As the year winds down, most businesses are in a frantic dash to close out their books, finalize holiday rotas, and consume a socially acceptable amount of chocolate in the office. It’s a busy time, but amidst the festive chaos, there is a golden opportunity that many business owners overlook: the end-of-year site audit.
While you're planning for a prosperous new year, consider the state of your visual communication. Are your fire exit signs looking a bit sun-bleached? Does your reception branding scream "circa 1998"? Or perhaps your warehouse floor markings have seen so much foot traffic they’ve become abstract art.
Updating your site and workplace signage isn't just about aesthetics; it’s about compliance, safety, and efficiency. There is no better time than right now to ensure you are trading within current regulations and starting the new year with a fresh, professional look.
Are your safety signs actually keeping people safe?
Let’s start with the serious stuff. Health and safety isn't just red tape designed to annoy you—it keeps your staff safe and your business lawsuit-free. Under the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, employers are legally required to provide specific safety signs whenever there is a risk that hasn't been avoided or controlled by other means.
However, putting a sign up ten years ago and forgetting about it doesn't cut it. Signs degrade. UV rays fade the red on prohibition signs to a cheerful pink, and adhesive fails, leaving "High Voltage" signs looking rather droopy. If a safety sign is illegible or missing, you aren't just making the workplace dangerous; you are failing to comply with UK law.
The four key categories you need to check
When walking your site, look out for gaps in these specific areas:
- Prohibition Signs: These tell people what they cannot do (e.g., "No Entry" or "No Smoking"). They must be red and circular.
- Warning Signs: These alert staff to hazards (e.g., "Slippery Surface" or "Forklift Trucks"). These should be yellow triangles.
- Mandatory Signs: These instruct on behaviour (e.g., "Wear Eye Protection"). These are blue circles.
- Safe Condition Signs: These indicate escape routes and first aid (e.g., "Fire Exit"). These are green rectangles.
If you spot a gap, don't panic. At Indigo Supplies, we stock a massive range of safety signs ready to get you compliant before the new year bells ring.
Is your brand image fading away?
Your signage is the first handshake you offer a customer. Before they meet your team or try your product, they see your sign. If your external signage is cracked, dirty, or outdated, it subconsciously signals that your standards might be slipping in other areas too.
A refresh doesn't always mean a total rebrand. sometimes it just means replacing the tired "Goods In" sign or updating the directory in the lobby. Fresh, crisp signage tells visitors that you are professional, organised, and ready for business in 2025.
We offer custom-made-to-order services for this exact reason. Whether you need a specific logo placement or a bespoke size to cover up the ghost of a previous sign, we can fabricate exactly what you need.
Do your visitors need a map to find the reception?
We’ve all been there—driving around an industrial estate, squinting at faded totems, trying to figure out which loading bay accepts deliveries. Poor wayfinding costs time and money. If a delivery driver spends ten minutes lost in your car park, that’s ten minutes of efficiency down the drain.
Effective signage improves traffic flow (both pedestrian and vehicular) and reduces the burden on your reception staff who spend half their day giving directions.
Top wayfinding tips for the New Year
- Check from the road: Drive past your own premises. Is the entrance obvious?
- Car park clarity: Are visitor spaces clearly marked?
- Internal flow: Once inside, is it clear where the toilets, fire exits, and meeting rooms are?
Why choose Indigo Supplies for your upgrade?
We know you have choices, but we also know that since 1998, we’ve been the trusted partner for industrial solutions in the UK for a reason. We don't just shift boxes; we offer genuine advice to help you get the job done right.
Custom vs. Stock: We do both
Sometimes you need a standard rigid plastic "Fire Door Keep Shut" sign. Other times, you need a bespoke aluminium composite sign for the front gate. We handle both with equal care. Our ability to supply custom-made orders means you aren't limited to a catalogue; if you can think it, we can likely print it.
The Price Beater Guarantee
Budgets are tight—we get it. That’s why we offer a price beater guarantee. If you find the same product cheaper elsewhere in the UK, give us a call. We will do our utmost to beat it. We believe safety and quality shouldn't come with a premium price tag.
Expert advice for free
Not sure if you need photoluminescent (glow in the dark) signs? Unsure about the correct height for mounting fire exit markers? Give us a ring. Our team has decades of experience and can guide you through the regulations to ensure you aren't wasting money on the wrong kit.
How to conduct a quick signage audit
Ready to get sorted? Here is a simple 10-minute workflow to assess your needs:
- Walk the perimeter: Check external signs for weather damage and visibility.
- Trace the emergency routes: Walk every fire escape route. are the "running man" signs visible from every point?
- Inspect the hazards: Go to your chemical stores, high-voltage areas, or machinery zones. Are the warning triangles bright and legible?
- Review the amenities: Check toilets, kitchens, and first aid points.
- Make a list: Note down what’s missing, what’s broken, and what’s just plain ugly.
Once you have your list, head over to our website. We offer hassle-free returns and free delivery on orders over £200, so you can stock up on other essentials like workwear or packaging supplies while you’re at it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to replace signs if they are just a little faded?
Technically, yes. The law states that safety signs must be maintained to be suitable for the intended purpose. If a sign is faded to the point where the colour distinction is lost (e.g., red looking pink), it may not comply with the ISO 7010 colour standards, rendering it non-compliant.
Can you make signs with my company logo on them?
Absolutely. We specialise in custom-made-to-order signage. Whether you need branded safety stations, bespoke car park signs, or main fascia signage, just give our team a call to discuss your artwork and requirements.
How quickly can I get my signs?
We know that when you need a sign, you usually need it yesterday. For stock items, we typically offer a 1-2 day delivery turnaround. If you order before 3 PM, we process it that day. Custom orders obviously take a little longer, but we pride ourselves on speed.
What materials are your signs made from?
We supply signs in a variety of materials to suit the environment. This includes self-adhesive vinyl (stickers), rigid plastic (PVC), photoluminescent (glow in the dark), and aluminium composite for durable outdoor use.
Get your site sorted today
Don't wait for a health and safety inspector to point out your flaws in the New Year. Take advantage of the current timing to get your site looking sharp, safe, and compliant.
Whether you need a single "Mind the Step" sticker or a full site overhaul with custom fabrication, Indigo Supplies is your go-to partner. We’ve got the 5-star Google reviews to prove it.
Give us a call for free advice and the best prices in the UK.
Call us on 01268 768 768 or visit indigosupplies.com to browse the range.