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The National Construction Code (NCC) is a performance-based code that sets the minimum required level for the safety, health, amenity, accessibility, and sustainability of particular buildings. While signage did not traditionally need to comply with the NCC, its exemption was removed in 2019. As a result of this, signage now needs to comply with the flammability requirements of external wall materials and has become a hot topic between CV Media & Signage and customers.

But where do you even begin?

The reasoning behind these changes can be traced back to the Grenfell Tower tragedy back in 2017. This fire demonstrated how flammable ACM (Aluminium Composite Materials) can be and how quickly flames can spread once the core ignites. Signage is now assessed in accordance with its flammability (how it is manufactured and installed) and its location (where it is installed).

How do you know if your sign complies?

To minimise the likelihood of fires, the NCC now states that ancillary elements on class A & B buildings cannot be fixed, installed, or attached to a wall that is required to be non-combustible unless they are non-combustible or fulfil the new exemption criterions. Put simply, signs that are not a required sign or are non-combustible must:

• Meet specific spatial requirements (i.e., does not extend beyond one storey, does not extend beyond one fire compartment, and is vertically separated from other signs by at least two storeys) and
• Achieve a group number 1 or 2

This is in relation to the 5637:2015 test that is used to determine fire hazard properties. Group 1 refers to materials that do not reach flashover within 10 minutes after exposure to 300Kw, while Group 2 refers to materials that reach flashover within 10-20 minutes of exposure to 300Kw. Materials that don’t fit into these two groups are generally timber products, plastics such as acrylic and polystyrene, and other components that are often used for cladding

What if my sign doesn’t meet the above requirements?

Fortunately, if you are insistent on attaching a specific sign to a non-combustible surface but cannot meet the previously stated requirements, there are other options. First and foremost, there is the option to get a performance-based assessment from an accredited risk and compliance organisation. Fortunately, CV Media & Signage can step you through this process.

It is important to note that these kinds of performance solutions are incredibly common in the signage industry – with acrylic such a commonly used material, external certification is required in a large majority of cases. All illuminated signs on Class A & B buildings (except for perforated, ally flex face and glass) require performance solutions.

The assessment begins with an examination of your sign to determine its fire rating. As a part of this examination, the specialist will look at how the solution was manufactured while also taking its material composition into account. If there is a digital/illuminated element to the sign, the location and physical makeup of the power supplies will be considered. Finally, the sign’s placement in the building will be assessed including:

• Whether or not the sign is on the top storey (fire burns vertically so a product at the top of a building will not affect anything below)
• Whether the wall construction above the sign is non-combustible and will resist a fire
• Whether the sign is located above an exit corridor
• Whether exposure to a fire that will ignite the sign is likely or not.

Proceeding these assessments, our accredited risk and compliance contractor will then use their findings to make an informed decision as to whether the sign is safe or not.

What if I don’t want to go through external certification?

If you do not wish to go down the performance solution route, we can create a sign out of materials that are permitted for use wherever incombustible material is needed. Materials such as aluminium casing have been proven to provide a strong barrier against fire and are less likely to ignite in a flashover. For more information and advice, do not hesitate to contact the experts at CV Media & Signage who are well versed in solving fire rated signage related issues in a timely and cost-effective manner.

As featured on Unwrap.

One of the latest marketing fads has seen advertisers use the power of nostalgia in order to evoke emotional responses from a target audience. Due to a handful of cognitive biases, this form of promotion is exceptionally powerful and has been shown to have positive effects on both brand awareness and sales. While there are a multitude of strategies for brands to evoke nostalgic feelings, signage has quickly become a popular medium for trendy venues to demonstrate a retro ambiance. This article digs deeper into how a nostalgia obsessed generation has brought neon signage back from the dead.

In the 20’s and 30’s, neon signs became a captivating phenomenon and were seen as a staple of the bustling commercial intersection of Times Square. Skip forward to the 60’s and while that infamous red neon glow temporarily become synonymous with some of the world’s seedier areas, these solutions proceeded to swiftly evolve into an art form of sorts with businesses flocking to create unique and eye-catching signage. While the golden age of neon was long-lived, the popularisation of LED in the 90s saw businesses slowly start to ditch the outdated look. The gradual move away from these solutions meant that by the mid-2010’s, the neon industry looked to be on borrowed time. With LED’s getting cheaper and more energy efficient, it seemed as though the end was near.

Thankfully this was not the case. As we edged towards a new decade, the saying “everything old is new again” began to make a lot of sense with neon signs, polaroids and a handful of other 20^th century items making a resurgent comeback. The question therefore becomes why. Why are bright neon signs that were considered overly gaudy just 10 years ago now a popular feature of stylish nightclubs, bars, and restaurants? The answer has to do with an inherent obsession about the past. To put it simply, people seek experiences and/or items that embody a period which they associate with happiness and simplicity. For older generations, neon signs are synonymous with a time when they were coming of age and seeing these signage solutions can therefore induce warm memories.

Perhaps paradoxically, neon and other vintage memorabilia have also formed into nostalgic symbols for the Gen Z demographic – despite the fact that this group was born after ~1996. While this generation’s obsession with a time period in which they were not alive is baffling to many, it does present businesses with a plethora of fantastic opportunities. Many venues now encompass an 80’s-90’s inspired aesthetic to target patrons aged in their teens and early 20’s.

Surprisingly, the use of neon solutions has not strictly been limited to trendy venues – Australian supermarket giant Woolworths has also jumped on the fad utilising neon solutions throughout its Double Bay outlet. Boasting a CV Media & Signage created solution, “The Kitchen” aims to create a more authentic customer journey through an aesthetically pleasing rustic marketplace design.

With nostalgia providing our lives with a sense of continuity and meaning, many people continue to seek experiences/items that will help them reminisce or relive the past. Neon signage is fast becoming a trendy medium that is being used to evoke these positive associations from consumers’ minds, taking them back to a simpler time.

 

Digital printing is a contemporary method of production that creates print from electronic files. In recent times, this new-age process has taken the printing industry by storm with its many advantages allowing businesses of all shapes to benefit from the technology. With this in mind, here are 5 reasons why digital print solutions should be incorporated into your marketing strategy.

Widespread suitability

Well before the turn of the millennium, digital print evolved from traditional screen printing and began to stamp its authority on the retail sector. At the time, digital print was all but exclusive to brick & mortar stores with physical businesses utilising using these solutions as simple yet effective branding tools. While print is still predominantly utilised by retailers, times have changed, and these solutions are now used by companies in virtually every industry.

Durability

When digital printing processes first came onto the market in the early 1990’s, they were prone to a range of durability issues. Fortunately, due to the rapid advances in technology, substrates and processes, these initial teething issues were rapidly solved.

Nowadays, digital print is widely renowned for its impressive durability. As a result of this, it is unsurprising that print solutions can now offer a range of scale in durability from 1 year promotional (ideal for short-term campaigns) through to 7-year UV/graffiti/scratch resistant options (perfect for long-term advertising)

In order to properly estimate these different levels of durability, accelerated weather testing is critical. Fortunately, CV runs all new print and product through stringent testing in NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) accredited weather accelerating laboratories.

Affordability

With digital printing technology now established, equipment has become quite cost effective and base models are now fairly user friendly. As a result of this, Wide Format (up to 2500mm wide) print has been gradually adopted by signage and traditional screen print businesses across the globe. In more recent times, Grand Format Digital Print (over 2500mm wide) has also increased in popularity, primarily due to the fact that it is slowly becoming more affordable.

Printing substrates have also gradually evolved to the point where they can now offer affordable, longer warranted products designed specifically to partner with the different printer technologies. Additionally, there are now many direct substrate manufacturer relationships for digital print companies which allows direct input into material formulation and performance. That said, cheaper prices need to be assessed with performance requirements. CV boasts a well-equipped, state of the art digital printing department which can deliver time and cost-effective solutions across a variety of substrates.

Effectiveness

If used correctly, digital print has the capability to completely transform your business’s physical environment. On the one hand, it can be used as a vibrant marketing tool that lets your consumers know what the brand is all about. Alternatively, print can serve to help your business improve its internal communications – research suggests that a visually creative work environment can motivate and inspire staff.

Flexibility

At CV Media & Signage, we offer high quality wide and grand format prints on a range of media such as self-adhesive vinyls, banners, acrylic, PVC, timber, aluminium, steel, and paper. As a result of this, there is rarely a sign that we cannot make; our premium resources and notable partnerships with global machine and substrate manufacturers mean that we are comfortable turning almost any conceptual idea into a reality.

If you feel as though a digital print solution would be right for your business, do not hesitate to contact CV Media & Signage.

The ASGA & FESPA Australian National Awards for Excellence is a premier biennial event that aims to recognise and reward excellence within the signage industry. Having come off a highly productive two-year period, it is unsurprising that the CV Media & Signage team received four separate accolades on the night of the presentation.

Digital Media (LED & LCD)

To commemorate the brains behind AOSCo’s Mt Gravatt based digital billboard, CV Media & Signage were awarded bronze for the Digital Media accolade. CV have continued to work with the company since this project, adding four more high-quality displays to AOSCo’s fleet since the company’s inception in 2018. With these strategically placed attention-grabbing billboards facing both inbound and outbound traffic, AOSCo can now promise fantastic exposure for its clients.

Printed Fabrics and Textiles

Due to our high-quality innovations in Rebel’s ‘Home of Football’ area, CV was awarded gold for the Printed Fabrics and Textiles award. Located in Doncaster, this concept store aims to provide consumers with an immersive highly tangible experience using jaw-dropping signage and a multitude of touch points. While the entire store is exceptionally impressive, it is the ‘Home of Football’ wall that appears to garner the most attention.

This vibrant feature wall is 5.5m x 7.7m and primarily consists of illuminated fabric boxes. With the vast majority of this fabric being suspended across the ceiling, consumers are able to feel a real sense of immersion when they walk into the designated area.

Traditional signcraft skills

CV’s print solution in Woolworths’ Burwood Brickworks store was celebrated as the nation’s best representation of traditional signcraft skill. With the Burwood outlet focusing on sustainability, it is unsurprising that the client requested a static solution that encompassed the natural looking rustic marketplace feel.

The highlight of this project encompassed the delivery of a 17m x 3.9m mural at the store’s check-outs. Crucially, in order to maximise quality, CV sent two of its most skilled workers to hand paint every element, with the pair working on the mural for a total of 10 days.

Young Star Award (Adam Watts Bronze)

To celebrate the substantial role that he played in the production of AOSCo’s 7x12m billboard, Adam Watts took home the Young Star Award. CV feel as though this accolade is nothing but deserved – Adam has demonstrated an outstanding work ethic from his first day at the company, and continuously goes above and beyond to help out his colleagues.

CV Media & Signage’s diverse range of accolades are a demonstration of the business’s ability to consistently deliver a wide range of signage at an impressive standard. If your business is interested in expanding its signage offerings, do not hesitate to get in touch with CV.

A wayfinding strategy can be defined as an integrated set of visual cues that aim to help people navigate their way through a specific venue or facility. While wayfinding signs are often directional by nature, their effectiveness can actually extend far beyond helping people get from point A to point B – from increasing sales to driving brand awareness, here are three reasons why your business should be implementing a wayfinding system.

Create sales opportunities

Ever wondered about the psychology behind IKEA’s layout? While their stores have been the subject of many urban myths, many people still subscribe to the idea that IKEA outlets are designed in a way that will make people get lost. While this theory isn’t completely accurate, IKEA’s actual strategy is just as interesting. Essentially, the Swedish giant utilises a complex in-store wayfinding strategy which encourages consumers to take a clockwise adventure throughout the whole store, and therefore view almost every product in the process. Predictably, this encourages impulse buying and results in a large number of people leaving the store having made a purchase that they didn’t intend to make.

It is important to note that IKEA does not force consumers to tour the whole store. While there are shortcuts available, the business banks on the knowledge that humans generally employ a herd mentality and will more often than not, just go with the flow. In essence, IKEA aim to exploit the flawed nature of humans. IKEA’s incredibly unique case is proof that a well thought out wayfinding strategy can be used as a means to drive sales.

Boost brand awareness and exposure

While wayfinding signage does serve a functional purpose, that isn’t to say that it can’t also add value to your brand. In this day and age many companies use wayfinding systems as a means of demonstrating personality, often through the use of infographics, fun messages, or even storytelling. By adding these extra elements to an otherwise purely functional piece of signage, brands have been able to build exposure, and differentiate themselves from competition.

While wayfinding systems may not be the most thrilling element of branding, they continue to be an effective tool that many businesses use to pursue target markets and build relationships with customers.

Promotes convenience and enhances simplicity

While convenience was once a shopping luxury, consumers now demand it as a necessity. With more people continuing to chase a wild, fast-paced lifestyle, it is unsurprising that 83% of consumers agree that convenience is more important now than it was five years ago. This statistic suggests that the modern business should be placing a big emphasis on creating a customer journey that is both frictionless and simplistic.

At its core, an effective wayfinding system can help decongest high traffic areas, and in turn, ensure that a business is able to consistently function at an efficient level. From the perspective of a consumer, this translates to a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience.

The bottom line

It is important to remember that the main purpose of a wayfinding system should always be to help people get to where they want to be. With this being said, the effectiveness of wayfinding systems can extend far beyond the functional purpose that they serve – as detailed in this article, modern wayfinding systems have the capability to drive sales, boost brand awareness, and promote a simplistic consumer experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 2020/21 financial year was an incredibly busy time for CV, with the business forced to rapidly adjust its operational procedures in order to comply with the COVID-19 induced restrictions. With CV’s factory operating on all cylinders to deal with a rapidly increasing client list, the company recognised the importance of some making necessary upgrades in order to cope with previously unforeseen circumstances. This saw CV recently complete the installation of a brand-new Powder Coat booth and process within its Hendra facility. This machine will be used to deliver durable, high-quality finishes that can last over 20 years in the right conditions.

While a tremendous amount of time and capital was used to purchase this equipment, CV are confident that in the long term, the business will receive a positive ROI. This is because its ultimate purpose will be to streamline Hendra’s entire operations. In the past the business has had to outsource powder coating jobs to outside suppliers, and as a result of this, did not have complete control over its operations. With the business looking to maximise functionality, CV decided that it was appropriate to begin undertaking the powder coating process in-house. By installing this booth, the company will gain more operational control, and will therefore continue to deliver products of the highest calibre.

While this equipment will be essential in helping the business maximise efficiency, the benefits do not end there. Crucially, this new Powder Coating process will allow CV to generate additional value for future clients. With the booth being of very high quality, upcoming customers will now have a much larger range of paint finishes to choose from. Additionally, as a demonstration of our confidence, CV is offering extended warranties on all powder coated finishes.

Furthermore, this device will go a long way in ensuring that CV continues to lessen its environmental footprint – powder coatings contain no solvents and release almost no volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere.

Though CV have only had the Powder Booth for less than one month, this piece of equipment is already becoming an essential part of the Hendra facility, with our team already wondering how they ever coped without it. The business is hopeful that the addition of this booth and process will not only streamline CV’s operations, but also create value for future clients, offer extended warranties, and assist the company in becoming greener.

Pylons are freestanding promotional structures that are generally located outside of commercial properties. While these signs come in a range of shapes and sizes, they all serve a very similar purpose – provide effective exposure to passing traffic.

While pylons were once strictly static signs, they have evolved in line with the rapid adoption of technology. Nowadays, LED pylons are often preferred due to their comparative superiority in several key areas. With this being said, even in this day and age, digital signage is not right for everyone. This article will compare LED and static pylons according to 4 key criterions in order to help you decide which option best suits your business.

Reach

The ultimate objective of a pylon is to attract customers as well as improve overall engagement. Perhaps predictably, digital pylons are much more effective at doing this. Research suggests that LED based signage is much more likely to leave a lasting impression on viewers. In fact, a practical study found that 83% of people were able to accurately recall information from at least one digital sign that they had seen in the past month. On the other hand, roughly 40% of respondents retained information that they had seen on a static sign.

In an attempt to explain the major discrepancies between the aforementioned statistics, it is important to understand the profound effect that visual aesthetics have on human emotions. People are drawn to visually pleasing promotional material, and a simple, high quality LED pylon is significantly more appealing than a more traditional piece of signage.

Maintenance

Maintenance costs should be an important consideration for any prospective signage owner. Perhaps surprisingly, research suggests that LED pylons are comparatively superior in this category. This is primarily due to the reliability of LED technology – in this day and age, outdoor LED pylons are exceptionally durable, and can last 10-15 years. With the technology being very self-sufficient, maintenance does not typically extend beyond standard cleaning. Conversely, static pylons often fall victim to a range of environmental factors and are therefore prone to deterioration over a period of time.

Flexibility

Perhaps the most prominent advantage of LED pylons stems from the fact that they are remarkably flexible. Through a few clicks, businesses can effortlessly alter the images, text and infographics that are shown on their pylon. As a result of this adaptability, digital signage is very effective in helping a business communicate any sort of change.

On the other hand, static pylons displays are exceptionally inflexible, and usually cannot be changed once they are completed. As a result of this, they can become worthless for companies that undergo any sort of re-branding process.

Costs

For the vast majority of businesses, costs are the defining factor. While established global entities may be able to splash large sums of cash on extravagant signage, the reality is very different for an average small-medium sized start-up. While prices obviously vary, research suggests that as a general rule, digital pylons are roughly twice as expensive when being compared to a static pylon of the same size.

While LED pylons may seem overly expensive, the initial investment often fails to tell the full story. When effectively implemented, digital signage has been shown to have a positive effect on brand awareness and recognition as well as customer engagement. Therefore, it is likely that the ROI on an LED pylon would exceed that of a static pylon.

The bottom line

Pylons are an exceptional resource that can provide a multitude of benefits to businesses of all sizes. While this article has shown that LED pylons may be superior in this day and age, it is important to recognise that they are not appropriate for all businesses. Namely, a small or rural business that is looking to capture a localised market may feel as though a static pylon is more suited to them.

 

 

Signage is a vital necessity for any modern business – when used correctly, it becomes an exceptionally effective advertising medium, conveying your brand’s essence to consumers. Research indicates that nearly 76% of consumers have been drawn into stores solely due to the prominence of a strong signage solution. 

However, many Australian businesses are still not fully aware that, in many instances, a proactive approach to installing signs without the correct approvals may mean you are infringing on local regulations, potentially leading to fines and or forcible removal of your signage.

While the benefits stemming from business signage are well-documented, navigating the pathway to obtaining the legally correct advertising sign and associated permits can often be shrouded in confusion. 

So if you are wondering how to get a signage permit, this article is for you. It will outline the fundamental steps for successfully securing a signage permit, aligning your signs with the prescribed local council and building regulations.

Legality of your Proposed Sign

First and foremost, it is important to ascertain the legality of your proposed business signage. While the intricate framework of signage laws may slightly vary from state to state, the foundational principles are generally uncomplicated and accessible to all.

It is highly recommended to refer to your local council’s website, which often will provide you with comprehensive insights into prohibited advertising devices within the designated residential zones and commercial areas.

Unsure of which local council you need to consult? Click your state below and search your address to find the correct council.

• VIC
• NSW
• QLD
• WA
• NT
• SA
• TAS

Land Zoning – the Sign Permit Loophole?

The next pivotal hurdle revolves around land use and zoning regulations. Should the prospective advertising sign find its home upon land that you personally own, typically (not always), the stringent requirement of permit approval can be mitigated.

Similarly, if your business operates within a leased property, you may also avoid the need for council permits – provided that your lease agreement explicitly sanctions the installation of advertising signs for the duration of your occupancy.

If you are unsure about whether or not your proposed signage on private land needs a permit, always consult with a council planning officer or the council by-laws before proceeding.

However, if the intended business signage occupies a location not bound by ownership or lease, procuring the consent of the landowner is paramount. In scenarios where the land is unallocated or state-owned, securing a permit from the local council is necessary. 

In cases where a permit is required, you will be asked to create a location plan for the council demonstrating property boundaries, building footprints, existing signage, and most importantly, your proposed advertising devices.

Whilst this process sounds relatively straightforward, it is important to remember that in order to get approval, your proposed sign must meet the council’s eligibility requirements. These can differ from state-to-state, but the majority of councils will agree that advertisements signs must:

 

Be appropriately sized

Achieve a harmonious blend by ensuring your signage is proportionate and well-integrated with its surroundings. Local council guidelines often stress visual harmony within the environment and for the best chance of approval, make sure you ensure that your signs do not boast an unreasonably dominant presence.

 

Be structurally sound

Ensure your sign is built to last and poses no threat to public safety. It must stand strong against environmental factors, meeting local building regulations.

 

Not impede or distract vehicular or pedestrian traffic

Position your sign thoughtfully to avoid obstructing or distracting pedestrians or vehicles, contributing to a smooth flow of traffic.

While specifics can differ from region to region, adhering to these standards is key to gaining approval for your business signage. Assuming that your advertising device meets the relevant regulatory criteria, you will then be required to purchase a permit in order to begin installation.

Navigating the Application Process with Ease

To simplify your journey, enlist the expertise of CV Media & Signage. Our seasoned team specialises in all things signage related (including managing the council application process on your behalf). We have completed thousands of applications before and with in-depth knowledge of regulations across the country, we ensure a seamless planning and development experience. By choosing us, you’ll enjoy:

• Professionally prepared applications
• Comprehensive compilation of necessary documents, including plans and images
• Efficient application submission and adept communication with the local council
• Skillful negotiation with planning officers

For those interested, add your details in the form below and a CV representative will get back to you, with a no-obligation quote.

Oops! We could not locate your form.

 

Remember: Council Guidelines Vary

Keep in mind that different local councils may have varying eligibility requirements for business signage. While this guide offers a comprehensive overview of obtaining a planning permit for your advertising sign, personalised insights can be gained through direct communication with a dedicated CV representative.

By embracing captivating business signage, you enhance your brand’s allure and capture the attention of your target audience – get in touch today!

Rebranding is a big task but provides the opportunity for big impact. The rebrand process starts with strategy, re-aligning values and goals, repositioning the brand, considering impacts on the existing community and building appeal to a new audience. Brand evolutions help to re-excite, injecting a future focus and detaching from existing attitudes, creating space to evolve into new arenas. Like when your iOS updates or your favourite restaurant changes their menu, change can be hard as people cling to nostalgia. But with change brings opportunities to diversify and ultimately progress forward.

Implementing a national signage rebrand requires planning, taking ideas from conceptual vision and building them into reality. Once comprehensive work has been done around reinventing a brands values, identifying the audience and developing effective strategy, rebuilding the brands identity can be executed. A key factor in identity for physical large format retail brands is signage. Joining forces with a signage partner who has experience in implementing large scale national brand change is essential for a few key reasons.

1. Remove the guesswork: experienced signage partners will ensure every box is ticked and a smooth flow of large scale change with incorporation of every small detail.
2. Consistency is key: having everything manufactured under one roof ensures visuals, colours and designs all align!
3. Doing things differently: your brand identity can be built through a number of new and innovative avenues. Whilst traditional signage is always imperative, diversifying signage options can be supported through professionals who understand emerging technology.

Integrating the update of existing interior and exterior signage and designs, branded digital signage and wayfinding, vehicles and other prints are all important considerations all the way from the planning phase through to the roll out. Choosing a signage partner that can assist you through every phase of concept development, design, creation and manufacture, installation and ongoing support can be imperative for national scale rebrands. Experience really does play a role in managing expectations around timing, delivery of a quality product and ensuring the physical rebrand is achieved in line with or exceeding the desired outcomes.

Whilst no one knows a brand better than those within it, having the same partner on board at each step ensures that no part of the vision is lost. Communication can be effectively managed as partners feel like another member in the team, not only understanding the vision but investing in it. The 2020 chaos might make a rebrand feel out of reach, but maybe this is the best time to re-evaluate and redesign for the new future.