Why We Must Protect the Neon Sign Industry in the UK

Since 2005, Neon Creations has been designing and handcrafting genuine neon signs from our Bolton-based workshop. We are proud to be part of a vibrant, century-old tradition of neon glass bending—a skilled craft that adds beauty, energy, and authenticity to signage and lighting.

But this heritage is under serious threat.

The Problem: LED Products Marketed as “Neon”

Over the past few years, we’ve seen a surge in businesses selling LED alternatives that are falsely marketed as “neon signs.” These LED signs, some of which are mass-produced, and others custom made to order, are widely available online and in major retail chains —sometimes for as little as £6.99!

While we fully respect that LED has its place as a modern lighting solution, the real issue is misleading marketing. LED signs are often described—and sold—as “neon signs,” even though they are completely different in terms of materials, craftsmanship, and visual impact.

This has led to widespread consumer confusion, unfair pricing comparisons, and significant harm to traditional neon makers across the UK.

What Makes a Neon Sign Truly Neon?

Authentic neon signs are handcrafted from glass tubes, bent with precision and skill by experienced artisans known as neon glass benders. These tubes are filled with inert gases like neon or argon, which glow brightly when electrified. Every piece is unique, painstakingly crafted, and designed to last.

In contrast, LED signs (often incorrectly called “neon flex” or “LED neon”) are made from PVC or silicone strips with light emitting diodes (LED’s) housed inside them. They do not contain any glass or inert gas. The lighting is surface-level and lacks the vibrant depth and glow of real neon.

Put simply: If it’s not made from glass and filled with gas, it’s not a neon sign!

Why It Matters

• Endangered Craft: There are only around 27 full-time neon glass benders in the UK today, down from thriving numbers in the 1980s. Several neon workshops have closed in the last year alone. We would love to train the next generation—but there’s not enough demand for ‘real ‘ neon, while cheaper LED alternatives are being falsely described as neon.
• Losing Heritage: Neon glass bending is on the Heritage Crafts Association Red List of Endangered Crafts. Without action, this artform could vanish within a generation. Neon gas was in fact discovered in London in 1898 by British chemists.
• Misinformation: Some LED sellers make false claims about neon being toxic, dangerous, or outdated—all while using the term “neon” to sell their own products.

What We’re Doing—and How You Can Help

For the last couple of years, we have been leading a national campaign to protect the definition of the term ‘neon signs’ and its derivatives and support the people who still practice this beautiful, niche craft. The campaign has gained interest internationally, with glass benders all over the world experiencing similar issues to in the UK.

Here’s what we’ve done so far:

• Presented to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Craftand gained support from parliamentarians in the group
• Gained support from our local MP Yasmin Qureshi,whom we invited into our workshop, and consequently she presented a debate to the House of Commons on our behalf
• Have had a petition approved on the official UK Government and Parliament Petitions website - https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/721411
• Partnered with the British Sign & Graphics Association (BSGA) to work on proper definitions of both neon signs and LED signs
• Secured backing from the Federation of Small Businesses and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
• Gathered statements from over 90 professionals affected by this issue, mainly in the UK, but also from some worldwide

We are now calling for:

• A certification mark to label genuine neon signs
• A British Standards definition to differentiate neon and LED signage
• Potential legislation—a “Neon Sign Protection Act”—to ensure only authentic neon can be described as such

Why This Isn’t Without Precedent

Other UK crafts already enjoy legal protection:

• Harris Tweed is protected by law under the Harris Tweed Act 1993
• Sheffield Cutlery and Whitby Jet have geographical and trademark protections

We believe neon signs—part of our urban, cultural, and creative heritage—deserve the same.

Let’s Keep the Neon Glowing

Neon is more than a product. It’s art, it’s craft, it’s history.

We’re not asking to ban LED signs, we have nothing against them and even sell them ourselves. We are just asking for truth in labelling, a level playing field, and a future for neon craftsmanship.

If you’d like to support the campaign, please click on the link above, and if you would like to learn more about what we do, or explore our work, please get in touch either by email or call on 01204 655866.

Let’s protect this incredible art form before it disappears for good.