3 Industry The latest must-know news from across the sign and display sector Business The lowdown on the latest deals, ventures, and growth in business Kit & Media The latest in cutting-edge machines, materials, and installations Environment The latest environmentally-friendly initiatives and products Events All the details you need on recent and upcoming shows and conferences News CONTENTS Issue 247 June / July 2023 Specials Under the Hood Brian Sims looks under the hood of Summa’s F Series of flatbed finishing systems and the wide range of options that are available Under the Hood Brian Sims takes a look at swissQprint’s Kudu flatbed printer which first launched at FESPA Global Print Expo 2022 in Berlin Market Trends Rigid Substrates Rob Fletcher highlights the latest developments in the rigid substrates market and how these can help sign-makers advance their work Back to Basics CNC Routers and Software Rob Fletcher finds out how the latest CNC routing equipment and software solutions can help businesses to achieve new levels of quality Business Opportunities Wayfinding Signage David Osgar explores the role wayfinding signage plays and the key measurements for a successful project in this area Need to Know Sustainable Signage Substrates Rob Fletcher takes a look at some of the more planet-friendly materials sign-makers can use to producer greener applications Taste for Success Exhibition Stand Systems Carys Evans speaks to some producers of exhibition stand systems about the trends and challenges in this area Company Spotlight 2601 has established itself as more than just a printer. Carys Evans speaks with the founders to get an idea of the vast range of work the company offers Q&A: Michelle Henry Carys Evans speaks with Michelle Henry, a judge at this year’s Sign Awards about what it’s like to go from applying for awards herself to judging them Industry Tips SignTracker founder Joe Arenella offers his advice with a five-step approach on overseeing a successful sign project Sign Painting Corner Sam Roberts speaks with two sign painters who completed a unique mural job on the ceiling of a building in Panama 06 08 12 14 18 41 51 49 59 22 32 34 30 26 email: news@signlink.co.uk Issue 247 - June / July 2023 24 Features Get to Grips Tapes and Adhesives Rob Fletcher gets to grips with the latest products in this area of the market and how they can help to ensure safe and solid installations 37 65 GHOST SIGN CORNER: Ballarat Bertie This beautifully preserved sign pictures Ballarat Bertie, one-time mascot for the Ballarat Brewing Company in Victoria, Australia. The company was founded in 1910 when three local breweries amalgamated in order to fight the encroaching competition from the Melbourne-based CUB Brewing Company. In 1926, the brewery director ran into an advertising agency representative on a train trip. They began discussing the possibility of creating a mascot for the brewery similar to that of Johnnie Walker whiskey. It was as the train pulled into Sydney that Ballarat Bertie was born. Bertie quickly became an icon, not just for the brewery but for the town of Ballarat itself. His image appeared on beer bottles, merchandise, and advertisements in newspapers. And, of course, on walls. During the Second World War, sailors on HMS Ballarat adopted Bertie as their mascot, and the current warship continues this tradition. By 1958, Ballarat Brewing had been sold to their one-time rival, CUB Brewing Company, and in 1991 Ballarat Bitter was discontinued. However, in 2006, the crew of HMS Ballarat lobbied to have it brewed once again with a limited run of the beer selling out within days. Ballarat Bertie, however, lives on. Lyons Street South, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia Photograph and research courtesy of Sean Reynolds, @melbourne_ghostsigns on instagram. Sam Roberts is the editor and publisher of BLAG (Better Letters Magazine) Online: www.bl.ag and www.ghostsigns.co.uk Social Media: @betterletters (instagram) @ghostsigns (twitter)
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