Planning a move? This guide covers what to think about before ordering your signage and graphics, from planning permission and electrical supplies to artwork, installation and office branding. It also includes practical advice from the Motive Graphics team, based on experience delivering commercial signage and interior graphics projects across the UK.
Moving into a new headquarters comes with a long to-do list.
Contractors are finishing the fit-out. Furniture is arriving. IT is getting everyone connected. Marketing is being updated. Staff are getting ready for the move.
Signage is often left until the last minute.
It shouldn’t be.
Getting your signage company involved early gives you more options. It also makes it easier to plan everything from planning permission and artwork to electrical supplies, installation and office branding as part of the wider project, rather than adding it at the end.
After managing hundreds of commercial signage projects, our Sign & Graphic Design Manager, Hollie Sheridan, shares what she’s learnt about planning signage for a new headquarters.
Don’t leave your signage until the last minute
One of the biggest mistakes we see is businesses waiting until the building is almost finished before speaking to us.
By then, walls have been decorated, electricians have finished, contractors are leaving site and everyone is focused on moving day.
The earlier we’re involved, the easier it is to plan the practical things that can affect your project later, from planning permission and electrical supplies to installation access and artwork.
“Getting us involved early means we can work with your plans, suggest alternative ideas and make sure practical things like electrics, access and installation have all been considered before work starts. It’s much easier to make changes on paper than once the building is finished.”
It’s also worth remembering that larger organisations often have supplier approval processes before work can begin.
One thing people don’t always think about is getting us set up as an approved supplier. For larger businesses, that process alone can sometimes take a couple of weeks. It’s another reason why getting us involved early helps keep the whole project moving.”
Hollie Sheridan, Design Manager, Motive Exhibition
Give yourself enough time for artwork
Your signage can’t go into production until the artwork has been approved.
If you’re working with an agency or an in-house design team, they’re often updating lots of marketing materials at the same time. Building enough time into the programme for artwork creation and approvals helps avoid unnecessary pressure later.
“We’ll always talk you through the different stages of the project and help you build a realistic timeline. If you’re working with an agency or your own design team, remember they’re producing everything at the same time. We can also work directly with them or create artwork to your brand guidelines, making sure everything is produced to the correct specifications first time.”
Plan the installation, not just the sign
Planning the installation early gives you far more flexibility and can make the whole project much easier to deliver.
“We’ll always work around our clients’ programme, whether that’s before staff move in or once the building’s up and running. But if we can install before everyone arrives, it’s much easier from a health and safety point of view. It’s also lovely when the branding is already in place as part of the big reveal.”
Hollie Sheridan
At Kegstar’s new headquarters in Milton Keynes, the production equipment had already been installed before the signage was fitted. The project was completed successfully, but working around brand-new machinery in a much more restricted environment meant every stage of the installation required additional planning and care.
An installation might take several days if the project is more complex or the weather works against us while we’re installing external signage. We’ll always work to the programme and keep disruption to a minimum, but it’s worth allowing enough time so everything can be completed safely and to the standard you’d expect.”
Hollie Sheridan, Design Manager, Motive Exhibition
Make the most of your new workplace
A new headquarters is a chance to create a workplace that reflects your business, not just somewhere people come to work.
Reception areas. Meeting rooms. Breakout spaces. Window graphics. Feature walls. Wayfinding.
The best workplaces don’t just help people find their way around. They reflect the business and the people who work there.
When Raspberry Pi moved into its Cambridge headquarters, the internal team designed graphics that reflected the company’s personality rather than following a traditional corporate style. The result is a workplace that feels authentic to the people who work there.
Moving into a new office is a great opportunity to rethink how your brand is used throughout the workplace. The best ideas often come from the people who’ll be using the building every day. We’ve seen clients involve staff before finalising the graphics, creating workplaces that genuinely reflect the culture of the business.”
Hollie Sheridan
Make the most of your move
A new headquarters is more than a change of address.
It’s a chance to introduce your new premises to customers, suppliers, staff and the local business community.
When Kegstar officially opened its new headquarters in Milton Keynes, they invited the local MP, the Mayor and other guests to a launch event. Their new external signage featured in almost every photograph from the day, helping establish their arrival in the local business community.
“Good signage doesn’t just help people find your building. It becomes part of your marketing too.”
Hollie Sheridan
Use your signage company’s experience
Getting your signage company involved early means you benefit from experience built up over hundreds of commercial projects.
“Use all the knowledge on offer. We’ll often suggest ideas that are longer lasting, look better when illuminated, are easier to maintain or more cost-effective to replicate if your business grows.”
Hollie Sheridan
Before ordering your signage, we’d recommend considering:
- Planning permission
- Electrical supplies for illuminated signage
- Supplier approval
- Artwork creation and approvals
- External signage
- Reception branding
- Interior graphics
- Window graphics
- Wayfinding
- Installation programme
- Launch photography and PR
Planning a move?
If you’re moving into a new headquarters and would like some advice before ordering your signage, we’re always happy to have a conversation.
The earlier we’re involved, the more we can help, whether that’s reviewing plans, advising on materials, working with your design team or planning the installation.
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Motive Graphics, 1 Orion Court, Ambuscade Road, Colmworth Business Park, Eaton Socon, St Neots, PE19 8YX
