Episode 110: Liz Allan and Kirsty Robinson – VR Technology and Sustainable Vehicle Wrapping

Liz Allan [00:00:00]:
On today’s episode, I have Kirsty Robinson, the Business Development Manager for Stewart Signs. Thank you so much for joining me today.

Kirsty Robinson [00:00:11]:
Thank you for having me. I’m excited.

Liz Allan [00:00:14]:
Great! I wanted to start by explaining how I learned about Stewart Signs, which was through Women Drive Electric.

Kirsty Robinson [00:00:24]:
Yep.

Liz Allan [00:00:25]:
Because you at Stewart Signs were discussing this with George Thurman from Women Drive Electric, right? You were talking about livery for the Greenfleet EV Rally because Women Drive Electric had the first all-women’s team. I was a part of that, and I got to see the livery you provided, and that’s how I got to know you. But what impressed me was how everyone kept talking about how amazing the car livery looked.

Kirsty Robinson [00:01:03]:
Yeah, no. They all looked really good, especially your design—it was very impactful.

Liz Allan [00:01:08]:
It was amazing! We’ll talk more about that later, but first, let’s get a bit of background on you and how you started working for Stewart Signs. You’ve been there for, what, just under two years now?

Kirsty Robinson [00:01:27]:
Yeah, about 18 months now. I’ve known Stewart Signs for a little while because, before joining them, I worked for 3M, one of the big vinyl producers. I was the account manager for Stewart Signs at 3M.

Liz Allan [00:01:40]:
Oh, really? That’s interesting.

Kirsty Robinson [00:01:41]:
Yes, and I looked after several other clients, too. When the opportunity came to move to Stewart Signs, it was a no-brainer for me. Having worked with them and understood their ethos, products, innovation, and focus on sustainability, it just made sense. I made the move from 3M to Stewart Signs, and I can’t believe it’s already been 18 months—it’s flown by.

Liz Allan [00:02:09]:
That’s fantastic! You mentioned sustainability, so let’s talk about that. You’ve worked with organisations like Oxford City Council, Southwestern Railway, and Transport for London. How has the demand for sustainable livery changed across different sectors?

Kirsty Robinson [00:02:53]:
It’s changing across all sectors, from rail livery to cruise ships to fleet vehicles. Companies are becoming much more aware of sustainability. In the past, sustainability was more of a tick-box exercise, like something they’d consider but not prioritise. With the push for electric vehicle fleets and reducing carbon footprints, focusing on making the livery environmentally friendly is the logical next step. We ensure the materials are sustainable and consider how the production process and the end-of-life disposal can be as eco-friendly as possible.

Liz Allan [00:03:55]:
That makes sense. So, is the focus mainly on branding or sending a specific message for companies like Oxford City Council or Transport for London?

Kirsty Robinson [00:04:36]:
It’s usually about promoting their brand and ensuring it looks professional. However, as we did for the EV Rally, many companies are also looking for short-term branding solutions. For events, we use short-term recyclable vinyl that doesn’t need heat for removal. It’s perfect for temporary messaging, like supporting events or promotions. However, fleets with electric vehicles want to ensure the livery is as environmentally focused as the vehicles themselves, from the materials used to how they’re applied and removed.

Liz Allan [00:05:42]:
It’s like putting a protective case on a phone, right? It protects the vehicle while also displaying branding.

Kirsty Robinson [00:05:55]:
Exactly! It protects the vehicle from wear and tear, which is especially important for leased vehicles. Our wraps last about 8 to 10 years, depending on the material, so they provide long-term protection while preserving the vehicle’s resale value.

Liz Allan [00:06:21]:
That’s impressive. How long does it take to wrap a van, for example?

Kirsty Robinson [00:07:22]:
A full wrap, which includes everything around the handles, badges, and so on, usually takes about a day and lasts between 8 and 10 years. Most people keep their vans for 6 to 8 years, so the livery lasts the vehicle’s entire lifespan. If there’s an accident, we can replace the damaged part rather than rewrapping the whole vehicle.

Liz Allan [00:08:03]:
That’s really efficient! It’s funny because you still see vans on the road where you can tell the old branding was peeled off, but the outline is still visible.

Kirsty Robinson [00:08:15]:
Yes, exactly. You can sometimes see the “shadow” of where the logo used to be. That’s one of the things we try to prevent with proper materials and techniques.

Liz Allan [00:08:31]:
So, how long has this type of vehicle wrapping been around, and how long has Stewart Signs been doing it?

Kirsty Robinson [00:09:28]:
Stewart Signs has been around for over 60 years, and we celebrated our 60th anniversary last year. Our founder, Roy Townsend, was a visionary. When sign writing was done with paint, he revolutionised the industry by working with 3M to develop self-adhesive vinyl for vehicle livery. Since then, we’ve seen huge technological advancements, but that same spirit of innovation still drives us.

Liz Allan [00:10:23]:
That’s incredible! How recyclable are the materials you use now?

Kirsty Robinson [00:10:59]:
It’s still evolving. There’s no fully circular, non-PVC solution yet, but we’re constantly improving. What’s important is understanding what sustainability means for each client. Some clients focus on recycling, while others are concerned with where the materials are sourced from or the carbon footprint of the production process. For example, we can use non-PVC materials that release fewer toxins when disposed of in landfills or combustion. We also have vinyl made in Europe, which helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with transport.

Liz Allan [00:12:22]:
Adapting the solution to the client’s needs is fascinating. Are there any new technologies you’re excited about?

Kirsty Robinson [00:13:50]:
Yes, absolutely! We’ve started using VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality) technologies to create virtual replicas of vehicles. This allows us to reduce waste and travel time because we can create exact measurements digitally. Clients can put on a VR headset and see their design on the vehicle in real time, making changes on the spot. We also have an accident repair portal where clients can order replacement graphics for specific parts of the vehicle, saving time and resources.

Liz Allan [00:17:11]:
Before we wrap up, I wanted to ask about the Eurostar project you worked on for the Olympics. That was a huge job, right?

Kirsty Robinson [00:17:31]:
Yes, it was! We wrapped a Eurostar train in gold to celebrate the athletes travelling from London to Paris. It was a short-term wrap, but it made a big impact. It was a really exciting project, and the train looked stunning.

Liz Allan [00:17:57]:
I bet it did! It’s so cool that livery can be used for such high-profile events. You also mentioned earlier that you’ve been working on making EV chargers more accessible by adding instructional graphics.

Kirsty Robinson [00:19:26]:
Yes, exactly. Adding vinyl with instructions or even QR codes to EV chargers can make them more user-friendly. The QR codes can link to updated content or promotions, so it’s not just static—it can evolve over time. Traditional powder coatings aren’t as environmentally friendly, so using vinyl for branding on chargers is a much better option in terms of sustainability.

Liz Allan [00:20:18]:
That’s such a smart idea! And it’s great to see Stewart Signs providing more eco-friendly solutions for all these projects.

Kirsty Robinson [00:20:57]:
Yes, we offer non-PVC vinyl options, and we’ve developed special vinyls for textured surfaces, like EV chargers. We test everything rigorously to make sure it performs well and lasts.

Liz Allan [00:25:17]:
You also provided the livery for the Greenfleet EV Rally. How did that come about?

Kirsty Robinson [00:25:37]:
I reached out to Colin at Greenfleet, and we discussed how we could support the rally. We used a 3M Envision film, which is a non-PVC recyclable vinyl, to wrap the vehicles. We also made photo props, which your team had a lot of fun using throughout the rally!

Liz Allan [00:26:37]:
Yes, we did! We didn’t win the photo competition, but we came second to Drax Electric Vehicles. They really went all out with their PJ & Duncan impression!

Kirsty Robinson [00:28:40]:
Yes, they did! But you all did great, and the props really added some fun to the event. We printed them in-house on honeycomb cardboard, which is a sustainable material. It’s light, durable, and can be used for all sorts of event props.

Liz Allan [00:30:25]:
Next year, we’ll have to step up our game with more videos! But honestly, the livery on our Tesla Model Y looked amazing, bright pink and eye-catching.

Kirsty Robinson [00:30:34]:
Thank you! It’s always rewarding to work with clients and see their vision come to life, like your Tesla. The livery made a big impact, and it was great to be part of the rally.

Liz Allan [00:30:45]:
You know, speaking of the rally, it wasn’t just the livery—those photo props were so much fun! We had “It’s Charge Time,” “Green Never Looked So Good,” and even one that said, “Driver Charging” with a sleepy face, which was hilarious! George, our team leader, made sure we used them all over the place, and we got some great shots. Even though Drax won, we had such a laugh with those props.

Kirsty Robinson [00:31:13]:
Yes, I saw the photos; your team really got into it! It’s great to hear that you had fun with them. The props were made from sustainable cardboard, which is something we’re really proud of. We actually use similar materials for events and displays. They’re light but super durable.

Liz Allan [00:31:36]:
I didn’t realise they were made from cardboard! They were so sturdy that I thought they were something else entirely. That’s fantastic.

Kirsty Robinson [00:31:44]:
Yes, people are often surprised by how durable they are. We can even make stands, chairs, and other display elements out of the same material. It’s part of our commitment to sustainability.

Liz Allan [00:32:00]:
That’s brilliant. You mentioned earlier that you work across different sectors—what would you say is the most rewarding part of your role?

Kirsty Robinson [00:32:09]:
I think it’s working with people. It sounds cheesy, but I really enjoy the journey we go on with clients. Whether it’s a rebrand, a new fleet, or something else, I love figuring out how we can help them achieve their goals. It’s especially rewarding when we can show them new technologies or sustainable solutions that they didn’t know were possible.

Liz Allan [00:32:37]:
It sounds like you really get to make a difference for your clients, not just in terms of branding but also with sustainability. How does that compare to your previous role at 3M?

Kirsty Robinson [00:32:47]:
It’s quite different, to be honest. At 3M, I was more focused on the product side, but at Stewart Signs, I get to work directly with clients and see the whole process from start to finish. It’s a lot more hands-on, and I get to be involved in some really creative projects.

Liz Allan [00:33:09]:
That must be so fulfilling. It’s clear you’re passionate about what you do.

Kirsty Robinson [00:33:14]:
I am! It’s rewarding to see the impact we can make, especially when it comes to sustainability. The industry is evolving quickly, and I’m excited to see where it goes next.

Liz Allan [00:33:26]:
Speaking of the future, are there any upcoming trends or technologies in the industry that you’re particularly excited about?

Kirsty Robinson [00:33:36]:
Definitely! We’re keeping an eye on bio-based materials, and 3M has a new film made from corn that we’re excited to test. We’re also investing in more sustainable machinery and processes to reduce energy consumption. It’s all about finding ways to innovate while being more environmentally conscious.

Liz Allan [00:34:00]:
That’s fantastic. It’s clear that Stewart Signs is leading the way in terms of sustainability. I’m sure our listeners will find that really inspiring.

Kirsty Robinson [00:34:13]:
I hope so! We’re always looking for new ways to push the boundaries and offer our clients the best solutions.

Liz Allan [00:34:25]:
Kirsty, it’s been such a pleasure talking to you today. If anyone listening wants to get in touch, what’s the best way to reach out?

Kirsty Robinson [00:34:38]:
You can find me on LinkedIn, or you can email me directly at kirsty.robinson@stewartsigns.co.uk. I’m always happy to chat!

Liz Allan [00:34:50]:
Fantastic! Thank you so much for joining me, Kirsty, and for sharing all this great insight into Stewart Signs and the work you’re doing.

Kirsty Robinson [00:35:00]:
Thanks for having me, Liz! It’s been a lot of fun.

Liz Allan [00:35:05]:
To everyone listening and watching, I hope you enjoyed today’s episode. If you did, please leave us a review, subscribe to us on YouTube, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Thank you, and see you next time!