SignPost Productions – blazing a trail for the region and on the national stage

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Signpost Productions won the Chamber’s award for Diversity and Inclusion. 

The company, based in Gateshead is part of ITV but with full autonomy as an independent production unit. It specialises in creating television content and broadcast quality productions for broadcast and private clients. But where Signpost stands out is its commitment to diversity and inclusion within its work, with the slogan being “production without prejudice”.  

Every commission has a production company that is at least 50% deaf and or has a disability, and at least half of the company’s staff are either deaf or have a disability. All staff are given sign language lessons to enable deaf and hearing colleagues to communicate effectively. During lockdown, Signpost translated online lessons free of charge into sign language.  

Signpost also provides training and development opportunities for film makers with a disability. Recently, the business focused on developing key pathways into the industry, and has partnered with the University of Sunderland, and in the future, plan to work with Teesside University as well as training organisation Screenskills.  

The company’s clients include CITV, ITV, S4C Channel 4, and the British Sign Language Broadcasting Trust.  

All post-production, and the majority of production, takes place within the region.  

Kenny Toal, Signpost said: “Being recognised in this category is incredibly special for everyone connected with Signpost Productions. We’ve won a lot of awards for our production work and our programmes in the past, but the diversity and inclusion element of what we do really is the driving force for all the team. We are extremely passionate about providing opportunities for Deaf programme makers and those with disability. We are constantly looking for ways to grow and enhance what we do and continue to be a beacon for diversity and inclusion in the North East” 

The judge from Northumbrian Water Michael Nicholas said: “We were blown away by Signpost’s commitment and work to support the development of the hard to reach but significant deaf community within the North East and nationally.  The projects with television programmes, such as Dare Master which supports deaf children and highlights BSL as a form of communication in the mainstream media is also fantastic.” 

As well as these achievements Signpost is the driving force behind a new network in ITV – ITV Able and has received the Commitment to Diversity in the Workplace award from sign language organisation Signature. 

Chamber awards shortlist announced

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North East England Chamber of Commerce has announced the shortlists for its annual Business Awards. 

The members on the shortlists are drawn from around the region, in categories for North, South and Central areas, with members of all sizes, going on to compete for top honours at the final on 9 September. There will also be the opportunity for some winners to go on to the British Chamber of Commerce national final in the Autumn as well. 

One of the principal categories of the North East awards is North East Champion for 2021 and the three companies who have been selected to go on to the final are Great North Air Ambulance, Learning Curve Group and Newcastle Building Society. 

The shortlist for entrepreneur of the year is the Everflow Group, Kerckhoffs and Carney Consulting and for the best green business the contenders are WSP, Believe Housing and Battlesteads Hotel. 

Bernicia Housing Association is the associate sponsor for the awards and group CEO John Johnston said: “We are really proud to be the sponsor of the Chamber Awards.  They are a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on the tremendous resolve members have demonstrated to overcome the challenges of the past year, to support their staff, clients and local communities.  We are really looking forward to sharing their stories at the Grand Final.” 

Best small businesses on the shortlist are Emax Systems, Equality Solutions and Nirvana Europe with the medium company category shortlist being Endeavour Partnership, South Causey Inn and Robson Laidler Accountants. 

The President’s Club and larger business category has similar success stories on it with Believe Housing, Go North East and Northern Gas & Power competing for the top prize. 

Leading exporters Gestamp, Dunelm Optical and Pearson are the shortlisted businesses in that category and the diversification category shortlist is Tall Tale Mysteries, WL Distillery and Recovery4Life. 

The Chamber is championing diversity and inclusion with its Race, Ethnicity and Discrimination Commission and shortlisted for the Diversity and Inclusion award are WSP, Signpost and Cundall. 

James Ramsbotham, Chamber chief executive said: “We are delighted to be able to celebrate all of the great achievements of many of the businesses in our region with our awards.  Getting through the past year has been such a testament to our members pivoting their services to support the NHS, switching business models to serve their clients virtually and in many other ways as well.  A huge thank you to all our members for playing their part in our whole region getting through the past year and the best of luck to the shortlisted organisations.”