My Franchising World

A day at the Excel Franchise Show

2012-03-02T05:33:00.001-08:00

Hayley Forder, Marketing Executive at Signs Express HQ in Norwich, reveals her day at the Franchise Exhibition, London Excel.

6am

I like to get up early and begin my day with a workout followed by a gentle swim to prepare myself for a busy day exhibiting.

8.30am

Time for breakfast with my colleague’s, decided to have a healthy option of scrambled eggs on toast with a side order of fruit.

9.30am

So its time to head towards to the Excel show, luckily we got here yesterday and set up the stand so it’s a nice gentle walk to the exhibition hall.

10am

The grand opening begins, and I can see more and more ambitious entrepreneurs walking through the door excited at the opportunities open to them.

11am – 2pm

So far it has been an extremely busy day; it’s been great to listen to what people want out of a business. From what I have seen today it seems like a majority of people all want to have a change in lifestyle from their franchise, this is very refreshing to know its not all about the money side of things.

2.15pm

My Director Tony March has just got back to the stand after giving an inspirational talk at one of the seminars, it appears to have gone rather well!

3 – 5pm

I have had some really good chats with prospective franchisees, talking about how our franchise covers a wide variety of sectors which seems to be really attractive especially being a B2B franchise. Some of the people that are visiting the show have never visited one before so it’s a great opportunity for them to see what ourselves and other franchisors have to offer.

6pm

Wow! What a day, we have given away lots of our literature and have met some great prospective franchisees! Looking forward to catching up with them at one of our free open days.

7pm

Time for a quick swim to help my tired aching feet!

8.30pm

Were heading off to a lovely Thai restaurant just overlooking the Royal Docklands, its been great to relax and unwind with my colleagues and talk about all the interesting people that we have met during the show.

11pm

Well it’s been a long day and I'm finally in my bed ready for the second day of the show, good night :)

The month of love has arrived!

2012-02-01T02:49:00.000-08:00

Wow January has been and gone in a flash but don’t despair, with February being the month of love why not enter our competition to win yourself a bottle of champagne and chocolates on us!

To enter the competition please email comp@signsexpress.co.uk with your answer to the following question:

Where was Saint Valentine from?

Each month we will be running a competition to win fantastic prizes such as Champagne and chocolates, pampering sets, a digital camera and other goodies.

Each month's competition will be featured on the Signs Express 2012 desktop calendar. Request your copy of the 2012 calendar
To celebrate the launch of our competition entries will be accepted from 13th December - 31st January inclusive for the January prize of £100 shopping vouchers.

Terms and conditions:
1. Prize draws are open only to those people aged 18 or over and are resident in the UK or Ireland. Entrants must not be employees (or members of their families) of Signs Express, its agents, or anyone professionally connected with the promotion. 2. One entry per person, per month. 3. No cash alternative or other prize is available. 4. All entries must be received by the last day of each month. 5. No responsibility can be accepted for entries that are lost, mislaid, delayed or for any reason not included in the draw. 6. Signs Express reserves the right to substitute a prize of equivalent or greater value if this is necessary for reasons beyond its control.7. Each winner will be selected from the correct answers entered, under independent supervision and notified via phone or email. The promoter’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 8. The name of the winner will be available by sending a SAE to the promoter: Signs Express Ltd, The Old Church, St Matthews Road, Norwich NR1 1SP or emailing comp@signsexpress.co.uk

Franchise Events Planned for 2012

2012-01-25T06:52:00.000-08:00

Signs are our business – make it yours

Looking for a new business opportunity? Exhibiting at The Franchise Show, Excel London, Signs Express will be exhibiting at Stand 304 on the 24th – 25th February.

Established in 1989, Signs Express has grown into the UK & Ireland’s largest sign and graphics manufacturer and has developed into one of the leading forces in the franchising arena. Signs Express offers a B2B management franchise package with a comprehensive training programme and ongoing support.

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Your invitation to a discovery day at Signs Express

If you are looking for a business that is going to make the best use of your management skills with support from our team to match, you may have just found the opportunity you were looking for. Over the next two months we will be holding free discovery days at the Signs Express Head Office on the following dates:

28th – 29th February
7th – 8th March
13th – 14th March

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Free Franchise Seminars
Looking for a business opportunity with regular repeat business, high value orders, a stable marketplace and established brand then Signs Express could be the right franchise for you. Choosing a franchise is one of the biggest decisions you will have to make so it’s always best to do your research.

Signs Express is just one of 10 franchise businesses taking part in free seminars being held across the UK. All seminars start from 6.30pm at the following locations:

2nd February 2012 Hilton London Euston

If you are new to franchising these informative educational seminars will help you structure your research. The three hour event includes a seminar programme providing an overview of the franchise industry and advice on banking, operational and legal considerations of investing in a franchise. You can book one-to-one sessions to discuss your personal situation with franchise industry professionals and there are opportunities to network with like minded people.
Click here to book your place for free http://franchise-seminars.biz/contact-us/

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Signs Express is a franchising business offering high earning potential, training and support in all business areas and continuous improvement of both the business model and product portfolio.
Whether you are looking to start a business, buy a business or re-brand a sign company to become Signs Express, we have many available areas across the UK & Ireland.
The Signs Express brand has continued to operate high quality standards to achieve leading status in both sign and franchising industries. Our national reputation for providing quality signage, accompanied by excellent customer service has lead to sustained growth since our conception in 1989.

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Our franchisees have received a raft of awards for their high quality business practices including most recently, Malcolm Lant of Signs Express (Gateshead) who was named finalist in the British Franchise Association Franchisee of the Year Awards.

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Finalist for the British Franchise of the Year Awards 2011

Franchising is no longer just a mans world

2012-01-24T07:13:00.000-08:00

The franchise business model is no longer just for men. More and more women are setting up their own franchise business and making a great success of it too. Just a handful of key advantages of buying a franchise include a helpful support team who are always on hand to help guide you, as well as a comprehensive start-up package and a training programme to get you ready.

With a recent case study of 220 female business owners by the business support network Enterprising Women, concluding that many felt stuck when it came to taking their business beyond the start-up stage to the next level, which is why franchising is such a great opportunity to build an excellent profitable business.

One successful franchise story is Anne Hitch from Signs Express (Peterborough). Anne is a full time working mother who has to be very organised in order to juggle a busy workload, motherhood and other commitments. Anne is an active member of the business community, in particular the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce as well as the Chairman of the Women in Business Sector.

Anne’s hard work and determination has inspired her sign making team, which has led to Anne receiving national recognition in the Sign Excellence Awards at the Signs Express Convention. Anne and her team were crowned the winner of the Best Vehicle Graphics project award, for a van completed for Top Hex suppliers of theatre products lighting and stage sound.

Commenting on winning the prestigious award, Anne said; “We are thrilled to have been recognised for this award, it’s great to have our hard work and achievements celebrated by the group. The graphics for the Top Hex van were printed and fitted in-house and it was great for our staff to be able to get involved with the whole process.”

The awards were independently judged by Val Hirst, Editor of Sign Directions Magazine and David Catanach, Director of the British Signs and Graphics Association (BGSA). Both judges advised how difficult their job was made by the extremely high standard of entries this year. Val Hirst, Editor of Sign Directions commented; “Signs Express (Peterborough) picked up this award in respect of its Top Hex vehicle livery. This appealed because it provides an instant and colourful connection to the world of dance and theatre in an eye-catching and amusing way.”

Signs Express (Peterborough) are based on Saracen Business Park, Peterborough and work with a variety of companies in the area. They provide a complete design, manufacture and fitting service for all forms of signage and offer a complete signage solution from interior and exterior signs to vehicle graphics, banners, window graphics and display products.

* Survey conducted by enterprising women

Signs are our business – make it yours

2012-01-16T08:40:00.000-08:00

Looking for a new business opportunity? Exhibiting at The Franchise Show, Excel London, Signs Express will be on Stand 304 on the 24th – 25th February.

Our new 2012 calendar!!

2012-01-05T01:31:00.000-08:00

The new Signs Express 2012 calendar has kick started this year with a bang!

Each month we will be running a competition to win fantastic prizes such as Champagne and chocolates, pampering sets, a digital camera and other goodies.

To enter the competition please email comp@signsexpress.co.uk with your answer to the following question:

In which country is popular ski resort Zermatt?

Each month's competition will be featured on the Signs Express 2012 desktop calendar. Request your copy of the 2012 calendar

To celebrate the launch of our competition entries will be accepted from 13th December - 31st January inclusive for the January prize of £100 shopping vouchers.

Terms and conditions:
1. Prize draws are open only to those people aged 18 or over and are resident in the UK or Ireland. Entrants must not be employees (or members of their families) of Signs Express, its agents, or anyone professionally connected with the promotion. 2. One entry per person, per month. 3. No cash alternative or other prize is available. 4. All entries must be received by the last day of each month. 5. No responsibility can be accepted for entries that are lost, mislaid, delayed or for any reason not included in the draw. 6. Signs Express reserves the right to substitute a prize of equivalent or greater value if this is necessary for reasons beyond its control.7. Each winner will be selected from the correct answers entered, under independent supervision and notified via phone or email. The promoter’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 8. The name of the winner will be available by sending a SAE to the promoter: Signs Express Ltd, The Old Church, St Matthews Road, Norwich NR1 1SP or emailing comp@signsexpress.co.uk

Staff Party at Signs Express HQ

2011-12-09T02:44:00.000-08:00

Well the festivities have kicked off with a bang at the Signs Express staff Christmas party. The event was held at the prestigious Caister Hall hotel, with plenty of food and drink and a dance floor to top it off, the event certainly kept us all entertained into the late evening...

Christmas has arrived at HQ

2011-12-09T02:36:00.000-08:00

At last the Christmas tree has been put up at the Signs Express Head Quarters, its certainly starting to look a lot more like Christmas :)

Facing redundancy: Time for a new start?

2011-11-14T03:47:00.000-08:00

Are you currently in an unsatisfying career? Being made redundant? Or are you wanting to be your own boss and looking for a more rewarding career? If you have answered yes to any of these then maybe its time to think about becoming a franchisee!

With the gloomy recession and what seems like an endless amount of jobs being made redundant it has been a great relief to find that there are now a possible 300 new franchise opportunities available and a possible 24,000 jobs being created across the UK. This is the kind of boost everyone has been waiting for, providing a new opportunity for people to take control of their future and work for themselves as well as also making new jobs by taking on staff.

According to a recent survey by Natwest, it shows that in the height of the economic downturn, the franchise industry’s turnover increased to £11.8 billion - with 94% of franchisors optimistic about the future proving why franchising has become so popular with Britain’s entrepreneurs.

One such franchise optimistic about the future is Signs Express. It has an experienced background in franchising, with more than 20 years of sustained growth, and has developed into the largest sign company in the UK and Ireland with more centres than any other business in the industry. Its established brand reputation for high quality service along with a wide range of professional signs and graphics products makes Signs Express an attractive proposition for entrepreneurs looking to secure their own future by starting their own business.

Commenting on the RBS and Natwest loans Tony Marsh, Sales and Marketing Director of Signs Express says, “This is great news for people who are considering starting up a business on their own. Owning a franchise has become increasingly popular especially in the current recession as you are operating within a proven business model. It’s a great way to give people an opportunity to start up their own business and become their own boss but with all the benefits of an experienced brand and support team.”

“Our head office is always on hand to help with any questions as well as providing a fantastic training programme. Our franchisees feel they are part of one big family. Having the support of an in-house marketing team is also very attractive too.”

Tony continued “Each franchise has the opportunity for large rewards as every business needs signs of some kind, proving fantastic business opportunities for regular and repeat signs and graphics work from customers in all sectors.”

Signs Express is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of its customers. Enjoying a national reputation for providing quality products and supreme customer service, Signs Express combines total coverage with local knowledge to offer its clients the most effective sign solutions.

£3000 raised for local charity Nelson's Journey

2011-10-19T08:15:00.000-07:00

We are delighted to announce over £3,000 was raised from our auction for our chosen charity, Nelson’s Journey – a Norfolk-based charity supporting bereaved children and young adults. To date, the charity has helped over 1,000 children since 1997. The Signs Express contribution will go towards the children’s therapeutic weekends as well as helping to provide essential resources for their centre.

Norwich Business Womans Networking Event (October)

2011-10-13T02:32:00.000-07:00

Myself and Claire today attended the Norwich Business Woman's Networking Event held this month at the Assembly Rooms, Norwich. It was a celebration of 21 years of NBWN and was truly inspiring, with guest speaker Victoria Musgrove, Headteacher at Wymondham High School who told of her achievements over the years.

The lunch started off with Pimms on arrival, followed by Salmon and cutting of the cake with a glass of champagne to celebrate!

Every month there is a charity raffle and to both myself and Claire's suprise we won the top prize which is a two day peak performance mind programme worth £4000!!

Great event held by all and can't wait to see all the lovely ladies next month.

Two Engagements at Signs Express HQ!

2011-10-13T02:09:00.000-07:00

Wow this month has been jam packed and to end it on a high Georgie (Technical Support Advisor) has announced her engagement to her long term boyfriend Andy who proposed on their 5 year anniversary whilst on holiday in York. If that wasn't exciting enough Claire (PR and Marketing Executive) has also announced her engagement after also 5 years to her boyfriend Adam who proposed whilst on holiday Sorrento.

Next year will see two Signs Express weddings, very exciting!!

Congratulations to you both

xo

Regional Finalist

2011-10-13T01:42:00.000-07:00

Malcolm Lant, Signs Express franchisee for the Gateshead area, was shortlisted as a Regional Finalist for the British Franchise of the Year Awards, held at the NEC in Birmingham. The annual British Franchise Association Franchisee of the Year Awards recognises excellence in the franchising sector and the commitment of those franchisees who ‘set the standard’ for best practice in the industry.

Divided into 5 regions, Malcolm Lant was named as a Regional Finalist for the North region. Malcolm was judged against franchisees from all over the UK. Commenting on the becoming a Regional Finalist Malcolm said, “I am absolutely delighted to be a finalist. Through hard work and determination my team and I have been able to rise through the recession and build a very successful business; providing high quality products and exceptional customer service which results in high levels of repeat business and referrals."

British Franchise Exhibition held at the NEC

2011-10-12T08:37:00.000-07:00

The Franchise Team

We recently exhibited at the British Franchise Exhibition which was held at the NEC, Birmingham. The exhbition was a great chance for potential franchisees to come and visit and ask questions regarding the Signs Express Franchise.

Franchise BBQ

2011-10-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

To begin this year’s convention we held a wonderful BBQ for all the franchisees and staff, the evening kicked started with a pimms reception followed by an endless amount of BBQ food such as tandoori chicken, beef burgers, lamb koftas and a huge array of side salads!

The event was a great way for all of the staff at head office and franchisees to relax and mingle after a day of seminars held at Sprowston Manor Hotel.

Entertainment this year was a huge success, with a photobooth provided for all to enjoy (please see a selection of pics below) also music provided by local musician Bill Downs who gave us an acoustic set performing various covers of music through the decades.

Looking forward to doing this all again in 2 years!!!

Dan, Claire and Hayley the Signs Express Marketing Executives

Georgie and Hayley

Convention hosted by Olympic Swimmer Mark Foster

2011-10-04T05:31:00.000-07:00

Early September we hosted our annual convention inviting all of our franchisees from the UK and Ireland to attend.

This year we saw the weekend taking an Olympic theme in both a nod to the London 2012 Games and the fantastic key speaker and guest host medal-winning Olympic Swimmer Mark Foster.

Held in Norwich, the convention weekend consisted of seminars and a supplier's forum, giving the franchisees a perfect opportunity to catch up with key suppliers, learn about new business initiatives and have a first look at new products to hit the market.

Culminating with an awards evening and dinner on the Saturday night, the group helped to raise over £3,000 in the fundraising auction for Norfolk charity Nelson's Journey.

A big congratulation to all the franchisees who entered, the standards were extremely high again this year.

And the winners are...

Franchisee of the Year
Malcolm Lant, Gateshead

Special Achievement Award
Signs Express Manchester

Ambassador of the Year
Ken Bevis, N & NE Lincs

Vehicle Graphics Project
Signs Express Peterborough

Best Individual Sign Project
Signs Express Leeds

Best Multiple Sign Project
Signs Express Leeds

Most Outstanding Project
Signs Express Manchester

Malcolm Lant (Gateshead) with Mark Foster

Marketing Team at Head Office with Mark Foster

Welcome to the Signs Express Franchise Blog!

2011-10-04T01:44:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

Welcome to the Signs Express Franchise Blog, here you will find some interesting info about what we have all been up to. September has been a jam packed month for us all here at the Norwich Head Office with the annual convention hosted by Mark Foster the Olympic Swimmer at Sprowston Manor, the NEC exhibition and also having one of our franchisees, Malcolm Lant (Gateshead) being shortlisted as a regional finalist for the British Franchisee of the Year Award!