Huge congratulations to Strong client, Astra Group, on making the finals of the 2025 Sign & Wrap Awards.

One of the industry’s most prestigious events, the shortlist sees Astra Group nominated in not just one, but four categories.  These include Roll Out Campaign of the Year for its work with pioneering car retail giant, Arnold Clark, to roll out its £30m EV Charge network; Architectural Sign of the Year for its work with Europe’s largest indoor arena, Co-op Live; and Interior Décor Campaign of the Year, also for its work with Co-op Live.

Shining a light on the breadth of talent and expertise at Astra Group, the business is also nominated in the coveted category Signage Company of the Year (Over 30 Employees).

Speaking on the news, Astra Group CEO, Jim Kerr, said:  “2024 was a phenomenal year for Astra Group, with the business responsible for some of the year’s most significant and pioneering bespoke signage developments.  That wouldn’t be possible without our incredible team, our clients, and our partners.

“To have that work recognised by the Sign & Wrap Awards and see Astra Group acknowledged as finalists in four categories is fantastic.  We’re looking forward to coming together with our industry peers on March 25^th and raising a glass to all.”

The 2025 Sign & Wrap Awards are the biggest night in the signage and wrapping industry calendar.  They bring together sign makers and vinyl wrapping professionals from across the UK and Ireland to recognise and celebrate the very best of the industry.

We wish the team all the very best for the exclusive awards ceremony this March.

The Strong Agency is a Manchester PR agency skilled in building brands, driving footfall, and helping to grow businesses.  We provide a broad range of PR & marketing communications services for B2B and B2C clients including strategy development, reputation management, digital PR, copywriting, content creation, media relations, influencer campaigns, social media marketing, awards, events and crisis PR.  To learn more about Strong’s work in a broad range of sectors visit the case study section of our website.

This week we’ve been pleased to help shine a light on a brilliant initiative from Arnold Clark as we announced news of the project’s official signage partner, Astra Signs (Part of Astra Group).

The leading full-service provider of digital and traditional signage is proud to have been appointed by the car retail giant to deliver the signage for its network of ultra-rapid EV charging hubs, Arnold Clark Charge.

The six-figure brief sees Astra Group tasked with delivering signage for over 500 ultra-rapid chargers at 100+ EV hubs across the UK, as Arnold Clark powers ahead with its plans to create a nationwide EV charge network.  It is an initiative that has seen a £23m investment, contributing significantly to driving forward the EV car industry whilst meeting immediate requirements.

Speaking on the announcement, CEO of Astra Group, Jim Kerr, said: “As electric vehicles become increasingly common on UK roads, our charging infrastructure needs to develop and grow to meet rising demand.  Arnold Clark Charge is a brilliant initiative that is already contributing significantly to driving forward the EV car industry whilst meeting immediate requirements.

“We’re proud to play a part in bringing Arnold Clark’s vision to life with a suite of striking structural signage products fitting with the progressive automotive company’s ambitions.”

Work to design, manufacture, and install the units commenced last year and is well underway, with the Manchester headquartered signage company working closely with Arnold Clark to realise the business’s ambitions.  The target completion date is spring/summer 2025.

Read more about Astra Group’s work with Arnold Clark in Motor Trader, Transport & Energy, B Daily and NW Insider amongst other news outlets.  To learn more about The Strong Agency’s B2B and B2C PR and communications services see here or to discuss how we can help you with your PR & marketing communications needs get in touch at [email protected].