Guide · 6 min read
Planning signs for a new shop: from lease to opening day
Start planning your signs as soon as the lease is agreed, because landlord approval and any advertisement consent can take longer than making the sign. Allow up to 8 weeks for a council decision if consent is needed, then typical manufacturing and fitting, and use window graphics to promote the opening while you fit out.
When should you start planning your shop signs?
Start as soon as the lease terms are agreed, ideally before you sign. Signs often sit on the critical path to opening, not because they are slow to make, but because landlord approval and council consent take time and nothing can be fitted until both are in place.
Working backwards from your opening date is the easiest way to plan. The steps below run in a typical order, and several can overlap.
Do you need the landlord's consent?
Almost always. Most commercial leases require the landlord's written approval before you put up signs, change the shopfront or attach anything to the building. Some leases also set rules on sign size, materials, lighting or colours, especially in shopping centres and parades.
Check the lease for clauses on signage, alterations and reinstatement at the end of the term. Send the landlord a design proof and fixing details as soon as you have them, because approval can take a while.
How do measuring, design and proofing work?
Once you have access, the frontage is surveyed and measured: the fascia, the fixing surface, obstacles, height above the pavement and the electrics if the sign is lit. Before that, your own rough measurements and photos are enough for guide prices.
We then send a scaled design proof placed on a photo of your frontage, with a fixed written price. You can adjust it until you are happy, and nothing is made until you approve it. The approved proof is also what you send to the landlord and, if needed, the council.
When do you need to apply for advertisement consent?
Check the consent position as soon as you have a draft design. Many non-illuminated fascia signs fall within deemed consent, but most illuminated signs, signs in conservation areas and anything on a listed building need express consent, and listed buildings usually need listed building consent too.
Allow up to 8 weeks for a council decision if consent is needed. We can prepare the drawings and photos you need for the application, or submit it for you. If time is tight, a non-illuminated sign within deemed consent, with lighting added once consent is granted, can sometimes keep the opening on track.
How long does making and fitting take?
Once any consents are in place, a fascia sign is typically made and fitted 2–3 weeks after you approve the proof. Illuminated letters, totems and complex fabricated signs can take longer. Window graphics and lettering usually take the least time to make.
Fitting is best done once the noisy, dusty shopfront work is finished but before opening day, so the sign isn't damaged by other trades. Lit signs also need an electrician to make the final mains connection, so the supply should be ready at the fascia.
How can window graphics help while you fit out?
Empty windows during a fit-out are unused advertising space. 'Coming soon' graphics announce the opening, hide the building work and start building interest with passers-by weeks before you open. Printed vinyl or one-way vision can carry your branding, opening date, website and social handles.
Design them so the permanent window lettering can follow, or so parts of the scheme stay after opening. Printed window vinyl is a guide £28–£58 per m², with a £225 minimum job, excluding VAT.
What should a new shop budget for signs?
List every sign the shop needs, not just the fascia, and budget for each. Guide prices exclude VAT and are confirmed after survey:
- Fascia sign: £495–£1,650 for a flat panel, £1,250–£3,450 for a tray sign.
- Projecting sign: £395–£1,350 non-lit, £695–£2,250 illuminated.
- Door lettering and opening hours: £95–£245.
- Window graphics: £28–£58 per m², £225 minimum.
- Extras to allow for: removal of the old sign (£95–£250), access equipment (£150–£450 per day), the electrician's connection for lit signs (£150–£350), and consent drawings and fees if needed.
What does a typical timeline look like?
A practical order, working back from opening day, is:
- Lease agreed: check signage clauses, send photos and rough sizes for guide prices.
- Access: survey and measure the frontage.
- Design: approve the proof, send it to the landlord and check the consent position.
- Consent: apply if needed and allow up to 8 weeks; fit 'coming soon' window graphics meanwhile.
- Make: once approvals are in, typically 2–3 weeks for a fascia sign.
- Fit: after the shopfront work and before opening, with the electrician booked for lit signs.
Want a second opinion on your sign?
Send a photo and a rough size. We’ll tell you what would work, what it’s likely to cost and whether consent is needed.