Impact News

And the winner is…

Impact Admin — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 10:10:20 +0000

Many thanks to everyone who took the time to complete our recent survey. We had over seventy responses and in the January 2012 Newsletter we will be giving a detailed break down of the feedback we received. But for now, here’s the prizewinner…

The survey draw prizewinner for 2011 is Holly Burrows, Visitor Service Supervisor at the The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden.

Holly receives her prize from Impact MD Andy Borrow

Holly completed the survey on 4th October and her name was drawn out of ‘the hat’ to win the fabulous Flip Mino HD – the world’s smallest Hi Definition Camcorder! Follow the links below to find out more about the survey results and how Holly became a customer of Impact.

Links:
Survey Results
Roald Dahl, perspex and appendicitis

Meet the Team – Susan Stevens

Impact Admin — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:08:49 +0000

In our regular ‘Meet the Team’ features we give you a brief introduction to our staff and tell you a little more about them. This month it’s Director and Production Assistant, Susan Stevens.

At Impact we’ve spent over 17 years building our business – driven by the passionate desire to be the best in our field. This includes hiring ‘best in class’ people and we are extremely proud of the experienced and dedicated team who are the backbone of our business.

Name: Susan Stevens.
Position: Company Director, Production Assistant and Financial Controller.
Susan, partner of Managing Director Andy, juggles her many duties in the business alongside being mother to two boisterous young boys Daniel and Thomas. She can turn her hand to virtually any production task but her meticulous attention to detail has led her to become an expert in the more intricate processes where dexterity and patience are prerequisites. She also keeps her eye on the company finances!
Responsibilities: Production, vinyl cutting, managing the financial ledger.
Experience: 14 years in the sign industry with Impact.
Before Impact: Supervisor for vending machine company. Prior to that working in a bakery.
Away from the job: Susan enjoys family days out, meals with friends, social networking and relaxing in the garden.

Roald Dahl, perspex and appendicitis

Impact Admin — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 23:39:45 +0000

The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre approached Impact with a rather interesting and unique problem. They wanted a life-sized image of the famous author of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” when he was a boy – highlighting the fact that he had once faked appendicitis – whilst making it interactive and interesting for visitors to the museum.

Author - Roald Dahl

Situated in the village where he lived and wrote for 36 years, the The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre was created as a home for the author’s unique archive and to inspire a love of stories and creative writing in all its visitors. The two fun, interactive and fact-packed biographical galleries tell the fascinating story of Roald Dahl’s life, looking at how his experiences shaped him as a writer. The Story Centre puts the imagination of the visitor centre-stage and encourages everyone (young and old) to dress up, make up stories, words and poems or get arty in the craft room.

The young Roald Dahl

From ages nine to thirteen Roald Dahl attended St. Peter’s Preparatory School in Weston–super–Mare , and he was so homesick at first that he faked the symptoms of appendicitis to earn a trip home! Apart from being asked to produce a range of general signage for the museum, Impact created a life-sized cut out of the young author as part of a gallery feature about his childhood.

Encouraging visitor interaction

The museum piece needed to include a pivoting disc enabling it to be moved from side to side to reveal a ‘hole’. Inside the hole would be a model appendix which visitors could interact with. Their original ‘cut out’ boy had suffered damage from general wear and tear (and small children!) and the cover for the hole was broken.

All is revealed!

HOW WE MADE IT. We cut the large shape from anti glare clear perspex, printed on the reverse so that it would not get damaged. Cut to shape, complete with hole! We then cut the disc on our laser and backed it with felt material so that it would not scratch the perspex.

The Museum was really pleased with the end result. They said ”Impact were very determined to find a solution for their unusual problem and did not give up until they had cracked it” This is just one example of how Impact can provide unique bespoke solutions to customers’ needs – and think ‘out of the box’ when it comes to solving problems.

More about the The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre

81-83 High Street, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire.
Tel: 01494 892192

The Gallery is being completely refurbished and will have much more interactive items for children to enjoy. As a result the Museum will be closed until 10th January 2012 for the refurbishment work to be completed. BUT the Museum Shop will remain open selling everything from books, novelties, gifts and toys to souvenirs.

Find out more here: The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre

Meet the Team – Daniela Dilibero

Impact Admin — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 17:19:13 +0000

In our regular ‘Meet the Team’ features we give you a brief introduction to our staff and tell you a little more about them. This month it’s Customer Accounts Manager, Daniela Dilibero.

Name: Daniela Dilibero.
Position: Customer Accounts Manager.
Daniela’s role in the business is all about customers. Her friendly and efficient style (doubtless from her Italian roots) means that she’s perfect as the main point of contact for our existing customers… and is first point of contact for new enquiries. She has rapidly acquired an extensive knowledge of sign making industry and readily turns her hand to design work.
Responsibilities: Customer service, customer liaison, producing quotations, sales and general administration.
Experience: 4 years in the sign industry with Impact.

Before Impact: College (Business Studies and Graphic Design) and held an admininistrative role for another Aylesbury-based company.
Away from the job: Daniela enjoys aqua aerobics, reading non fiction, watching rom-com movies and the other main love of her life… her car!!

Meet the Team – Mark Andre

Impact Admin — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 18:20:20 +0000

In our regular ‘Meet the Team’ features we give you a brief introduction to our staff and tell you a little more about them. This month it’s Production Manager, Mark Andre.

Name: Mark Andre.
Position: Production Manager.
Mark is hugely experienced in all aspects of sign making and installation with particular expertise in engraving, specialist/unique projects and vehicle signwriting. He has a genuine passion for quality and is his own worst critic if a job isn’t perfect!
Responsibilities: All aspects of the production process from scheduling work through to quality control and the ‘hands on’ manufacture and fitting.
Experience: 10 years in the sign industry with Impact.

Before Impact: Label Printing and production for Circutape. Prior to that working at a jewelery shop.
Away from the job: Watching Sci-Fi movies, freshwater fishing, woodland walking, family life (4 children, including triplets!)

More than a bit of monkey business

Impact Admin — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 09:35:25 +0000

When Toby Zuspann, manager of Aylesbury-based self storage company Store ‘N’ Go, wanted to get maximum exposure from their prime location on Tring Road he contacted Impact for some ideas. After discussing his requirements the Impact team set about designing a solution – and the new signage certainly gets noticed. In fact, it’s impossible to miss!

Impact gets called upon to do work of all shapes and sizes, from small and intricate precision laser engraving, to large and imposing fascia signs. The Store ‘N’ Go project was definately on the large side with the signage covering a total area of more than 1000 square feet!

Watch the video: Click here

The new premises were acquired when Ace Storage bought out Red Devil storage and renamed it to Store ‘n’ Go. They are in a very prominent part of town in a great location that was being vastly under utilised. Toby said, “We believe we are the prime storage facility in Aylesbury and the new premises reflect this.

We not only offer safe, secure storage but also sell bubble wrap, boxes and packing materials as well as document archiving for many businesses.” And when Asked why he chose Impact for the new signage project Toby’s answer was simple, “We consider them to be the most professional sign company in Aylesbury.”

BEFORE

The old building signs were not particularly eye catching

How Impact Helped

The old signage was a bit of a mish mash – no consistency and not particularly attention grabbing. So Impact designer Phil set about creating a whole new image for the company, including the attention-grabbing ‘monkey in a box’ logo.

Approved! The imposing new image for Store 'N' Go

Andy Borrow, MD of Impact said, “We needed to tie in all of the signs to show off just how large the building is so that customers notice it. We want Store ‘N’ Go to be front of mind with people when they want self storage.”

The bold new lettering and ‘monkey in a box’ logo were approved by Toby and the project moved from design to production – on a huge scale. Andy added, “When you’re working on signage of this scale accuracy is vital because the slightest mistake is magnified. The monkey in a box image alone is about 10 feet high and 9 feet wide. It was digitally printed and laminated before being mounted onto an alupanel board and contour cut to shape. We had to be totally confident in our production processes to get it right.”

AFTER

The finished signage is impossible to miss!

The project represented a total makeover for Store ‘N’ Go and included large laser-cut Perspex letters on locators, lighting, post mounted signs, window graphics and full colour vehicle sign writing. Impact proudly managed the whole project from concept through to design, production and installation – and the customer was delighted with the results.

Manager Toby said, “We are very satisfied with the finished work and we’ve seen a big improvement in sales since it was completed. Impact are a great company to do business with.”

Store 'N' Go are certainly Big 'N' Bold!

Located on the Wynne Jones Centre, Tring Road, Store ‘N’ Go offer storage facilities to both the domestic and business market and have self contained steel panelled rooms to cope with your storage requirements whether they be a modest 25 sq ft or a large 300 sq ft or more.

All goods are securely stored in their warehouse with 24 hour CCTV and alarms protecting against intruders or fire. They even offer free “Van and Driver” to move your goods! Call Store ‘N’ Go on 0800 054 2301 to find out more.

Store ‘N’ Go webiste: Click here

Find out more about Impact fascia signs: Click here

If you have had a project completed by Impact and would like your business showcased in our newsletter, simply email by clicking here info@impactsignsolutions.co.uk or give us a call on 01296 488902.

Grab that passing trade

Impact Admin — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 11:22:28 +0000

The High Street is a very busy and competitive place where everyone has something to say and everyone has something to sell! You need your business to stand out from the crowd, grab attention and pull all that passing trade through your doors. Pound for pound, pavement and forecourt signage is easily the most cost-effective method of advertising. Low-cost and very effective – pavement and forecourt advertising simply works!

There are many ways to get your message across and there are many ways to make sure that you are noticed in the world today. Conventional fascia signs, on their own, just don’t seem to cut it any more and people will often walk right past your business without even seeing you! This is because advertising is all around us, and people simply fail to see it unless it really grabs their attention. So if you really want your voice to be heard, and if you really want to get your business noticed, you have to start being creative when it comes to your signage. Pavement/forecourt signage is one of the best ways to start making a BIG difference.

When we say “pavement sign” you’ll probably be thinking of a conventional ‘A’ Board. And whilst we do supply a great range of ‘A’ Boards, there are lots of alternatives and here is a taster of some of the great value, top quality items that you might want to consider:

Swing signs can be lighter weight than standard ‘A’ boards and they ‘give’ with the wind with the moving panel catching the eye more than a static one.

Impact Swinger 2000 pavement sign

Impact Swinger 2000

Choice of A2 poster display or printed aluminium panel
Patented ‘D-flex’ panel hangers make panel fitting quick and easy
Patented top-opening poster pockets
Double-sided A2 poster display/500 × 750mm printed panel
Steel tube frame
Recycled PVC base provides excellent stability

The Impact Ecoflex is designed to be lightweight and portable with a in-built carry handle. The combination of low centre gravity and special flexible aluminium alloy ‘foil’ panel makes the Ecoflex one of the most wind resistant pavement signs available on the market.

The Impact Ecoflex pavement sign

Impact Ecoflex pavement sign

Round corners and smooth edges for safety
Large aluminium panel for maximum impact.
Ideal for vinyl application or screen/digitally printed graphics
Tested in winds over 70 mph
Recycled PVC base with built-in side handle

When you want real impact forecourt signs are the perfect solution. Much larger than swing signs or ‘A’ boards. Available as poster holders or permanently sign written.

Impact Sentinel forecourt sign

Impact Sentinel forecourt sign

The Ultimate Poster Sign – Available in 30″ × 40″, A0 and 40″ × 60″
Clear polycarbonate poster covers – high impact resistance and UV stability
In-built wheels – easy to move with our purpose designed trolley
Tamper-proof fixings for quick and easy poster change by one person
Water-fillable base for optimum stability

For total flexibility and usability we offer a range of traditional chalk A-boards, suitable for use with chalk or liquid chalk pens.

Impact Premier Chalk 'A' Board

Impact Premier Chalk ‘A’ Board

Reversible panels simply slide in or out making it easy to change your message
Stylish locking side arms for stability
Suitable for traditional chalk and liquid chalk pens
Available with powder coated steel or traditional wooden frames

Pavement signs are very effective at reaching new customers and maximising the exposure your business gets from passing trade. They’re a great way to stretch your advertising budget yet still get high quality advertising results. Durable, weatherproof and long-lasting, once you have purchased a pavement sign it will continue to work for you for years to come.

See our full range of attention-grabbing pavement and forecourt signs: click here

Glass like you’ve never seen it before

Impact Admin — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 08:43:15 +0000

Windows are windows right? Well perhaps not – because windows and internal glass surfaces are actually a massively under-used advertising space! Promo-glass is an amazing new product that delivers seamless, high definition colour graphics to flat glass areas.

Stunning window graphics simply can't be ignored

Whether internal or external glass walls or displays, the unique incorporation of white in the design and print process produces outstanding, high impact graphics giving the impression of direct to glass printing without the inherent cost and longer term problems of direct print.

Promo-glass is a specialist printed window film. The optically clear polyester based film, delivers stunning graphic reproduction that appears part of the glass itself.

Stunning effects that look amazing from the outside...

...and just as amazing from the inside

The Promo-glass PET substrate is a true polyester based safety film with almost 100% optical clarity. When fitted to glazing the film becomes undetectable… To put it simply the film is as clear as the glazing we apply it to. This huge added benefit makes the images appear as part of the glazing without the inherent problems and cost of direct to glass printing.

Stops up to 98% UV damage and solar heat AND SAVES MONEY!
The film itself delivers impressive performance to create better working environments with 98% UV reduction and 16% total solar reduction yet retains superb optical clarity.

We can dress your window areas with depth of vision, gradients and imagery with various opacity levels. These unique printing techniques have not been available for traditional glass graphics options such as vinyl or PVC. Our (PET) film is easily changeable dependant on your requirements so you can give your glass partitions a varied theme anywhere… anytime.

With the added benefit of enhanced safety and security!
Promo-glass printed film has been tested to and achieved a Class ‘O’ UK Fire Rating meaning that Digiglass have the only printed PET which can legally be applied to all public places, including buildings, trains, underground trains and buses. DigiGlass also offers glazed areas enhanced security from graffiti resistance right up to full shatterproof and bomb blast grade, a real consideration for any major brand.

Find out more about Window Graphics: click here

Contemporary Perspex Plaques

Impact Admin — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 08:50:49 +0000

When people think of a plaque or nameplate, they generally think engraved brass or stainless steel on a wooden plinth. This is the long-established and traditional way to create a prestigious plaque, and whilst highly polished metals look stunning, there is a growing trend, in certain applications, for something a little more contemporary.

Modern materials like perspex and state-of-the-art processes like laser engraving, mean that contemporary, stylish and trendy plaques and nameplates can be produced quickly and economically.

Silicon Edged Perspex Plaque

Perspex offers a modern and cost-effective alternative to the more ‘traditional’ plaques. Used indoors or outdoors, Perspex plaques can include full colour graphics or even photographs to create truly eye-catching and memorable results.

Colour Printed Perspex Plaque

They can be made in virtually any shape or size meaning you can create a plaque that is unique, unusual and memorable. Edges can be bevelled and/or flame-polished producing a high quality finish that looks as good as glass but at a fraction of the cost.

Perpex Plaque with Bevelled Edges and Barrel Fixings

Perspex plaques are virtually maintenance free and can be reverse-engraved or have graphics applied to the rear ensuring that they cannot be removed.

Find out more about Perspex Plaques: click here

2Wheels make a BIG Impact with Boris

Impact Admin — Sun, 29 May 2011 10:00:02 +0000

Here’s how we helped one of our customers look great for their opening day – and a visit from London Mayor Boris Johnson.

The former Thame MP was visiting his old constituency to officially open 2Wheels – a high quality cycle shop in Thame High Street. The London Mayor, who is a keen cyclist, even took part in a tandem bike ride with former town mayor Don Butler along the High Street as he declared 2Wheels open for business.

The opening was a huge success…. but in preparation for their big day 2Wheels co-owner Tim Parsons needed his new fascia sign in a hurry!

Find out more about 2Wheels: click here

How Impact Helped

Tim contacted Impact and we were delighted to quote for the job. The deadline was tight but we followed the same process as we do with all enquiries. Firstly to meet with the customer, and complete a site survey to determine exactly what is needed…

BEFORE

How it looked when we arrived to complete a site survey.

Then we provide a design layout on ‘paper’ – but also a ‘mock-up’ to show the customer how their new sign will look when it’s in place…

SUPERIMPOSED

The 'mock up' we produced with our quotation.

Finally, when the customer has signed-off the artwork, it’s into production – and the new fascia sign is fitted…

AFTER

The finished sign - ready for the grand opening!

We’re delighted to say that the job was completed on time to ensure that the opening was a huge success. 2Wheels co-owner David Green said: “There was a good crowd, there must have been more than a hundred people there.” Our customers were delighted… and the new fascia sign looked fantastic!”

Find out more about Impact Fascia Signs: click here