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  • Shop Sign Makers in Sheffield Comment on New £500m Retail Development Set to Transform City

    As Sheffield shop sign makers, Image Sign Studio were understandably delighted by the news of a new shopping centre in the heart of the city. Residents of Sheffield will know that the city centre has suffered in the period since the recession, with shops closing down and significantly less people visiting it, therefore new plans were encouraging for the future of the area.

    The future of Sheffield’s city centre has looked uncertain in recent years as new ideas are thrown around and existing plans are scrapped. In a previous post on our Sheffield shop signs blog, we discussed how plans for the Sevenstone shopping centre were frozen last year, only to find out that Sheffield Council are fighting to buy the designated area back from the previous developers in order to restart plans, possibly as early as next year.

    “A World Class Team of Sheffield People”

    Spokesman John Crowther, who is an ex-chief executive of Vickers Defence Systems, chairman of the Amateur Swimming Association and non-executive director of Sheffield City Trust, said: “This is a world class team of Sheffield people who care about Sheffield and can deliver a scheme that will transform the city centre.”

    “We have identified half-a-billion pounds of funding. We want Sheffield people to know there’s a local bid that’s oven-ready to go.” Mr Crowther has also commented that as the plans are a market-led solution, the council will not have to take the risk of diverting money away from other areas, especially at a time of spending cuts.

    New Sheffield City Centre Retail Quarter

    The latest news from the Sheffield Star reports that a group of Sheffield business people have announced £500 million plans to develop a new city centre retail quarter. Sheffield Retail Development Group says that they have the expertise, financial backing and the passion to ‘transform’ the city centre with a 650,000sq ft development on a five-acre site by the end of 2018. This ambitious date is a year ahead of Sheffield City Council’s plans, and is set to include a range of shops, offices, cinema, restaurant and bars.

    Shop Signs Sheffield

    Whether the city centre is rejuvenated by the private sector, or with help from the council, shop sign makers Sheffield Image Sign Studio are excited about the plans. They have a passion for helping businesses succeed starting with great signage, and are experts in the manufacture and design of shop signs Sheffield.

  • 5 Solutions That Trimming Knife Blades Can Provide

    Knife-Point is a Sheffield-based supplier of blades suitable for a variety of needs. Snap off blades, planer blades and trimming knife blades are all available to their customers; as they continue to provide extensive choice and excellent quality. With that in mind, Knife-Point have devised a list of 5 common solutions that their trimming knife blades can provide:

    A Way to Ensure Accuracy

    The problem with a poorly maintained or incorrectly implemented knife blade is that it deeply affects the accuracy of the work occupying your time. Trimming knife blades can solve this problem and assure you of the highest levels of accuracy every time.

    Blade Versatility

    When you’re working across two or more trades, it’s nice if you can use your tools in both lines of work. The trimming knife blades that Knife-Point supply are extremely versatile and can help provide a solution to this common problem. Craft, graphic design and flooring are just 3 of the many common uses for these blades.

    Blade Longevity

    Whilst blades naturally need to be replaced in time, it can be frustrating and costly when they wear out quickly. Knife-Point can counter this problem, with their variety of trimming knife blades manufactured in hardened and tempered carbon steel. These will help to ensure longevity when it comes to getting down to work.

    A Means to Deal with Troublesome Materials

    For trades people such as roofers, floorers and those working within the packaging industry, trimming knife blades can prove invaluable. Vinyl and acrylic are just two of the many stubborn materials that these individuals have to deal with; but with these blades any difficulties cutting should be erased.

    A Suitably Sized Blade Tailored to the Job

    Whatever blade it is that you require, you can be sure you’ll find it at Knife-Point. Their extensive variety of knife products can be bought in a variety of different sizes; then interchanged with ease. This should ensure the flexibility you desire within your work, which will prove to be invaluable when it comes to cutting costs and producing the highest quality of work.

    Stanley Knife Blades, Trimming Knife Blades and Planer Blades

    If you’re interested in any of the knife blades covered in this article, you should contact Knife-Point today. They regularly receive repeat custom from their satisfied customers. To speak to a member of the Knife-Point team, you can reach them on 07737133030.

     

     

  • Snap Off Blades Have Many Practical Uses – Here Are 5

    Reliability and accuracy are always within reach for those using snap off blades, whatever the trade their working within. The versatility of these tools has led to them becoming an increasingly more popular choice with customers, who rely on their flexibility within their work. They can be found in a variety of lengths, to fit handles from a variety of reliable suppliers.

    Knife-Point is a leading supplier within the knife manufacturing industry and they stock an abundance of snap off blades, from reputable manufacturers such as Olfa. Knife-Point also stock snap off blades made in Sheffield from hardened and tempered carbon steel; so you’re bound to find the product you require with them. They’ve put together a list of 5 common uses for these tools:

    Designing Trade

    Attention to detail is so important to all designers. An architect, for example, may need to produce a realistic scale model of a building they’re building. To communicate this effectively the model itself needs to be expertly accurate; and precise cutting of the individual components can be ensured with the appropriate snap off blades.

    Flooring Trade

    For those within the flooring trade, snap off blades are incredibly useful. Those working within the industry need to be able to guarantee exact accuracy, which is something that these blades can provide. No matter the material that you need to cut, the end result will be the same every time – precision, quality and reliability.

    Roofing Trade

    Workers within this trade rely on concise cutting tools for precise repairs and installation. To ensure that the property they are finishing is correctly sealed and left running in optimum condition, these blades can ensure all the pieces of the puzzle are perfectly completed.

    Packaging Trade

    Some materials can be particularly stubborn when it comes to packaging. This can be countered through the regular implementation of a sharp blade; which is where Knife-Point can help. Their variety of snap off blades will ensure that you never run into any trouble again when it comes to working with difficult materials.

    Craft Trade

    For those in the craft industry, accuracy is essential. Whether it’s making cards with delicate features on them, or decorations that need to fit perfectly together, it’s essential to have access to a blade that ensures precision. Snap off blades are well-placed to assist and can be easily fitted to your handle as and when required.

    Snap Off Blades, Trimming Knife Blades and Planer Blades

    Knife-Point is the leading supplier of these blades to customers in Sheffield and further afield. They also offer extensive choice of trimming knife blades and planer blades; so don’t hesitate to place your order today. You can contact them by calling 07737 133 030; or alternatively drop them an email via sales@knife-point.co.uk. They’ll quickly deal with your enquiry in a highly satisfactory manner.

     

  • Sheffield Shop Sign in Aluminium for Poppies Bakehouse on Ecclesall Road

    Image Sign Studio gets lots of requests for signs in all different sizes, shapes, colours and materials. Whether you’re looking for a modern shop sign for your retail shop in Sheffield, or you’d like to create a rustic vintage feel, their expert Sheffield sign makers can help.

    Professional Shop Sign Makers in Sheffield

    As professional shop sign makers in Sheffield, they were asked to provide a shop sign for Poppies Bakery to reflect the image that Natalie was trying to project of an informal, vintage inspired eatery. They used an aluminium backboard with a wood print effect to achieve the look of wood, giving it a natural, rustic look. They then mounted aluminium standoff letters in pink italic letters using studs onto the backboard, adding a funky, feminine twist.

    Poppies Bakehouse in Sheffield

    Owner Natalie told the Sheffield Star “I could not be more thrilled to be opening my very own bakehouse in Sheffield, my home city. It has been a long-standing dream of mine to open a food-based business and thanks to this University scholarship and support it has assisted me in the process of making this happen.”

    Leeds Beckett University Vice Chancellor, Professor Price commented: “Our 2014 student and graduate scholarship finalists were of an extremely high standard and Natalie’s determination and commitment to achieving her goals, coupled with her innovative and exciting business plan, made her an exceptional and worthy recipient. This scholarship will be a real lifeline to help establish Poppies Bakehouse and I wish Natalie every success with her business.

    Shop Sign Sheffield and Vinyl Window Graphics

    In addition to the shop sign Sheffield, they also provided vinyl window graphics for the front window of Poppies Bakery, featuring butterflies and a picket fence effect to give a quaint, outdoorsy feel to the window. The colour co-ordinated bunting and shabby chic tables and chairs that can be seen from outside finish the look perfectly, and it looks fantastic!

    Poppies Bakery is the newest addition to the busy Banner Cross area of Ecclesall Road in Sheffield, offering a range of savoury dishes and freshly baked cakes and tarts. Ecclesall Road is a great mix of eclectic boutiques, independent shops and cafes, restaurants and eateries, so the new bakery will be the perfect addition to this popular street.

    Sheffield born Natalie Hall, aged 24, received support for the venture by Leeds Beckett University, which awarded her the Vice Chancellor’s Enterprise Scholarship worth £3,000. The bakery is a take away and a sit-in eatery with a vintage feel and a modern twist.

  • Stanley Knife Blades – 5 Interesting Facts

    Stanley knife blades are regularly the tool of choice for workers across a number of different industries. The blades have become synonymous with the highest standards of knife manufacture – ensuring that they’re always highly sought after by consumers. Knife-Point are a Sheffield based supplier of their products and have put together a list of 5 things you may not have known about Stanley knife blades:

    Concave Blades to Heavy-Duty Blades

    Heavy-duty straight blades, original Stanley blades and concave blades are just some of the many products that are available, ensuring that the customer always has plenty of choice on offer to them.

    Accuracy Across a Range of Trades

    Packaging and flooring are just some of the many trades within which Stanley knife blades are used – there really is so much versatility on offer. From graphic designers requiring the highest levels of accuracy within their work; through to flooring tradesman looking for the perfect finish, there really is no shortage of success stories.

    Innovative Technology a Given for Stanley Knife Blades

    Plenty of Stanley knife blades have been manufactured with an induction-hardened edge. This only adds to the overall quality of the blades and plays a big part in the customer satisfaction they deliver. When the induction-hardening technology is applied to the edges of blades they last longer and are resultantly better value.

    It All Started in 1843

    In 1843, Frederick T. Stanley originally formed the company. Initially, the business was set up as the Stanley Works and operated as a bolt and door hardware manufacturing company located in New Britain. The company subsequently progressed towards the established presence it is today, via a merger with another company and a couple of name changes.

    An Understanding of Customer Needs

    As a leading manufacturer, Stanley extensively consider what the blades is going to be used for, what material it will be used in conjunction with and how exactly the customer will implement it. The thorough testing around these constraints is impressive; and provides a grounded reasons as to why Stanley have become such a popular brand.

    Stanley Knife Blades Just a Small Part of Knife-Point’s Repertoire

    Knife-Point stock a range of Stanley knife blades that are sure to match your requirements. Their customers also use them for Swann Morton blades, trimming knife blades and many other products. To find out more about Knife-Point’s products you can drop them an email via sales@knife-point.co.uk. Alternatively, why not give them a call on 07737 133 030.

     

  • Tips and Tricks to Get your Retail Shop Noticed on the High Street at Christmas from Shop Sign Makers in Sheffield

    If you need some help with attracting customers to your retail premises, the shop sign Sheffield makers at Image Sign Studio can help. They design, manufacture and install fantastic shop signs that are sure to make you stand out on the high street this Christmas. But there are other things you can do too, and here are some of them.

    Social Media Marketing and Newsletters

    Ensuring that your marketing activity is sufficient over the festive season is a real must. From planning scheduled Tweets, to Facebook posts and competitions, social media is a fantastic way to get in front of potential customers, interact with them, and drive sales. Why not send out a Christmas newsletter letting your customer base know what you’ve got to offer this Christmas, or an incentive to visit your shop such as a voucher or free gift with any purchase?

    Christmas Themed Display

    Getting creative with displays can help your shop to thrive at Christmas time. Make your goods look as attractive as possible to your customers; think red and gold, fairy lights and snowflakes to create a winter wonderland effect. Make sure that your most popular items are prominent, and always place smaller items that are suitable for stocking fillers near the till. This will encourage people to make impulse buys and last minute purchases before they pay.

    Run a Festive Sale

    Christmas is a great time to promote a sale. It’s an expensive time of year for many, so everyone is on the look-out for a bargain. Not only can a good sale help to increase revenue and profit, you’ll also attract customers that may return to your premises in the New Year.

    Hire Temporary Staff

    During this exceptionally busy time, you may want to think about whether you’ll need an extra pair of hands. Employees will often want to take some time off over the festive season, so ensuring that you’re covered for this is a must. It may be worth approaching a local temping agent to find short term staff, as although you can’t predict the rush, you’re sure to be busier over this time.

    So now that Christmas shopping is in full swing, retail shops need to act now to maximise their profits over the festive season!

  • Back to Basics: What is Content Marketing and How Can it Benefit your Business?

    content marketing

    No doubt you’ve heard the phrase ‘content marketing’ being thrown around in the last few years; but do you really understand what it means? Everyone knows that the ultimate goal of marketing is to grow a business, increase sales, and therefore increase profit. So where does the ‘content’ come in?

    Content marketing grows a business by creating and sharing information with your target audience. This content may educational, insightful, or simply entertaining; and by engaging with people through this content, they will be more likely to buy your products and services.

    The Content Marketing Institute sums it up nicely:

    “Content marketing is a marketing technique of creating and distributing valuable, relevant and consistent content to attract and acquire a clearly defined audience – with the objective of driving profitable customer action.”

    Why is Content Marketing Important to Your Business?

    In order to understand why content marketing is important to a business, it’s useful to describe the four steps of the buying cycle (as outlined by Forbes Magazine).

    Awareness. Prior to awareness a customer may have a need, but they are not aware there is a solution.

    Research. Once a customer is aware there is a solution, they will perform research to educate themselves. For example, a car buyer will try to find out what different types of cars exist, and which one will fit their needs.

    Consideration. At this point the customer starts comparing different products from different vendors to make sure they’re getting a high quality product at a fair price.

    Buy. Finally, the customer makes their decision and moves forward with the transaction.

    Traditional Marketing vs. Content Marketing

    So, traditional marketing is perfect for the latter 2 stages, in so much as it allows customers to educate themselves about the solution, and provides them with the information to compare products. But content marketing goes that little bit further; it enables companies to raise awareness of solutions, and educate consumers about products that they may have never thought about before.

    Content marketing allows potential customers to get to know your company before you’ve even met them. They can find your content, find value in it, and by the time they pick up the phone or send an email to make contact, they’ve already made the decision that they want to work with you. The trust has already been established, meaning that high pressure sales tactics are no longer needed. Customers are already well into the sales cycle by the time they contact you. Genius, right?!

    Content Marketing, Social Media and SEO

    The benefits of content marketing don’t stop there. Content marketing supports other digital marketing channels by providing additional content that can be shared on social media. It will also have a positive effect on your SEO as it will generate natural inbound links, and build up good content on  your website or blog that will be found by search engines.

    Expert Content Marketing Company in Sheffield

    Are you too busy to get to grips with content marketing, or don’t have time to manage it in-house? Here at Seven Creative, we’re content marketing specialists, and we can help. We can write engaging, informative content on your behalf; content that potential customers will find interesting, engaging and useful. We’ll even share it across your Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts for you, increasing the return on investment from your social media. Give us a call on 0114 383 0711 or email us at info@sevencreative.co.uk to find out how we can help to grow your business with content marketing today.

  • Swann Morton Blades – 5 Great Reasons to Choose Them

    Swann Morton blades from Knife-Point are consistently delivering on customer satisfaction, thanks to the high quality of blades on offer. Here are 5 great reasons why Swann Morton blades from Knife-Point are well worth your consideration.

    Many Professions Use Them

    There are a number of industries that are benefiting from the obvious quality of Swann Morton blades. Right across the health sector; surgeons, GP’s and nurses are just some of the many people that have incorporated the products into their day to day work. Those in the arts and crafts industry are finding these knife blades to be equally beneficial to them.

    Worldwide Demand

    Swann Morton’s emphasis on high quality products has ensured that their reach has extended far beyond the Steel City. Through the combination of the latest technologies and traditional blade making skills, this manufacturer produces knives that are right at the pinnacle of tools within the industry. Overseas distributors with supporting local customer bases are continuing to further the brand.

    Swann Morton Were Established in 1932

    Swann Morton was founded in Sheffield in 1932; and over the time that’s accumulated since that date, they’ve become an industry leader in the supply of knife blades. The brand name is widely respected, thanks to their production of knives that adhere to the highest standards of quality, consistency, precision and reliability.

    Matched to Many Handles

    Knife-Point stock packs of original, new and sealed Swann Morton blades that are suitable for fitting to the No.3, No. 3L. No.5, No.7, No.9 and B3 handles – as well as more similar ones. So you can always be sure that you’ll get your hands on blades that are the most appropriate for the tools that you own.

    Cost-Effective Solutions

    At Knife-Point, you can buy these blades in a whole variety of quantities. The order quantities have been devised with the needs of the customer in mind, ensuring that a whole variety of different order requirements can be met. It is little wonder that Knife-Point and Swann Morton have become such a winning combination.

    Contact Knife-Point for Swann Morton Knives, Stanley Knife Blades + More

    To speak to Knife-Point about their Swann Morton knife blades; as well as many more of their products – including Stanley knife blades and snap off blades – you can give them a call on 07737 133 030. Alternatively, why not drop us them email to sales@knife-point.co.uk.

    Knife-Point are an extremely reputable knife supplier in the Sheffield area and beyond and you can be safely assured that you’ll be receiving only the highest levels of customer service if you choose them. Their knowledge of the industry is extensive and you can always feel reassured that their staff will be able to answer any queries that you may have in a highly satisfactory manner.

     

  • Shop Sign Makers Sheffield Help with Regeneration of Darnall Retail Centre

    Two years ago, a citywide strategy was approved by Sheffield City Council to help support and promote local shopping centres.  This project is being paid for by the Local Growth Fund, which comprises of money given to Sheffield Council to be used for projects that benefit the local area and the community. Darnall shopping centre was identified as having an unwelcoming environment, with some buildings in a poor state of repair and a high number of badly-maintained, empty shops.

    Image Sign Studio shop sign makers in Sheffield have recently been involved in a project helping to revamp the rundown shop fronts of 47 independent shops in Darnall, a suburb in the East of the city of Sheffield. The project started at the end of March this year, in an attempt to smarten up the area, boost the amount of shoppers using the stores, and attract investment.

    Shop Front Makeover for Darnall

    As shop sign makers in Sheffield, Image Sign Studio know the dramatic effect a new shop sign can have on the exterior of a retail premises, and were more than happy to be involved in the Darnall revamp. They were delighted to be involved in the £300,000 refurbishment project, which saw the shops on Main Road and Staniforth Road receiving impressive makeovers, including new retail shop signs which have been designed, manufactured and installed by them.

    Sheffield City Council to Help and Support Regeneration

    As well as the renovation of shop fronts with new shop signs, the wider regeneration framework for the centre of Darnall includes general improvements to the street scene to make the area cleaner and safer. In addition, training and support will be given to traders, and housing development will be enabled on nearby vacant sites.

    Sheffield Council cabinet member for homes and neighbourhoods Councellor Harry Harpham said before the start of the project in March: “Darnall has all the ingredients to be a thriving and successful district shopping centre – a strong community, good range of shops and community facilities, and access to transport links. But the quality of the shopping is poor in relation to a centre that serves such a wide residential area and many shops are in a poor state of repair. This will help the area become more attractive to shoppers and boost the centre’s potential.”

  • Planer Blades Have Changed Significantly Over Time

    There are a range of different types of planer blades on the market and Knife-Point are able to supply the best of them. From a planer blade bar length – fully hardened and triple tempered for maximum service life and toughness – through to tungsten carbide blades that have been specifically designed to fit AEG and Black & Planer planers, you’ll always be getting a high-end product.

    Knife-Point offer fantastic product flexibility; and it’s not hard to understand why that has seen them become so popular with both new and existing customers. With an ever-expanding repertoire of blades that come in all different shapes and sizes, you’ll always be satisfied.

    Knife-Point Are the Industry Leader in the Supply of Planer Blades

    Modern planer blades guarantee high quality work when implemented correctly. All you need to do is to decide which type of blades you require; and from which supplier you’d like to purchase them. There are plenty of these great products being offered by a number of different companies, but how do you know which is the right one for you?

    As the industry leader in the field, Knife-Point are sure to deliver only the uppermost levels of customer satisfaction. Competition is fierce between knife manufacturers and suppliers; and Knife-Point have risen to the top of the pile thanks to their ability to offer expansive choice through their blades which are tailor made to fit a whole variety of machines.

    Power Planer Blades

    The manufacture of woodworking planer blades has naturally evolved alongside technological developments. Previously, it was the case that woodworking planers were handheld tools, but this has changed as time has progressed. Contemporary power planers are now the relative tool of choice; and the standard of work being produced with them is benefiting.

    The modern tools can also be operated both manually and electronically dependent on the job in hand. A planing platform commonly accompanies these power planers. This means that sections of wood can be adjusted more quickly and accurately, subsequently improving the end results.

    Knife-Point Specialise in Planer Blades, Swann Morton Blades and Stanley Knife Blades

    Undisputed quality is a given when you choose to purchase from Knife-Point. With blades from a whole range of suppliers they’re experts in finding the right tools for our customers, so they’re likely to be able to help.

    To get in touch with Knife-Point about any of their products – such as their Swann Morton and Stanley knife blades – you can reach them by calling 07737 133 030. A dedicated team member will only be too happy to speak to you and begin a happy new customer-client relationship in the process