Truth be told, business signage is essential for making a valid impression on your customers. Note that your signage could even be the reason they know that your store exists and the more reason why they are there in the first place.
Almost every shop, factory, and commercial property will have some sort of signage to let people know that the business dwells there. The outdoor advertising environment has its rules, regulations, and prohibitions. This ranges from rules for displaying ads, to self-regulatory rules guiding the content of the ads themselves.
Hanging signs are extremely useful especially when you are looking to maximize space internally, and they can be mounted using a vast range of hardware depending on your requirements. Particularly used in high traffic areas, hanging signs have high visibility and come with the bonus of being viewed from the front or back.
But just as was noted above, there are rules, regulations, and prohibitions relating to using hanging signs and any other form of ads.
In the United Kingdom, note that these rules, regulations, and prohibitions will vary owing to the dimensions of your sign and whether it will be an illuminated design or a simple and temporary sign. For instance, if your hanging sign is going to be larger than 0.3m2, then you may be expected to apply for planning permission. Illuminated signs will also require planning permission.
Planning regulations tend to vary depending on circumstances and location. It’s always best to consult your local authority to be very sure. If you are hosting or selling at a local event, such as a fair or street party, you are allowed to erect a temporary sign of up to 0.6sq meters, without having to apply for express advertisement consent.
Also, note that an estate agent’s board will not have to extend past 0.5sq meters. Don’t forget that fines may be imposed for temporary signs that remain in position for more than the stipulated period.
Necessary Rules and Regulations For Hanging Signs for Business in the UK
Here are some rules and regulations for hanging signs to ensure you don’t fall foul of UK advertising laws.
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Rules on Planning Permission
While you might think that planning permission is not in any way related to placing your hanging signs, have in mind that it is. If you are planning to use a hanging sign that is over 0.3 meters in size, you will need to obtain planning permission to erect it.
If you intend to hang this sign in a location that isn’t yours, then you also need to obtain permission from the owner of the site in question, and the local planning authority tasked with overseeing that area. However, owing to what is most often referred to as ‘deemed consent’ rules, there are certain signs that do not require permission from the local authority.
These may include fascia signs on shop fronts, “to let” signs, public notices, and so on. But if your sign doesn’t meet consent criteria, an application will have to be submitted requesting “express consent” to display your hanging signs. A decision must then be made within eight weeks.
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The Five ‘Standard Conditions’ Rule
The Department for Communities and Local Government notes these five ‘standard conditions’ that your signages are expected to comply with:
- It is expected to be kept clean and in good repair. Note that you may be asked to take it down or replace it if it is not well-maintained.
- It is expected to be in a safe condition. Note that damaged signs pose a risk to the public, especially if they are large and heavy. Ensure to check regularly that your sign is safe and secure to avoid a visit from the Health and Safety Executive or a council representative
- The landowner will have to grant permission for it to be there. This will also include the local highway authorities if signage is being displayed at the side of the public highway
- It should not block or impede the interpretation of other signs (e.g. road, rail, waterway, or aircraft signs) or make it hazardous to use these forms of transport within the vicinity of the sign
- When a sign is required to be removed then the area will have to be left in a safe and tidy condition.
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Rules on False or Misleading Claims
While it can be quite tempting to tell a couple of white lies or exaggerate your product’s capabilities in your hanging sign to draw more attention, you shouldn’t do.
Even if you manage to escape the long arm of the law for making misleading claims, your target market will at some point realize that you have not delivered on your promise. Most often, it might lead to you losing the customer or even ending up in a small court. Even if things don’t get that bad, this sort of thing can give your company a bad name and hamper its reputation.
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Rules on Materials Used
If you intend to hang your sign outdoors, just as it was noted above, there are some rules to follow. For one, you will need to only use specific materials that are tough and can handle the changing weather conditions. Hanging signs genuinely could pose a considerable safety risk if they fall apart or come loose from where you mount them. You have to leverage sturdy materials to make sure they stay in place.
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Rules on the Distance Between Ads
In the United Kingdom, some places have rules concerning the allowable space between signs and other advertising materials. Note that you just can’t put all of them in the same area, or too close to each other. Most often, you will be expected to allow space for other businesses also to put up their signs and banners. In some places, your competitors might be legally permitted to cover your signs if you do not comply with the rules.
How Much Does It Cost for Hanging Signs for Business in the UK?
According to reports, hanging signs in the UK can cost between £75 and £2000. However, note that this price will vary depending on the size, design, and style, of which there are many.
Conclusion
Hanging signs are an effective form of advertising as they help you to maximize space inside and outside your business. However, getting them right and ensuring you have the necessary permission to erect them is more important or the advertising could cost you money, rather than help you make it.
Noted above are a few rules to be aware of when advertising outdoors, nonetheless, it’s pertinent to carry out your own investigation. If you end up in court, it could place the future of your business in jeopardy.