Founded in 1930, the ISA-UK has a long history in signage and graphics. The inception of the Association came about when a group of sign-makers formed the Master Sign Makers Association (MSMA) striving to promote the industry and protect it from adverse legislation through a ‘Signs Defence Fund’. Fast forward 40 years and the MSMA’s name changed to the British Sign Association (BSA) due to a desire to be more inclusive with membership opening up to the industry. In the year 2000, the Association rebranded again to the British Sign and Graphics Association (BSGA) to reflect the advances in technology and the expansion of products and services within the industry. Finally, in July 2018, the BSGA formed an affiliate programme with the International Sign Association (ISA) in Alexandria, Virginia, US, which led to its name becoming ISA-UK (powered by BSGA) on January 1st, 2019. Over the past 70 years, the Association has worked to represent and support its members in the UK and overseas; defend the interests of members by tackling key industry issues such as sector guidelines and legislations; provide access to resources to ensure businesses can operate efficiently; and promote members to prospective sign buyers through networking. In recent years, the Association has worked to become even more accessible by reducing membership costs and by collaborating and partnering with other key industry organisations and events. Membership includes all sorts of businesses from signwriters to manufacturers of built-up letters and illuminated signs, to vehicle wrappers and digital signage producers. The ISA-UK also represents other roles such as designers, suppliers, distributors, and specialist consultants. For many businesses in the industry, being a member of the ISA-UK gives them an extra layer of credibility with all members being vetted and subject to the ISA-UK Code of Practice and Obligations of Membership. Some tenders are even influenced by whether a company is a member of an association or not for this exact reason. Faces Behind the Association In terms of who keeps the Association running smoothly, the ISA-UK is run by a council of elected members who all serve SUPPORT FOR SIGNAGE With lots going on behind the scenes of the ISA-UK in recent months, we take a dive into what the Association does for the sign industry and speak with Craig Brown to find out what the role of ISA-UK CEO entails 62 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 248 - August / September 2023 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES / BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE ISA-UK
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