Leading full-service provider of traditional and digital signage solutions Astra Group is rejoicing having won a hat-trick of accolades at this year’s Sign & Wrap Awards.
The national awards, hosted at The Hilton Metropole in Birmingham, are the biggest night in the signage and wrapping industry calendar. They bring together signmakers and vinyl wrapping professionals from across the UK & Ireland to recognise and celebrate the very best of the industry.
There was good cause for celebration for Astra Group as the Manchester headquartered business overcame stiff competition to be awarded the highly coveted title Signage Company of the Year.
Speaking on the night, the judges said: “Astra Group sets the standard for industry innovation, quality, and sustainability. The business’s commitment to people is evident through extensive benefits and growth opportunities, all while continuously advancing processes and technology.”
Adding to the occasion, Astra Group was also recognised for its work with Europe’s largest indoor arena, Co-op Live, taking Silver in the Best Architectural Sign category and Bronze for Best Interior Decor. It is the third time that Astra Group’s work with the pioneering venue has been recognised, with the two Manchester organisations having also been recognised in the 2024 UK Graphics Awards, in the Hospitality and Leisure Signage category.
Speaking on the business’s success, Astra Group CEO, Jim Kerr, said: “This is a significant win and one I am thrilled to celebrate with all of the team, without whom none of this would be possible.
“As a business, we’re committed to pushing forward, not only for our own benefit, but for that of our industry. We put our people and our values first whilst being just that little bit different. It’s fantastic to see this recognised and Astra Group announced Signage Company of the Year.”
Adding, on the business’s success in the campaign awards, Holly Watson, Head of Marketing at Co-op Live, said: “What a fantastic win for everyone involved! The innovative signage solutions Astra Group produced for Co-op Live went above and beyond, blending high quality design, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology. The final result is absolutely stunning and built to last. We’re so happy to collaborate and see the incredible work of the team recognised!”
The signage brief for Co-op Live to design, manufacture, and install all exterior, neon, graphic, infinity mirror and large format LED Displays, saw Astra Group required to consider a number of complexities.
These included the varying substrates of the building including brick, block, and concrete, which necessitated versatile and adaptive materials to be used, and the evolving nature of the venue, which required all graphic signage to be easily and cleanly removed.
In-keeping with Co-op Live’s vision to be the most sustainable arena in Europe, the architectural, illuminated and graphic signage was designed and produced using the latest innovative and environmentally friendly materials to create a visually impactful and functional environment fitting with one of the world’s most prominent indoor arenas.
Astra Group is a leader in producing innovative visual solutions for a wide variety of sectors including travel and transportation, hospitality, retail, leisure, international events, and stadia.
Further recent projects include working with Manchester City to deliver the business’s new Large Format LED Displays in City Square; Manchester International Festival to deliver the signage throughout its new Aviva Studios home; Arnold Clark with whom it has worked into new business sectors, and Out of Home media partners such as Global with whom Astra Group continues to deliver both with Transport environments Large Format Roadside Advertising Displays.
UK and international clients include BT, Manchester Airport Group, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Bowmer & Kirkland, NHS, Gino Restaurants, Manchester City Football Club, Samsung, Gatwick Airport, Skechers, Global, JCDecaux, easyJet, Alight Media, Arnold Clark, and Unilever.
