The event will recognise technical achievement and business excellence within the UK’s visual communications sector.
The Sign Industry Awards 2026 are scheduled to take place on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham. Organised by Datateam Business Media in partnership with Sign Update and Sign & Digital UK, the event will recognise technical achievement and business excellence within the UK’s visual communications sector.
The ceremony will take place on the second evening of Sign & Digital UK 2026, the trade exhibition running concurrently at the NEC. The awards are designed to acknowledge the work of sign makers, suppliers, and manufacturers across various disciplines, ranging from traditional craftsmanship to digital innovation.
Sponsors and Partners
The 2026 event is supported by several established industry suppliers who sponsor specific award categories.
A long-standing materials supplier, William Smith Group is the confirmed sponsor for the “Best Vehicle Graphic” category. The company has stated that its sponsorship reflects a commitment to the vehicle wrapping sector and the technical skills required for complex fleet applications.
Oshino Lamps is a key sponsor, aligning with the industry’s focus on illuminated signage and energy-efficient lighting solutions.
Metamark, manufacturer of self-adhesive sign materials also features as a primary sponsor for the event.
Categories and Contenders
The awards programme covers multiple categories, including Best Interior Sign, Best Exterior Sign, Sustainability in Signage, and Young Signmaker of the Year. More than 950 members of the sign making industry had their say and between them cast more than 3,340 votes to decide the winners. A panel of industry experts judge the individual awards.
The full shortlist includes a wide array of independent and large-scale firms, including Tradeprint in the Sustainable product category and Colour Studios for the Environmental excellence award. William Smith Group 1832 will defend their title in the Best Customer Support category while Astley Sign compete in the Best Window Graphics category among others.
Event Schedule
The proceedings on February 23 will begin with a drinks reception, followed by a three-course dinner and the presentation ceremony. The event acts as a networking hub for professionals attending the wider Sign & Digital UK exhibition, bringing together installers, designers, and manufacturers to review the past year’s sector performance.
The winners will be announced live at the National Conference Centre.