Quick answer
How do I make my van, workwear and paperwork match?
The same name, logo, colours, font, tone and contact details on your website, van, workwear, quotes and anything printed.
The jargon
The words you'll come across, in plain English.
- Brand: how your business looks and sounds everywhere: name, logo, colours, wording, photos.
- Colour codes: exact numbers for your colours, so every printer matches them.
- Font: the style of lettering.
- Proof: the final version you check before it's printed or applied.
- Trade mark: a registered right to stop others using a similar name or logo.
Write it down
What should my one page brand record include?
- Your logo files, and the space to leave round them
- Your exact colours, for screen and print
- Your main font, and a backup
- Your exact business name and tagline
- Your phone, email and website
- For a limited company, the details you must show: your name on everything, plus your company number, registered office and where you're registered on letters, order forms and your website
- How you talk to customers
- How your photos should look, and how you get permission
Adapt it
Should everything look exactly the same?
Do this
The van says a few words, big and bold; the website has the detail; both are clearly the same business.
Not this
Your whole website footer squeezed onto a polo shirt.
Check everything
How do I check what doesn't match?
List everywhere customers see you: website, Google profile, social media, email signature, quotes, invoices, van, workwear, signs and print. Note the name, logo, number, website, colours and main message on each.
- Fix wrong facts first
- Replace old phone numbers and web addresses
- Use one spelling of your business name
- Remove qualifications or memberships that have lapsed
- Do the most visible things first
- Keep a dated master list for future suppliers
Changing it
What order should I change things in?
Start with the things you control online, then your paperwork, then physical things as you reorder them. Get a full size proof for a van or big sign; mistakes there are expensive.
Do this
Website, Google profile and quotes change together; workwear changes when stock runs out; the van proof is checked separately.
Not this
New logos appear at random while old numbers stay on the invoices and van, and customers aren't sure which is really you.
Tell regular customers if your name or look changes a lot.
Suppliers
What do I send printers and signwriters?
Give printers, embroiderers and signwriters the proper logo file, your exact colours and who signs off the proof. Keep the final files yourself.
Protect it
What should I check before a big rollout?
Make sure you can use the logo, fonts and photos for everything you've planned. Search for similar trade marks, and get advice if a lot's at stake.
Sources
Where this guide comes from.
Checked against these official pages on 27/10/2026. Next check due 27/01/2027. Things can change sooner, so check the official page before an important decision.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions.
Do the colours have to match exactly?
Materials and screens vary, but exact colour codes and proofs keep it close.
Should the van list every service?
No. Your name, main trade and a number you can read from a distance.
Who should keep the master files?
You. Keep copies, and the account logins.
How often should I change my branding?
Only for a good business reason, not because you're bored of it.
Do all my suppliers need the full set?
No. Give each one what they need for their job, and keep the full set yourself.
What do I update first if my number changes?
Website, Google profile, email signature, quote and invoice templates, then the van and print.
Got a question?
Send us a message and we'll point you in the right direction.
We're happy to help, even if it's not about a website.
