Signalong The Communication Charity

Name

Signalong The Communication Charity

Legal name

Signalong The Communication Charity

Website

https://signalong.org.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sign-Supported Communication & Special Education Training

NAICS

Language Schools (611630), Language Schools (61163), Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Sign Language Learning Programs (ASL/BSL, etc.) (EDAMAFAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Language & Cross-Cultural Training (BPACANAL), Foreign Language Subject Tutoring (School Coursework) (EDANAAAF), Compliance, Certification & Continuing Education LMS (EDAFAAAD)

Keywords

• Sign supported communication
• Key word signing
• British Sign Language resources
• Communication difficulty training
• SEN sign vocabulary

Headquarters

HQ city

Norwich

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Training Courses: Revenue from delivering training courses including Workshops, Introductory courses, Foundation courses, and Tutor Training. Courses are delivered by registered tutors across the UK, both in-person and online.
2. Resource Sales: Sale of physical resources including sign vocabulary manuals, CDs/DVDs, A3 posters, A5 room signs, and commissioned materials.
3. Sign Library Membership: Annual membership to access the online Sign Library database of over 9,000 signs. Free tier provides 25 sign descriptions, paid tier provides full access.
4. Signalong Friendly Membership: Membership scheme with Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers providing certificates, website listing, use of logo, core vocabulary manuals, and discounts on resources and training.
5. Sign Licensing: Perpetual licenses allowing organizations to print and share signs within their establishment without breaching copyright.
6. Tutor Registration: Annual registration fees for qualified tutors, giving them access to the Sign Library, tutor forum, downloadable resources, and discounts on publications.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Signalong delivers a key-word sign-supported communication system based on British Sign Language, providing CPD-accredited training courses (Workshops, Introductory, Foundation, Tutor Training), a Signalong Friendly organisational membership scheme, accredited learner courses, and associated physical and digital resources (Sign Vocabulary Manuals, posters, CDs/DVDs, the Sign Studio mobile app, Text-A-Sign SMS service and the online Sign Library of over 9,000 signs). Distribution is via the charity's online shop, members-only portal and a network of 400+ registered tutors across the UK, Europe and Asia.

Product overview

Signalong The Communication Charity offers a sign-supported communication system based on British Sign Language, comprising a suite of products and services. The core offering includes the Sign Studio App (a free mobile app for object recognition and sign lookup), the Sign Library (an online database of over 9,000 sign descriptions accessible via membership), and Text-A-Sign (an SMS-based sign lookup service). Physical products include Sign Vocabulary Manuals (the foundational resource series covering Basic Vocabulary Phases 1 & 2, Foundations, National Curriculum, Topic Vocabulary, Self-Advocacy, Health Matters, and Signalong at Work), CDs/DVDs, A3 Posters, and A5 Room Signs. Training services include Tutor Training (a 4-day in-person or ZOOM course for prospective trainers), Signalong Friendly membership scheme (Bronze/Silver/Gold tiers with discounts and Sign Library access), and the Signalong for Learners accredited course programme (mapped to SLCF/NQF, from Pre-Entry to Level 2). A Members Area provides free and paid online access to sign descriptions and resources. The product portfolio also includes bespoke commissioned manuals, licensed posters, and the Signalong Anthem resource. The system is distinguished by its 'one concept per sign' methodology and consistent sign descriptions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Signalong for Babies and Toddlers: A programme specifically for babies aged 9 months to 18 months and toddlers aged 18 months to 3 years, offering 106 signs for babies and 84 signs for toddlers.
• Sign Studio App
• Signalong Friendly
• Signalong for Learners
• Text-A-Sign

Products and services

• Tutor Training A comprehensive 4-day in-person (or online via ZOOM) CPD-accredited training course for experienced sign-supported communication practitioners who wish to train others in Signalong. Includes a certificate on completion and annual tutor registration (£200 + VAT). Priced £1,475 per person, with reduced rates of £945 for self-funding parents/unwaged.
• Signalong Friendly Membership Scheme A three-tier annual membership (Bronze, Silver, Gold) for organisations that commit to providing a signing-inclusive environment. Benefits include certificates, website listing, use of the Signalong Friendly logo, a core vocabulary manual, discount on resources and training, and access to the Sign Library. Annual fees range from £175–£395 + VAT (with reduced rates for charitable organisations under £50k income).
• Signalong for Learners An accredited programme designed to help individuals (primarily children and adults with learning difficulties, autism or communication needs) develop the skills needed to perform and recognise Signalong signs. Mapped to SLCF and NQF, from Pre-Entry through Levels 1–2. Priced £18 per candidate including handbook and certificate of completion.
• Sign Library An online database containing over 9,000 Signalong sign drawings and descriptions. Free registration gives access to 25 sign descriptions; annual membership costs £120 inc. VAT for full access, with monthly payment options. Subscription members also receive Phase 1 video vocabulary content.
• Sign Studio App A free mobile application for Apple and Android that allows users to take a photo of an object and instantly view the corresponding Signalong sign. Free tier provides 25 searches; subscription from £3 per month for additional searches.
• Text-A-Sign An SMS-based sign texting service. Users text 'SIGN' to 07446 462146 along with a word or phrase to receive the corresponding sign via SMS. One year of unlimited signs costs £30; four free signs available on trial.
• Sign Vocabulary Manuals A comprehensive series of printed manuals containing sign diagrams and descriptions covering over 9,000 signs. Includes the Basic Vocabulary Phase 1 (approx. 360 signs), Phase 2, Foundations series, Play & Early Learning, Signalong National Curriculum, Topic Vocabulary, Self-Advocacy, Signalong at Work, Health Matters and Adult Learning Disability.
• CDs and DVDs Fun-packed interactive programs, songs, and colouring pages for learning sign-supported communication through rhymes and songs.
• A3 Posters A wide range of colourful A3 posters each containing up to 12 signs, suitable for displays and encouraging the use of signing; over 70 different posters are available. A commissioning service produces bespoke posters for organisations.
• A5 Room Signs Room signs designed for use in establishments to label spaces using Signalong signs.
• Sign Licensing & Commissioned Manuals Perpetual sign licensing (£4.50 + VAT per sign) allowing organisations to print and distribute signs within their establishment without breaching copyright, plus commissioned manual and poster production services (manuals from £300 + VAT setup for 0–200 signs; posters from £30 + VAT setup).
• Signalong Anthem A song developed in partnership with Accessible Arts & Media that reflects the charity's mission statement. Available with sheet music, vocal and backing track MP3s, a Singing & Signing Resource Pack, and A3 promotional posters.
• Introductory, Foundation & Workshop Courses CPD-accredited training courses delivered by 400+ registered Signalong tutors across the UK in-person and online: Workshops (minimum 3 hours), Introductory courses, and Foundation courses. Multi-participant organisational discounts of 5–15% and a 10% discount for charitable organisations with turnover under £250,000 apply; parent/self-funding rates are available.
• Signalong Tutor Registration Annual registration fee of £200 + VAT for qualified tutors, granting access to the Sign Library, tutor forum, downloadable resources, and discounts on Signalong publications.
• Signalong for Babies and Toddlers A programme specifically designed for babies (9–18 months) and toddlers (18 months–3 years) offering 106 signs for babies and 84 signs for toddlers, targeting parents seeking early-years intervention for communication development.
• Regional Tutor Conferences Biennial regional conferences held at different locations around the UK to enable tutors to maintain and refresh their skills and uphold the quality of training delivery.

Quantifiable outcome

• 6x more likely to be behind in English, 11x more likely to be behind in Maths at 11 years for children with unidentified speech/language challenges
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• NSPCCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSignalong partnered with NSPCC to ensure the PANTS message (child safety campaign) is available to those who rely on Signalong to communicate. The colourful PANTS Rules incorporate realistic drawings and signs readily available to Signalong users. Video content created featuring Signalong signing for the campaign.
• Speech and Language UKminorOthersListed as a partner organisation on Signalong's website, supporting the speech and language community.
• NCVOminorOthersListed as a partner organisation (member of NCVO - National Council for Voluntary Organisations).
• Disability ConfidentminorOthersSignalong is a Disability Confident Committed employer (Level 1), a UK government scheme helping businesses recruit and retain disabled employees.
• Accessible Arts & MediaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Accessible Arts & Media (York-based charity) to develop the Signalong Anthem. AAM champions skills and talents of people with disabilities.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• RNID (Royal National Institute for Deaf People): A large UK charity supporting people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus, providing communication support and resources. Adjacent to Signalong in the broader accessibility and communication-difficulty space with overlapping customer base of families and educators.
• British Deaf Association (BDA): The UK national Deaf-led organisation representing BSL users and promoting BSL, including Deaf culture and sign language education. Comparable to Signalong as a BSL-based communication organisation but focused on the full BSL community rather than sign-supported SSC.
• National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS): A larger UK charity focused on deaf children and families, providing broader services including communication support, family guidance and BSL resources. Overlaps with Signalong in serving parents and schools supporting communication needs, but operates a wider portfolio.
• Tobii Dynavox (Boardmaker): A global leader in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) including Boardmaker symbol-based tools used in special education. Comparable as a provider of communication tools to individuals with SLCN, though focused on symbol/AAC rather than sign-supported communication.

Emerging players

• Symbol UK: Provides symbol-based communication tools (Widgit symbols) used in special education settings for pupils with communication difficulties. Comparable as a non-sign augmentative communication provider serving similar special-needs school and care markets.
• AssistiveWare (Proloquo2go): Provider of Proloquo, Proloquo2go and other AAC apps used by people with communication difficulties. Comparable as a digital-first communication aid provider serving individuals with speech, language and communication needs, including many of the same end-users.

Regional players

• SignHealth: A UK Deaf health charity providing healthcare services and advocacy for Deaf people using BSL. Comparable as a UK-focused BSL and Deaf communication organisation, though focused on healthcare rather than sign-supported communication training.

Others

• Speech and Language UK: A UK charity campaigning for children with speech and language challenges. Comparable as a sector peer and listed partner of Signalong, addressing the same end-customer segment of children with SLCN, parents and education professionals.
• ICAN (now part of Speech and Language UK): UK children's communication charity that merged into Speech and Language UK, focused on supporting children with speech and language difficulties. Comparable as a sector advocacy and resources organisation serving overlapping customer segments.

Direct peers

• The Makaton Charity: The largest UK sign-supported communication charity, Makaton offers a directly competing SSC system used in schools, hospitals and care settings. It is the dominant incumbent that Signalong competes against for institutional adoption.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Signalong
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCeNYtifJckxJT6gMaWQhVYA
• Facebookfacebook.com/signalongcharity
• Instagraminstagram.com/signalongcharity
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/signalongcharity

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Signalong The Communication Charity