Here at BEL Signs we’re looking at one of our busiest times for vehicle signwriting, as the new styles of van are released eager businesses look to get their logo and details onto them and straight on the road. But how do you go about getting your new van signwritten? And what new models are out this year? And what’s sold the best so far? We have the answers here, so read on.

Your van is your advert for your business, so you want to get it noticed and attract possible new business. But where do you start?

Here’s a quickstep guide to getting your vehicle sign written with us:

1. Ideas
   You may already have a logo, if not our design department can also create this for you, but hopefully you already have some idea of your branding, style and colours. You might have seen something you like design wise already on the road, you can find our gallery of vehicles and vans, or view our popular blog. Our designers can also offer some suggestions to suit your business and the style of the van, ideally let us know your budget and we can design to suit. Keep in mind the contours of your van, panels, and the more coverage you would like equals more in the way of cost, which leads us onto…
2. Quotation
   Our Senior Estimator can help with an estimate of cost depending on seeing your logo, the details of the van and the ideas that you have. Email these details over:

• Make
• Model
• Year
• Loading doors and rear windows or panels, or any customisation which makes it different from a standard model
• Colour
• Provide us with your logo (ideally a vector, eps, ai or pdf file, but also jpeg)
• Any details you would like on the van, usually contact details and around five bullet points of services you offer and any social media channels your business is on
• Your budget

3. Visuals / Proofing
   Once you have approved the cost and our terms your details are passed onto the design and production team. Our in-house team has a catalogue of vehicle outlines, scaled; they allow us to design specifically to your year of vehicle and wheelbase. We can put together visual ideas for all sides of the van and allow for loading doors, ladders, trims etc. Simple ideas include one colour of vinyl with cut shapes usually including logo and text. More complex designs include printed graphics wrapped onto sides or within the panels of a van on all sides including the bonnet. We can also offer reflective vinyl, specialist colours, printed colours to match your brand in addition to Chapter 8 kits for highway vehicles.
   We can change visuals to accommodate small amendments and work towards a final revision you are happy to approve. With everything checked and double checked we move onto…
4. Approval / Booking In / Cleaning
   Everything has been checked by you and it’s all good to go, approval is needed in written format so an email will do, it’s then onto booking in. Our production team will then offer some dates to get your van sign written as per design. We will need the vehicle at our factory in Blatchford Road [find us here] for the majority of the day, possibly two if the design is intricate. However, before dropping off the van, check that is clean! The vinyl, wrap or printed graphics need a good clean surface to adhere too, just soap and water will do.
5. Signwriting your van
   Our team of experts have a wealth of hours and knowledge sign writing vehicles, from cars, 4x4s, all types of van from short to long wheel base, luton vans and also even plant machinery. We ask the vehicle be left with us so we have everything to hand to apply the graphics. We can offer a stripping service if your van already has old graphics that need taking off, just ask about this service.
   Most areas of a van can be covered, including windows. But we know you need to get back to work, so we will call to let you know it’s ready ASAP!
6. Taking care of your graphics / Cleaning
   Once completed and settled up, your van is ready for getting onto the road and driving more business, however follow these simple guidelines and your van livery could stay on for years till your next van upgrade:
   Use a mild detergent, clean water and soft brush or a fan spray of water more than 1200mm from livery edges. A maximum 75 bar water pressure and maximum water temperature of 38°C. If using a spray maintain angle greater than 45° to the vehicle and whatever you use to clean the van avoid lettering tips and corners and any obvious vulnerable areas.
   Upload your shiny new sign written van to your social channels and tag us – we’re on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn and leave us a review on our Google Business Page or Yell, we love seeing our work out and about.

So, what vans are out this year?

There are a trio of new vans which have all been named joint winners of the International Van of the Year 2019 award; Citroën Berlingo, Peugeot Partner and Vauxhall Combo.

What’s all the fuss?

There are already 1.5 million Citroën Berlingos, and this is their third generation model out this year. Also voted What Van? Light Commercial Van (LCV) of the year it has some impressive new features including folding front seats for added room or desk space complete with laptop and USB plugs, additional driving aids such as Surround Rear Vision and an Overload Indicator helps you know you’ve gone over the payload.

But then the new Peugeot Partner has a fancy ‘iCockpit’ with smaller steering wheel but large 8” digital display with high-set instruments along with a 180-degree parking camera and their own overload alert, along with a payload rating that is nearly the top rate for a small van, able to transport two Euro pallets, it is also one of the best-selling LCV of all time and it too was awarded What Van? LCV of the year.

The Vauxhall Combo is off to a good start as it’s pricing is cheaper than last year and can carry more than 1,000kg, claiming to have the greatest payload capacity in its sector, the newer engine is also said to be 16% more fuel-efficient. With 15 storage compartments tucked away, least you can hide your sweets along with your coffee.

It’s a tough decision and with 359,086 UK van registrations this year so far, what has been selling the best?
Here are the top ten best sellers as of January 2019:

1. Ford Transit Custom
2. Ford Transit
3. VW Transporter
4. Mitsubishi L200
5. Ford Transit Connect
6. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
7. Ford Ranger
8. Citroen Berlingo
9. Peugeot Boxer
10. Vauxhall Vivaro

And remember once your van is branded, how about your corporate wear, premises or any other signage or printed requirements? We can offer a one-stop shop for all your sign, display and promotion items, we’d be happy to help.

Whatever you decide to buy, follow our simple steps as above and get your van signwritten by the experts. Contact us now to starting getting your 2019 van brand ready: 01403 255442 or email us.

Van Signwriting Horsham | New 2019 Citroën Berlingo | New 2019 Peugeot Partner | New 2019 Vauxhall Combo | Van Graphics Horsham

Here at BEL Signs some of our favourite signage is that of vehicle graphics. When a small business starts out, a local company grows or we meet a new client through a networking event they will often enquire as to whether they should get their vehicle sign written. The answer is always yes!

Imagine turning up on-site with your branded van or car knowing everyone would have seen it en-route, it’s cost effective advertising working for you on the driveway or on the job. Sign written vehicle livery provides your customer the confidence that they have booked a professional, trusted and established company. Team it up with printed business cards, quotation sheets, embroidered shirts and jackets – perhaps even printed freebies to leave with the customer to remind them whom to call. We offer all these services in addition to signage, banners, site boards all bespoke and suited to your needs.

Here’s a round up of our latest projects covering van graphics, car sign writing and also plant machinery… as anything with wheels can be covered, including an interesting project for HDC Year of Culture, but more about that in the new year!

Vindex Systems | Black Nissan NV200
Two colour CAD cut graphics including logo and contact details onto a brand new NV200 with double sided loading doors and rear doors with panels. Accreditations and awards were printed as a collection and fitted neatly as a group.

Kenward Groundworks | White Ford Transit Custom
Kenward logo has a subtle gradient of orange colour within it – meaning this has to be printed. This printed logo is then fitted together with text onto three sides. Not much in way of creative details, but when on-site you obviously know who is in charge.

CP Security | White Citroën Berlingo
Large digitally printed graphics onto the panel sides and rear doors incorporating CCTV image and their logo.

West Sussex Plumbing and Heating Ltd | Charcoal Ford Transit Custom
Another simple but effective two colour CAD cut graphics in a light grey and light blue logo and service list with water drop elements within a tight budget.

Henfield Hire | White Ford Transit Customs L1H1 and L1H2
This fleet of vans has two specific colours of vinyl to match Henfield Hire’s brand guidelines including a large graphic element on three sides.

K.Black and Sons Ltd | Plant Machinery
Smart looking printed graphics to fit onto odd shapes on a Takeuchi digger, with logo and details on all sides.

Stuart John Hairdressing | White Toyota Yaris
Any type of vehicle can be sign written with your business details. This 5 door hatch for Stuart John Hairdressing has printed vinyl stripes in purple on all sides. The bonnet stripes are angled with the contours and the details fit onto the rear door.

Henfield Village Cars | Mercedes E220
A regular supplier of graphics to this local taxi firm, white CAD cut graphics were applied to this grey Mercedes E220 Estate, simple and effective.

We also offer a design service, with an extensive outline catalogue we are able to adjust designs to fit around the type of van you have. Whether short, medium or long base, small light commercial to large high tops in any colour or year. We can then advise on graphic placement and design to suit your budget.

Initially, we need to know:

• Make
• Model
• Year
• Loading doors and rear windows or panels, or any customisation which makes it different from a standard model
• Colour
• Provide us with your logo (ideally a vector, eps, ai or pdf file, but also jpeg)
• Any details you would like on the van, usually contact details and around five bullet points and any social media channels your business is on
• Your budget

Contact us now to make your business vehicle stand out from the crowd and advertise your business while out on the road or on-site.

Vehicle Graphics Sussex | Van Signwriting | Car Decals | Ford Transit SWB | Horsham