Lindsay Hutchinson, Head of Marketing, looks at how small changes at every step of sign production have made a big impact at William Smith
For nearly two centuries, William Smith has been part of Britain’s signage story. From road signs to vehicle wraps, we’ve seen materials evolve, customer demands shift, and technology revolutionise the way we work. But the biggest change now shaping our industry isn’t about speed or precision. It’s about sustainability.
Sustainability is a topic that is frequently discussed these days. It’s become one of those words everyone wants to be linked with. But for us, it’s never been a slogan or a box to tick.
It’s about real action and measurable progress. It’s about taking responsibility for how we conduct business and ensuring that the promises we make are actually kept.
In 2024, William Smith achieved certified carbon neutrality (PAS 2060). We offset 586 tonnes of CO₂e, the equivalent of cancelling 130 return flights between London and New York. Every delivery route, packaging choice and energy source has been reviewed to reduce impact. Even our shrink wrap is recyclable.
We’ve installed solar panels at our Barnard Castle headquarters, introduced a lights-off policy to cut energy waste, and upgraded our site with low-energy LED lighting. These might not be headline-grabbing gestures, but they’re practical, everyday steps that make our business cleaner and more efficient. And that’s something any workshop, no matter how small, can start doing too.
Sustainability starts on the workshop floor
For signmakers and vehicle wrappers, sustainability can sometimes feel out of reach. When your days are filled with customer deadlines and installations, it’s easy to think green measures are just for big corporations.
But sustainability in our trade often starts small. Using recyclable packaging. Reducing offcuts. Planning jobs more efficiently. Choosing PVC-free or lower-impact films where possible. These small decisions add up to real change.
Through our membership in FESPA UK’s Waste Accreditation Scheme, we’re helping make responsible disposal easier for everyone in the industry. From backing paper to self-adhesive films, our goal is to keep more waste out of landfill and help sign and wrap businesses do the same.
People at the heart of progress
Sustainability isn’t just about the planet. It’s about people too.
At William Smith, we believe a sustainable business is one where everyone feels valued and supported. That’s why we invest heavily in our team, in training, wellbeing and mental health. Last year alone, we delivered more than 3,000 hours of training. Our retention rate is 92 per cent, and almost a quarter of our team has been with us for over 20 years.
That loyalty says a lot. It shows that when you look after people, they look after the business.
This also ties in with our commitment to our local community of nearly 200 years. We sponsor several sports clubs, support cancer research, and raise awareness for mental health. It’s our way of helping Barnard Castle thrive, the place we’ve always called home.
Responsible growth, real accountability
Behind the scenes, we’ve built a governance framework to make sure good intentions turn into action. Our ESG Steering Group brings together leaders from operations, HR, production and marketing to track progress and set new targets.
We’re ISO 9001 certified, five years with zero compliance issues, and have a +43 employee engagement score, well above the industry average.
Our pledge for 2030
We know this is just the start. By 2030, every piece of packaging we send out will be fully recyclable, reusable or compostable. We’re aiming for zero waste to landfill by 2030 and a fully carbon-neutral operation by 2035. It’s a big goal, but one we’re confident we can reach by taking steady, practical steps.
We know we can’t do it alone. That’s why we’re working closely with suppliers who share our values. Together, we’re making it easier for customers to choose greener options, from PVC-free digital films to FSC-certified materials.
As new materials emerge, from bio-based wraps to even more sustainable finishes, we’ll continue to help our customers make informed choices.
Whether you’re wrapping a fleet of vans or fitting a high street sign, sustainability affects the choices we all make. Customers are asking tougher questions, suppliers are adapting, and businesses that act now will be the ones that thrive later.
Sustainability isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about taking responsibility. Every roll of film, every package, every training session, it all counts. The more we work together as an industry, the more we can prove that doing the right thing is also good business.
At William Smith, we’ll keep doing what we’ve always done: lead by example, invest in people, and build a business that stands the test of time for another 190 years and beyond.