Signage

Top Signage Solutions in the UK: Where to Buy, What to Choose, and How to Save

Why good signage still makes a difference

Think of signage as the handshake of your business — it’s the first thing people notice and it sets expectations. Whether you’re guiding customers through a warehouse, keeping staff safe with emergency exit signs, or showcasing your brand on a retail façade, the right sign can make a big difference. In the UK market you’ll find everything from basic printed boards to high-tech LED exit signs, and choosing well can save time, money, and stress down the line.

Safety, compliance, and peace of mind

Safety signage isn’t optional — it’s a legal requirement in many workplaces. Emergency exit signs, illuminated wayfinding, and fire safety notices all need to meet regulatory standards. Picking trusted suppliers and products that specify test modes, viewing distances, and power ratings makes compliance straightforward, and keeps people safe in an emergency.

Branding and wayfinding: more than arrows on a wall

Great signage does two jobs at once: it keeps people moving safely and it reinforces your brand. A clean, well-lit logo panel or a consistent suite of directional signs helps customers feel confident. Think of signage like a silent employee — it works 24/7 to guide, reassure, and attract attention.

Key types of signage every UK business should consider

The signage world breaks down into a few clear categories, each serving a distinct need. Knowing the difference helps you shop smarter.

Emergency exit and safety signs

Emergency exit signs and bulkheads are at the core of workplace safety. Look for LED models with clear legends (up, down, left, right) and options for self-test or manual test. Many modern units include a long-life battery designed to hold charge for a standard 3-hour emergency duration, and viewing distances commonly quoted in product specs tell you how far away the sign remains legible — for example, a “20m viewing” spec means roughly 66 feet of clear visibility.

Illuminated panels and downlights

Illuminated panels, recessed Downlights, and emergency-lit ceiling fixtures bring a professional finish to receptions and corridors. Standard panel sizes sold for commercial ceilings often reference a 24 x 24 inch footprint (about 600 x 600 mm equivalent), and you’ll find dimmable LED options with integrated emergency functionality for a neat, low-maintenance solution.

Custom printed signs and banners

For branding and marketing, custom-printed signs and banners let you push your message further. From rigid PVC panels to roll-up banners, print specialists can deliver short runs or large quantities, often with choice of finishes, lamination, and hanging options.

Stores and suppliers in the UK worth checking

There are specialist suppliers and big-box retailers that stock signage. Depending on whether you need a single printed panel or a site-wide emergency signage rollout, different sellers will make more sense.

Expert Electrical — a focused choice for electrical signage

Expert Electrical is known for a broad selection of safety and emergency lighting products, including LED exit signs, bulkheads, and emergency modules. They list popular units with features like self-test, manual test, and multiple legend orientations. If you’re looking for electrical-grade signage components and replacement parts, specialist electrical suppliers are often the quickest route to compliant, high-quality items.

Screwfix and Toolstation — convenient DIY and trade options

Screwfix and Toolstation serve both tradespeople and small businesses, stocking a wide range of safety signs, illuminated exit units, and emergency lights. Their advantage is convenience: fast local pickup, familiar product lines, and competitive pricing. They’re a go-to when you need a reliable part quickly and don’t require bespoke printing or installation services.

RS Components and electrical wholesalers

RS and other electrical wholesalers are excellent for larger, technical projects. They typically list detailed specs — lumen outputs, battery runtimes, and compatible fittings — which helps facilities teams plan installations. These channels are particularly useful when you need standardized electrical-grade equipment in volume.

Print specialists and sign makers (Vistaprint, The Sign Shed, local sign shops)

For branded panels, banners, and bespoke wayfinding systems, print specialists and local sign shops are ideal. Companies like Vistaprint cover straightforward banners and window graphics, while dedicated sign makers can fabricate metal, acrylic, or illuminated fascia signs to measure. If you want something that matches your brand down to the shade, this is where to go.

Comparing LED exit signs: features that matter

Not all exit signs are created equal. When you’re vetting options, keep these features front of mind so you don’t end up with the wrong unit.

Viewing distance and visibility

Check the viewing distance rating: a sign rated for 66 feet (about 20 meters) will be suitable for most office corridors, while larger halls and open spaces require longer visibility. Also consider the mounting orientation — wall, ceiling, or suspended — to make sure the legend can be seen along the natural sightlines of your building.

Self-test vs manual-test models

Self-test units run automatic checks and report faults without manual intervention, which reduces maintenance chores. Manual-test models can be cheaper but require a schedule of tests and record-keeping. If you manage multiple signs across several sites, self-test technology is often worth the premium for the time it saves.

Battery runtime and emergency duration

Most emergency signs specify a minimum runtime — three hours is a common standard for emergency lighting units. Make sure the unit meets the expected runtime so it can illuminate escape routes for the duration needed after mains failure.

How to read a signage price list without getting overwhelmed

Signage price lists can look dense, with dozens of SKUs and technical abbreviations. Here’s how to decode them quickly so you can compare like for like.

Identify the baseline model

Start with a baseline product: a simple maintained or non-maintained LED exit sign. From there, compare upgrades such as self-test, battery chemistry (NiMH or LiFePO4), and bracket options. This helps you see which features drive the price up.

Watch for bundled pricing and installation costs

Some suppliers package fixtures with installation or mounting kits. That’s convenient, but always separate the hardware cost from installation charges so you can compare the pure product price across vendors.

Installation: DIY or call a professional?

Small signs and printed panels are straightforward for a handy person to fix, but powered emergency lighting often requires a qualified electrician. Safety and compliance are non-negotiable, so weigh risk versus cost before deciding.

Simple mounting tips for self-installers

For non-electrical signs, use appropriate fixings for the wall substrate — masonry anchors for brick, concertina drywall fixings for plasterboard, and stainless screws for outdoor installations. Position signs at eye level and ensure they’re not obstructed by furniture or fixtures.

When to hire an electrician

If the unit connects to mains power, includes emergency battery packs, or needs integration into a test/monitoring system, call a professional. Proper termination, circuit protection, and compliance with wiring standards are critical for both safety and regulatory reasons.

Maintaining signage so it lasts longer

Like any equipment, signage benefits from a little attention. Regular checks extend lifespan and keep you compliant with safety requirements.

Routine testing and battery checks

Schedule visual checks and functional tests. Even self-test units should be inspected periodically. Batteries age — a typical emergency battery will show reduced runtime over a few years — so replace them before runtime dips below the recommended duration.

Cleaning and environmental protection

Keep lenses and legends clean so light output isn’t compromised. Outdoor signs need weather protection and UV-resistant materials to avoid fading. Treat signage as part of your maintenance plan and it will pay back through reliability.

Sustainability and energy efficiency in signage

LED technology has transformed signage: lower energy use, longer life, and fewer replacements. If sustainability matters to you, factor this into purchase decisions.

Why LED is the smart long-term choice

LED signs use far less power than older fluorescent or incandescent units, and they perform better in cold conditions. Over the lifetime of the product, the energy savings and reduced replacement frequency often outweigh the initial cost difference.

End-of-life recycling

Electronics and batteries should be recycled responsibly. Many suppliers and local councils offer recycling streams for batteries and electronic fixtures; ask your vendor about take-back schemes or certified disposal options.

Practical buying checklist

Before you click “buy,” run through this quick checklist to make sure you’ve covered the essentials.

Essentials to confirm

Confirm viewing distance, mounting type, test mode (self/manual), runtime in hours, legend orientation options, and whether the unit is maintained or non-maintained. Also check whether brackets or suspension kits are included — sometimes these are sold separately and affect total cost.

Ordering tips

Buy a sample or one unit first if you’re changing brand or type, especially for branded or custom signage. Test it in the intended location to check brightness, angle, and legibility before placing a larger order.

Conclusion

Choosing the right signage in the UK is a mix of safety, visibility, and smart buying. Whether you source emergency exit signs from specialist electrical vendors like Expert Electrical, pick up practical units from Screwfix or Toolstation, or order bespoke brand panels from a local sign maker, the key is to match product features to your space and compliance needs. Think of signage as a long-term investment — one that pays off through safer premises, fewer hassles, and a stronger brand presence.