presentations allow members to learn more about each other’s businesses, understand the services they provide and build the confidence needed to recommend one another.

Come Along to BNSL

If you run a business in South Leicestershire or the surrounding area and would like to meet experienced local business owners and professionals, why not come along to one of our meetings as a guest?

BNSL is a friendly, relaxed and supportive networking group, focused on building genuine relationships and helping members grow their businesses.

With only one member representing each profession, members benefit from exclusive representation of their particular trade or service.

Interested in joining us?

Contact the BNSL Committee to arrange your visit.

Local. Supportive. Affordable. Real.

— The BNSL Committee