DIY design site set to transform exhibition experience

A NEW digital service has been launched which is aiming to revolutionise the way businesses prepare for exhibitions, seminars and conferences.

Currently, when firms plan to show off their wares at major events, design costs for marketing material alongside the price of an exhibition plot can severely dent company budgets.

However, an online photography firm has set up a new service which allows businesses with little or no design experience to create their own promotional material.

Digitalab, based in Newcastle, has launched an online tool that enables firms to design their own banner stands exactly to their specifications, thus cutting out often-expensive design costs.

The site, www.ebannerstands.co.uk, is aimed at businesses that do not want to compromise on quality at events, despite being on a tight budget.

It allows users to choose bespoke designs with optional backgrounds, gradients, patterns and templates and also gives them the option of uploading their own logo and inserting bullet points.

Jill Roe, exhibitions manager at Digitalab, said: “We don’t want to belittle the good work that designers do, but we believe there is a gap in the market for firms whose budget may not stretch to hiring their services.

“Our site allows customers to try any number of design combinations until they are happy with the final look, without having to go back and forth making amendments with designers.

Digitalab launches the new service on the back of a period of strong growth for the firm, having enjoyed a 28% increase in sales during 2010.

To build on the anticipated success of the banner stands site, its next step will be to create a similar digital service that enables consumers to match their photos with bespoke picture frames online before they buy the real thing.

Digitalab is a family business which started life in 1949 when Ms Roe’s grandfather, Percy Fountain set up a picture developing and framing company on Tyneside.

It has since adapted to the advent of digital photography and online shopping and today employs 10 people at its base on Newcastle’s Stepney Bank.

For more information on the company please visit: www.digitalab.co.ukA NEW digital service has been launched which is aiming to revolutionise the way businesses prepare for exhibitions, seminars and conferences.

Currently, when firms plan to show off their wares at major events, design costs for marketing material alongside the price of an exhibition plot can severely dent company budgets.

However, an online photography firm has set up a new service which allows businesses with little or no design experience to create their own promotional material.

Digitalab, based in Newcastle, has launched an online tool that enables firms to design their own banner stands exactly to their specifications, thus cutting out often-expensive design costs.

The site, www.ebannerstands.co.uk, is aimed at businesses that do not want to compromise on quality at events, despite being on a tight budget.

It allows users to choose bespoke designs with optional backgrounds, gradients, patterns and templates and also gives them the option of uploading their own logo and inserting bullet points.

Jill Roe, exhibitions manager at Digitalab, said: “We don’t want to belittle the good work that designers do, but we believe there is a gap in the market for firms whose budget may not stretch to hiring their services.

“Our site allows customers to try any number of design combinations until they are happy with the final look, without having to go back and forth making amendments with designers.

Digitalab launches the new service on the back of a period of strong growth for the firm, having enjoyed a 28% increase in sales during 2010.

To build on the anticipated success of the banner stands site, its next step will be to create a similar digital service that enables consumers to match their photos with bespoke picture frames online before they buy the real thing.

Digitalab is a family business which started life in 1949 when Ms Roe’s grandfather, Percy Fountain set up a picture developing and framing company on Tyneside.

It has since adapted to the advent of digital photography and online shopping and today employs 10 people at its base on Newcastle’s Stepney Bank.

For more information on the company please visit: www.digitalab.co.uk