a full range of highly energy efficient LED systems that can reduce running costs without compromising on brightness or reliability, backed up with strong warranties. With a nod to the environment and sustainability, Crotch points to Applelec’s in-house research and development capabilities and the Applelec ECO Pledge, which he says have already produced the industry’s first, environmentally friendly light panel, the highly energy efficient ECO lightbox plus a range of eco-friendly built-up letters, with more ECO products in the pipeline. “We have been busy engaging our supply chain to source more environmentally friendly materials and components and we now offer the option to eco-engineer your signage designs, with environmentally friendly materials, to your bespoke project requirements,” Crotch says. Last year also saw the development of Applelec’s Projects Division, which Crotch says has allowed Applelec to offer dedicated, end-to-end support for complex signage projects, as well as the newly formed Lighting Distribution team that can offer expert advice on its range of energy-efficient LEDs. “Alongside this we are supporting our trade signage customers with a new and unique online quoting system, providing fast and flexible pricing to help our customers stay ahead of their competition,” Crotch says. “These new and exciting developments highlight Applelec’s dedication to customer support, offering a unique set of skills and services alongside our innovative product ranges that you can’t find anywhere else. But don’t take our word for it, we welcome anyone that is interested, to come for a factory tour, to gain a better understanding of how Applelec can support your signage business in 2023 and beyond.” Thinking green The industry-wide focus on sustainability and operating in a greener manner can also be seen within the sign fabrication sector. Incidentally, Applelec recently picked up a Made in Britain - Impact Award 2022 and was also shortlisted for a second honour in recognition of its Applelec ECO pledge sustainability initiative. This pledge, Applelec says, represents its commitment to improve the sustainability of the business and the products if supplies across four focus areas: nature, climate, waste, and manufacturing. This pledge has led Applelec to plant 253 trees through its tree planting scheme and its partnership with JUST ONE Tree, while during the past year, it also became WEEE regulated and partnered with other environment-conscious suppliers. In terms of product development, Applelec says one of its biggest achievements was the design and manufacture of various planet-friendly signage and lighting products, including Green Applelec LED Light Sheet, the industry’s first, fully environmentally friendly light panel, and its environmentally friendly signage range that includes the ECO Lightbox and ECO built-up letters. “Moving forward, sustainability needs to continue to be at the forefront of what we want to achieve as a business,” comments Steve Watts, signage sales team manager at Applelec. While sign fabrication has been part of day-to-day life in the industry for many years, the need to evolve this part of your business with the changing requirements of the modern market is evident. Whether this is ensuring you have the right sort of kit to deliver exactly what the customer wants, or utilising greener materials to produce more planet-friendly signage, there are plenty of opportunities for development in this sector. 55 ► Applelec recently rolled out its energy efficient ECO lightbox plus a range of ecofriendly built-up letters ▼Applelec says there are several exciting developments that will support its trade clients moving into 2023 Smith Trade Signage is the manufacturing division of William Smith Group 1832 Factoid www.signlink.co.uk Issue 245 - February / March 2023 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES / SIGN FABRICATION
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