Trade Signs UK partnered with NEC Software Solutions to deliver a comprehensive window, wall and floor graphic installation across the company’s new headquarters in Chippenham, UK, using multiple Drytac materials to achieve a durable, high-impact finish.
Trade Signs UK are trusted leaders in printed visual communication. Operating with a small team of experts, the company delivers quality, service, value and speed, supplying some of the UK’s largest print franchises and partner groups with high-quality signage solutions — from foamex and correx boards to the full range of Drytac media printed with HP Latex inks.
The opportunity arose after a property developer completed a complex of 15 high-end office units and recommended Trade Signs UK to one of its tenants. NEC Software Solutions, which provides innovative software for the public sector, had taken four units to house its new data centre, head office and meeting facilities.
“We were recommended by the developer after the site was completed,” said Ben Gregory, Managing Director at Trade Signs UK. “They had a completely blank canvas across four large units and required a full graphic installation for their new HQ.”
The project included a reception hall and demonstration area, meeting and training rooms, open-plan offices, storage areas and the staff canteen — all requiring cohesive wall, window and floor graphics.
All graphics were produced using HP Latex technology, with the HP Latex 830w handling the majority of production and an HP Latex 530 hybrid used for floor vinyl and display graphics. Lamination was completed using Vivid Easymount laminators.
“In total, we printed, laminated and installed around 18 full rolls of Drytac media,” Ben said. “The combination of HP Latex and Drytac delivered exceptional image quality and consistency throughout.”
A wide range of Drytac products were specified for different applications. The main reception room was covered in Paper Fleece Air, a non-PVC wallcovering, alongside ReTac Textures Sand, a sand-textured 6mil (150µ) PVC film, to create bright and engaging displays.
Folding movable wall partitions were wrapped on both sides using Paper Fleece Air. Selected sections were overlaminated with Protac Scribe, a dry erase laminating film, providing writable surfaces for meetings and training sessions.
Office rooms incorporated both Paper Fleece Air and sections of Polar Premium Air, paired with Protac Scribe lamination. Server rooms and storage areas featured floor graphics printed to Polar HiGrab Air and protected with Interlam Pro Emerytex, offering recognised slip certifications for safe, durable installations.
“Our customer selected multiple materials for different uses,” Ben said. “In total, we used eight different Drytac materials and laminates to complete the installation, ensuring each area had the correct solution for durability, finish and functionality. All materials were supplied from Drytac’s exclusive UK and Ireland distribution partner, Premier.”
Given the scale — four units fully fitted with graphics across walls, floors and partitions — coordination was essential.
“One of the main challenges was the sheer size of the project,” Ben noted. “We were working alongside builders, electricians, copier installers and the wider office fit-out team.”
“The bubble-free installation of Polar Premium Air and the repositionable nature of ReTac made the process far more manageable. Some graphics were up to 10 metres (32.8ft) long, which made handling and lamination challenging. However, we had zero failures and achieved a flawless finish throughout.”
The installation took two weeks to complete, delivering a fully branded workspace for NEC Software Solutions.
“The customer was stunned by the finished result,” Ben said. “They were extremely impressed with the image quality of HP Latex on Drytac media, as well as the durability and flat, professional finish. The success of the project has already led to additional internal and external work.”
