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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 wayfinding systems.

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.

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

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!

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.

Rebranding is a major undertaking, but it also presents an opportunity for powerful, long-term impact. A successful national signage rebrand begins with strategy. This includes realigning brand values and business goals, repositioning the brand in the market, and considering both existing audiences and new customer segments. Brand evolution allows organisations to refresh their identity, introduce a future-focused direction and create space to grow into new markets. Like a software update or a menu refresh, change can feel challenging at first. However, with change comes the opportunity to innovate, diversify and move forward with purpose.

Delivering a national signage rebrand requires detailed planning and expert execution. Translating a conceptual brand vision into a physical rollout demands experience, consistency and precision. Once brand values are redefined, target audiences identified and a clear strategy developed, the brand’s new identity can be brought to life through signage. For large format retail and multi-site brands, physical signage is one of the most visible and influential brand assets. Partnering with a signage provider experienced in large-scale national rebrands is essential to achieving a seamless transition.

An experienced signage partner removes the guesswork by managing every detail of the rollout process and ensuring smooth delivery across all locations. Consistency is critical. Centralised signage manufacturing ensures colours, materials and finishes remain uniform nationwide, protecting brand integrity. Innovation also plays a role. While traditional signage remains essential, new technologies such as digital signage and emerging display solutions provide additional opportunities to strengthen brand presence and customer engagement.

A comprehensive national signage rebrand considers the integration of interior and exterior signage, digital displays, wayfinding systems, vehicle branding and other large format print assets. These elements must be planned from the earliest stages and carried through to installation and ongoing maintenance. Choosing a signage partner capable of supporting concept development, design translation, manufacturing, installation and long-term support ensures the brand vision is preserved at every phase of rollout.

While no one understands a brand better than the team behind it, working with a single signage partner throughout the entire rebrand process ensures continuity and clarity. Strong collaboration enables clearer communication, reduces risk and helps maintain the original design intent. In uncertain times, a national signage rebrand can feel daunting, but it can also be the ideal moment to reassess brand direction and prepare for future growth with a refreshed, consistent and highly visible identity.

Before the outbreak of COVID-19, online shopping was expected to account for 16% – 18% of total retail spend in Australia by 2025. According to the Australia Post 2020 eCommerce Industry Report, we are now well ahead of this with online shopping now predicted to account for 15% by the end of 2020. As online demand increases so too does the expectation of a more seamless and convenient delivery experience.

Choice, convenience and flexibility in delivery options has never been more important. A survey by Hubbed found a shift in buying behaviour with 1-in-2 Australian shoppers calling for more Click & Collect services. Despite Click & Collect being readily available at many retailers before the outbreak began, an analysis by Numerator has shown an increase of 63% in Click & Collect sales during the COVID-19 period in comparison to January 2020. Woolworths reported a 50% jump in demand for Pick Up services in July.

By offering a well-designed Click & Collect system, brick and mortar retailers can differentiate and compete against pure online brands allowing customers to save on delivery fees and get access to their goods the same day. And it can increase sales with research by KPMG finding that close to 50% of customers who come into the store to collect their online purchases make an additional unplanned purchase.

Convenience is a key foundation of the customer experience and alleviating any stress in the Click & Collect process (such as finding a car park) is essential. Allocating dedicated parking bays for Click & Collect customers not only assists in delivering a more convenient customer experience, it also provides a cost-effective branding platform. As the first touchpoint with customers, the car park is a highly visible and often underutilised branding opportunity.

CV Media & Signage has successfully partnered with several leading Australian retailers to deliver national Click & Collect rollouts during the COVID-19 period. Providing an in-house line marking solution allows CV Media & Signage to deliver improved value to our clients with paint that is built to withstand years of use, along with a range of complementary signage solutions such as bollards, flat panel signs and totems. Line marking rollouts have included all methodologies including cold plasti, solvent and water-based products which offer warranty periods from 12 months to 5 years.

If the statistics are anything to go by, Click & Collect is set to be the new norm for retailers. Talk to the team at CV Media & Signage about how they can help improve your Click & Collect experience to meet and exceed your customers’ demands.

CV is a national trade services group based in Hendra, Brisbane. The group provides a broad range of complementary offerings including electrical design and construction, electrical infrastructure, visual solutions and asset services. Safety is always at the forefront for CV and in order to make sure our over than 200 employees were able to safely return to the Hendra office and manufacturing facility, a structured COVID Safe program was essential.

Taking into consideration Safe Work Australia’s information for workplaces on how to minimise the risk of exposure to COVID-19, the transformation of CV’s Hendra office to ensure it complies was rapidly progressed. Along with the increased measures of workplace cleaning, using WHS risk management to drive the change the measures included a range of soft measures (e.g. increased cleaning frequency and availability of sanitisers) and hard measure (e.g. signage and workstation “sneeze” guards).

Media & Signage, the visual solution business in the CV group, developed a suite of signs and equipment to ensure that the workplace meets the COVID Safe requirements. The suite of signage included entrance signs outlining workplace protocols; hygiene decals in bathrooms and kitchens as a visual reminder on thorough hand-washing; meeting room, office and workstation POD decals informing the number of people allowed in each space; and social distancing decals in high foot traffic areas such as the reception and kitchen to eliminate congregating in these locations.

Automatic hand sanitiser stations, incorporating brochure holders, allows CV to drive home not just the hygiene message, but also provide a prime spot to communicate with the CV team. Reception and desk “sneeze” guards were manufactured in house at CV Media & Signage’s state-of-the-art manufacturing and print facility. The reception “sneeze” guards provide valuable protection for the CV team members against respiratory exposure through people talking, coughing and sneezing.

With workplace PODs containing four workstations at CV, maintaining the 1.5 metres social distancing requirement and 4 square metres of space was going to be a challenge. Installing clear acrylic desk “sneeze” guards between each workstation has allowed all team members to return to the office.

The signage and acrylic guards are a critical part of a broader COVID Safe program for the CV group as they seek to use innovation to ensure all team members can work in a COVID Safe manner.

With an audience raised on digital communication, digital signage is an ideal way to engage today’s students and future generations of students. By taking advantage of the capabilities the latest digital signage technologies deliver, universities are empowered to communicate quickly and effectively with students, faculty and visitors. With 73% of educational institutions seeing digital signage as crucial for the future of communication, what are the remaining 27% missing out on? Below are our top five picks.

Streamlined communications

Rapidly replacing static notice boards and posters, digital screens allow campuses to streamline communications with students, faculty and visitors. News announcements and campus events can be displayed alongside class schedules in real-time to keep students and faculty up-to-date. Even more importantly, the use of a secure and collaborative, cloud-based content management system simplifies the management of communications. This enables control of the entire network of screens whilst at the same time allowing for tailored content on specific screens. For example, an advertisement for an upcoming law student networking event can be scheduled to only appear in digital screens within the law faculty area.

For universities with multiple campuses, this provides a cost effective and flexible solution which can be implemented across multiple locations to communicate with any number of students, faculty and visitors quickly and efficiently. Digital signage can also be paired with other technology platforms to enable content to be pushed directly to student or faculty phones.

Increased engagement

Placing digital screens throughout campus common areas can assist in driving interest and boosting student engagement. Utilize screens to welcome new staff and students, share event highlight videos, or recognize student achievements. These forms of messages, which can be tailored to different locations of a multi-campus university, create a feeling of warmth and belonging.

Alternatively, add a personal touch to your universities’ communications through social media. Social media itself is a great platform for fresh, fun and highly visual content. Marketing departments can avoid reinventing the content wheel by simply displaying the universities own social media posts. By creating a hashtag for student or faculty to use on their own social media, you can incentivize with the instant gratification of seeing their posts appear on the screens which in turn builds a sense of community.

Improved guidance

University campuses are constantly evolving and expanding. By offering a digital wayfinding solution, universities can assist new visitors in navigating their way around the grounds and avoid the risk of getting lost. Current students will also benefit from digital wayfinding as locating a new classroom or facility will be easier than ever. Interactive digital kiosks located throughout campuses are an excellent means of wayfinding, with the dynamic capability of digital allowing content to be updated anywhere, anytime. The ability to customize the exterior design of a kiosk also ensures that the digital wayfinding will fit seamlessly within the campus environment and complement any existing static wayfinding signage.

Simplified room management

Room management is a huge challenge for many universities. Linked to a calendar system, digital meeting room signs make reserving spaces simple avoiding confusion and double ups. To avoid unused rooms due to no-shows, universities can utilize a “check in” functionality which allows the central system to set a time when the meeting should be cancelled if not checked in, and the room becomes available to others. Room timetables can also be displayed on common room digital screens, so students and faculty can quickly check which room has availability.

Safety for the masses

Insuring the safety of everyone on a campus is a top priority for universities. In the event of an emergency, a digital signage network is a very effective tool to deliver critical information and necessary directions without delay. For example, if a fire starts, emergency alerts and guidance to the closest emergency exits and fire evacuation assembly points can appear on the digital screens in the affected and nearby buildings.

With people consuming content more frequently than ever, digital signage is fast becoming the norm for universities. And why not? Replacing static posters and flyers by deploying the latest digital signage technology not only streamlines communications and critical information delivery but also reduces ongoing costs and can easily be scaled across multiple campuses.

As featured on Digital Signage Today.