From van signwriting to full shop fronts, everything is designed, made and fitted by our own team in South Shields. Straight answers, fair prices and signage built to last.
Trusted by: Businesses across the North East
What we do
Whatever you need your business to say, we design it, make it and fit it ourselves. No middlemen, no outsourcing.
Turn your van, car or fleet into advertising that works every mile. Designed, printed and fitted in-house at our South Shields workshop.
Fascia signs and premises signage that make your business impossible to miss, made to measure and fitted by us across South Tyneside.
Smart frosted films and printed window vinyls that add privacy, cut glare and put your glass to work as advertising space.
Fast, affordable outdoor advertising, from PVC banners for one-off events to pavement signs that pull in passing trade every day.
Compliant health & safety, site and road signage, manufactured to spec and built to last outdoors in North East weather.
One team for the whole job. We design your logo, mock it up so you can see it first, then print everything that carries it.
Tell us what you need and we’ll get straight back to you.
How it works
Call, message or use the form below. Tell us what you need, send photos if you have them, and we’ll price it up, free.
You approve a mock-up before anything goes to print, then everything is made in our South Shields workshop.
We fit it ourselves, from vehicles to shop fronts and sites, and we don’t consider the job done until you’re happy.
Reviews
Dominic Apes
Google review
Dave and Ed were great.
Very helpful, quick, nice to chat to and the sign looks brilliant. Would highly recommend!
Thomas Goodman
Google review
Had my van signed up to advertise my new business today.
From contacting Dave all the way through to fitting the signage he was absolutely brilliant and went above and beyond as he knew I was just starting the business. The van looks absolutely amazing! They also made me 2 advertisement boards which are also brilliant and great quality!
Brandon Lee Evitt
Google review
Really impressed with the service today!
Very quick and hassle free. The staff are very knowledgeable! Thanks for your help today guys.
Inese Hunter
Google review
I am really impressed.
Fantastic customer service really professional business, once again thanks so much guys if I can give you more than 5 you deserve 10/10.
Who we are
Essential Signs is run by Dave and Ed from our workshop on Henry Robson Way, South Shields. We’ve been making signs for North East businesses since 1999, long enough to have signwritten vans for two generations of the same family firms.
Everything is done in-house: design, print, manufacture and fitting. That keeps prices fair, turnaround quick, and means the person you talk to is the person doing the work. We’re proud members of the South Tyneside Pledge, supporting local employment and local business.
You’ll find us on Henry Robson Way, a few minutes from South Shields town centre. Call in with an idea, a sketch or a photo and we’ll talk it through at the bench. No appointment needed.
Get in touch
Send a few details and we’ll come back with a free, no-obligation quote, usually the same working day.
Call 0191 427 4542FAQs
It depends on the size of the van and how much coverage you want, from simple cut lettering to part wraps. Every job is priced individually and quotes are free, so send us a photo of your van and we’ll give you a straight price with no obligation.
Most jobs can be done within a week, although larger jobs may take a bit longer and we will always keep you updated. You approve a mock-up before anything is printed, and because everything is made in our South Shields workshop there are no third-party delays. Urgent jobs can often be turned around faster, just ask.
We do both. Design, printing, manufacture and fitting are all done by our own team, whether that’s a shop fascia, a fleet of vans or site safety signage. The person who quotes your job is the person who fits it.
We’re based in South Shields and work across South Tyneside, including Jarrow, Hebburn and Boldon, as well as Sunderland, Gateshead, Newcastle upon Tyne and the wider North East.
Yes. If you’re starting from scratch we’ll design your logo, show you mock-ups first, then carry it across everything: van graphics, shop front, business cards and workwear. One team for the whole brand.
