Business

How to incorporate branding elements into your commercial sign design

Published

1 year ago

September 23, 2024

In a world where visual communication carries immense weight, commercial signs play a crucial role in conveying your brand’s identity to potential customers. A well-designed sign can effectively capture attention, leave a lasting impression, and communicate essential information. This guest post aims to offer practical tips on incorporating effective branding elements into commercial sign design.

1. Clearly define your brand identity

Before diving into the commercial signs design process, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your brand’s identity. Consider your unique selling proposition (USP) and target audience. By defining these key aspects, you can develop a cohesive visual representation that resonates with your desired customers.

2. Consistency is key

Consistency throughout different touchpoints is essential for building brand recognition and loyalty. Carry over existing branding elements such as logos, typography, colours, and graphics onto your commercial signage. Your sign should be an extension of your overall branding strategy, ensuring consistency across all marketing channels.

3. Choose colours strategically

Colour psychology plays an integral role in influencing emotions and consumer behaviour. Select colours that align with your brand personality while considering their impact on human perception. Experiment with warm or cool colour palettes that evoke specific feelings or associations related to your products or services.

4. Typography matters

Font selection is another critical component of effective signage design. Typeface communicates personality traits such as professionalism, creativity, elegance, or approachability about your business or organisation.

Mix contrasting typefaces subtly to create a hierarchy and emphasise key messages on your sign; however, do exercise caution to avoid overwhelming the viewer with too many competing fonts—one or two complementary typefaces are often sufficient.

5. Simplicity enhances impact

When it comes to designing commercial signs for optimal effectiveness, simplicity reigns supreme.

Keep the text minimal and easy-to-read by using concise phrases instead of lengthy sentences—think “Quality Coffee” rather than “Our Coffee is Crafted with Meticulous Care.” The simpler the message, the greater the impact on viewers.

6. Prioritise readability

Your sign’s primary purpose is to communicate information to passersby effectively. Therefore, visibility and readability should be considered during the design process. Legibility should never be sacrificed for elaborate aesthetics.

Create contrast through font size, weight, and colour to enable easy reading, even from a distance. Additionally, consider placing your signage at key locations where it will attract attention while allowing enough time for passing pedestrians or motorists to read it fully.

7. Highlight unique selling points

Commercial signs are fantastic opportunities to showcase your unique selling points (USPs). Determine what sets you apart from competitors and use your signage as a platform to communicate these differentiators.

Whether it’s personalised customer service, innovation in products/services, affordability, or sustainability practices, accentuate these key attributes creatively within your sign design.

8. Utilise interactive elements

Gone are the days of static signage. Consider incorporating interactive elements into your commercial design strategy. Incorporate features like touch screens or QR codes that engage customers further by offering additional information or rewards, such as discounts or promotions, when scanned on their smartphones.

9. Understand your space restrictions

Consider where you plan to place your sign and understand any limitations regarding size or format. Take into account the environment in which the sign will exist—indoors versus outdoors—and ensure dimensions are suitable for optimal visibility without being obtrusive.

10. Regular maintenance ensures longevity

Commercial signs require regular maintenance to maintain their effectiveness and longevity. Over time, weather conditions can impair visibility due to fading colours or dust accumulation. Conduct routine inspections and cleanings while being prepared for periodic touch-ups or replacements when necessary.

Conclusion

Incorporating branding elements into commercial sign design is key in conveying a memorable impression of your business in split-second interactions with potential customers. By carefully choosing colours, fonts, and messaging and maintaining consistency with your overall brand identity, you can create signage that not only stands out but also communicates your unique value proposition effectively. Remember to prioritise simplicity and readability while considering interactive or digital elements that engage the viewer further. A well-designed commercial sign is a powerful marketing tool that invites customers to discover more about your offerings.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

7 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

11 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):

13 February 2026: AF4148 departs 17:00 (arrives 17:30)
14 February 2026: AF4148 departs 14:00 (arrives 14:30)
15 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
15 February 2026: AF4150 departs 19:40 (arrives 20:10)
16 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
16 February 2026: AF4150 departs 16:30 (arrives 17:00)

Cardiff (CWL) → Paris (CDG):

13 February 2026: AF4149 departs 18:20 (arrives 20:50)
14 February 2026: AF4149 departs 15:20 (arrives 17:50)
15 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
15 February 2026: AF4151 departs 21:00 (arrives 23:30)
16 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
16 February 2026: AF4151 departs 17:50 (arrives 20:20)

Business

Cwm Deri Vineyard Martletwy holiday lets plans deferred

Published

18 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

CALLS to convert a former vineyard restaurant in rural Pembrokeshire which had been recommended for refusal has been given a breathing space by planners.

In an application recommended for refusal at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Barry Cadogan sought permission for a farm diversification and expansion of an existing holiday operation through the conversion of the redundant former Cwm Deri vineyard production base and restaurant to three holiday lets at Oaklea, Martletwy.

It was recommended for refusal on the grounds of the open countryside location being contrary to planning policy and there was no evidence submitted that the application would not increase foul flows and that nutrient neutrality in the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC would be achieved within this catchment.

An officer report said that, while the scheme was suggested as a form of farm diversification, no detail had been provided in the form of a business case.

Speaking at the meeting, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, after the committee had enjoyed a seasonal break for mince pies, said of the recommendation for refusal: “I’m a bit grumpy over this one; the client has done everything right, he has talked with the authority and it’s not in retrospect but has had a negative report from your officers.”

He said the former Cwm Deri vineyard had been a very successful business, with a shop and a restaurant catering for ‘100 covers’ before it closed two three years ago when the original owner relocated to Carmarthenshire.

He said Mr Cadogan then bought the site, farming over 36 acres and running a small campsite of 20 spaces, but didn’t wish to run a café or a wine shop; arguing the “beautiful kitchen” and facilities would easily convert to holiday let use.

He said a “common sense approach” showed a septic tank that could cope with a restaurant of “100 covers” could cope with three holiday lets, describing the nitrates issue as “a red herring”.

He suggested a deferral for further information to be provided by the applicant, adding: “This is a big, missed opportunity if we just kick this out today, there’s a building sitting there not creating any jobs.”

On the ‘open countryside’ argument, he said that while many viewed Martletwy as “a little bit in the sticks” there was already permission for the campsite, and the restaurant, and the Bluestone holiday park and the Wild Lakes water park were roughly a mile or so away.

He said converting the former restaurant would “be an asset to bring it over to tourism,” adding: “We don’t all want to stay in Tenby or the Ty Hotel in Milford Haven.”

While Cllr Nick Neuman felt the nutrients issue could be overcome, Cllr Michael Williams warned the application was “clearly outside policy,” recommending it be refused.

A counter-proposal, by Cllr Tony Wilcox, called for a site visit before any decision was made, the application returning to a future committee; members voting seven to three in favour of that.