Well done again to Sign and Digital UK for nabbing Mary Portas, ‘Queen of Shops’, to speak on the opening day of the show this week. “There’s no doubt about it – retail space has got to have AI,” she directed, pointing out also that: “harmonising technology and creativity is the way forward”. She added: “There can be no separate silos anymore. Good retailers are creating spaces where people want to hang, and that means delivering an experience.” And her tips for PSPs trying to get integrated print possibilities in front of those retailers and their minions as they look to rebrand their high street stores to meet this vision? “Get great jobs and associated stats in front of people – go where creatives expect to discover stuff so they think they’ve made a great discovery!” We’re making a start – look at the increased number of PSPs at the VM and Display Show last week. But we still need to get more up close and personal with would-be ‘creatives’ as a sector to maximise our potential don’t you think? We need snazzy ‘ambassadors’ who will grab the imagination of creatives by delivering scintillating talks in their own networking spaces. Or am I the only one thinking that?
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Upcoming Events
22-24 FEB, 2026
Sign & Digital UK
Where?
Hall 6, NEC, Birmingham
Cost?
Free to members of the sign making and digital print trade.
What is it?
Running for more than 35 years, Sign & Digital UK is a central part of the industry’s calendar, providing an annual launch pad for all that is new, and an economic stimulus for the industry. The show gives the opportunity to meet in person, see and compare equipment and kit from the major industry suppliers, and the chance to source new suppliers and gather new ideas to enhance and drive your business forward.
23 FEB, 2026
The Sign Industry Awards
Where?
National Conference Centre, Birmingham.
Cost?
An individual ticket is £289, whereas a table of 10 is £2,800.
What is it?
The Sign Industry Awards, presented by Sign Update and Sign & Digital UK, celebrate excellence in the visual communications sector by honouring past achievements, present innovations, and future advancements. These awards recognise outstanding suppliers, sign makers, and individual traders in sign making, digital printing, and visual communications. With over 35 years of industry service, SDUK and Sign Update ensure that everyone in the industry has a voice, highlighting and rewarding the best in the field.