Flexible signage provides essential messages during a global pandemic
The flexible, quick change nature of EPIC Media’s changeable graphics system became an incredibly valuable tool during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a challenging time, with the whole of the UK in lockdown, reminding people of essential key messages and delivering messages of support and thanks were top priority for some of EPIC Media Group’s clients. With fleets of refuse vehicles out and about on very quiet roads and people at home this provided a high visibility opportunity to use EPIC’s changeable graphics system to install important messages quickly.
Government’s safety advice
Luton Borough Council wanted to protect the NHS, keep their residents safe and needed a fast and effective way to communicate. Working in partnership with Luton Borough Council, EPIC produced a variety of messages reflecting Government guidelines across their fleet. With the guidance changing regularly speed was a key factor in the success of their projects.
Laura Church, Corporate Director, Place and Infrastructure, from Luton Borough Council said: “Keeping our residents safe is top priority for us during these challenging times. We’ve had the flexible signage system for a couple of years now and this enabled us to react quickly to an evolving and unprecedented situation. The team at EPIC were happy to help and together we completed the project and got the message out to residents at the right time.”
Messages of thanks
Cawleys commercial waste and resource management company wanted to show their gratitude to the NHS and key workers. With the firm providing services to NHS sites across Milton Keynes and Luton, the changeable graphics system provided them with the perfect opportunity to get their message of support to the frontline.
Biffa’s team received numerous letters of thanks and pictures from children thanking them for continuing to provide their waste collection services during the lockdown. Biffa and East Sussex Joint Waste Partnership wanted to share the praise for the team and created their High-Vis Heroes.
Charnwood Borough Council also wanted to thank key workers for their hard work and dedication during an especially difficult time as the local area went into a lockdown for a second time.
Messages of help
On a more sombre tone, with families confined to their homes, many people have spent more time living in close proximity with perpetrators of domestic violence with their lines of communication severely reduced through not being able to leave their homes. During lockdown, UK charity Refuge, reported a 66% increase in calls to its domestic abuse helpline and a 40% spike in visits to its website.
In collaboration with the West Sussex County Council Community Safety team and the West Sussex Waste Partnership, EPIC Media Group supplied and installed #YouAreNotAlone graphics on refuse vehicles across the County.
Jim Bartlett, Contextual Safeguarding Manager at West Sussex County Council said: “During lockdown it has been easy for those suffering from domestic abuse to feel that they are on their own. It was important for us to get support details out to those who needed help as quickly and effectively as possible. The fleet of refuse vehicles across the county was a perfect communications tool to reach people’s doorsteps.”
Messages of support
Local businesses were praised for supporting communities during the lockdown and as the restrictions were started to ease Mid Sussex District Council wanted to encourage its residents to continue supporting their local businesses with messages of ‘your high street is open’.
Kevin Murton, Managing Director of EPIC Media Group said: “Our changeable graphics system gives our clients maximum flexibility and affordability. Traditional vehicle signage can be difficult and costly to change for short-term campaigns, but the frame technology allows high visibility messaging to be part of all marketing campaigns, not just the big projects. Given the challenging circumstances we are all dealing with, I am proud of the way our team delivered these projects in a timely fashion, maintaining social distancing, keeping themselves and our clients safe.”
