Vehicle graphics spread the word

Signs Express (Peterborough), together with Marshall Military sales designed and produced vehicle graphics for the Hawk Display Team.

The Hawk display team’s full time mission is to train the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy combat pilots of the future.  The team exists to demonstrate the professional excellence of the RAF and promote recruitment.

Marshall Military sales Peterborough provide vehicles each year for Help for heroes and other worthy causes in the military to assist in fund raising and awareness on a UK wide scale.

Anne Hitch, Director of Signs Express (Peterborough) and her team created the design and applied the graphics using long lasting vinyl material MD5.  The full colour prints were then gloss laminated and decal cut.

Commenting on the work carried out Anne Hitch said; “Land Rover Marshall are a regular customer of ours and when they asked for assistance with the vehicle graphics for the Hawk Display Team we were delighted to assist with the project.”

 

Anne continues; “We take great pride in the application of all our vehicle graphics projects as it requires much care and precision to ensure the overall appearance is flawless.  We have some of the best technology in the printing industry so we’re able to recreate the vibrancy of any image for a great effect.”

Research shows that vehicle graphics is a highly effective advertising tool with an average of 3,000 people seeing a vehicle on a busy road every hour of the working day.  Signs Express (Peterborough) can provide a number of options from simple graphics to digitally printed photographs and full wraps on cars, van and lorries.

 

The 6 stages to a successful franchise

Hayley Forder, Franchise & Marketing Executive at Signs Express HQ offers her advice for setting up your own business and selection of the right franchise opportunity.

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Start a business for yourself, be self employed, become an agent or start a franchise for a company?  Deciding on the vast range of business opportunities can be difficult with so many different factors to consider, so it’s always best to take your time and do your research.

So let’s start with the question, what is franchising?  It is a licence to use intellectual property from one party (franchisor) to another party (franchisee) with a predetermined series of ongoing commitments between both parties.

There are 3 different types of franchising:

• Manufacturing or product franchise
• Distribution or co-operative
• Business format or system franchise

It’s always a good idea to evaluate your objectives for running your own business, look at your strengths to work out which one would be the best for you.  Franchising can change your life for the better and unfortunately at times sometimes for the worst, however the worst usually happens when people have not considered the factors such as lifestyle, money, and above all else location.  Like they say “the worst house in a good neighbourhood is better than the best house in a bad neighbourhood”.

Here at Signs Express we feel that there are 6 different steps to selecting the right franchise, so let’s begin…

STEP 1: Investment level

Firstly you should speak to the banks and accountants to know the reality of your finance situation.  It’s always best to define your investment level before you chose a franchise, don’t try and make it fit if you can’t afford it, and always thoroughly research your options.  Banks are always happy to help when franchising is involved, the main reason being that a franchise is a tried, tested and proven business model.  They can give you advice on a business plan and also ideas on how to raise the finance. 

 

STEP 2: Suitability

After looking at your finances it’s always a good idea to take a look closer to home and ask yourself if franchising really is the best thing for you:

• Do you have the desire to work hard?
• Are you able to make a long term commitment?
• Can you follow and adapt to the franchisor system?

STEP 3: Industry

So this is where it gets exciting!  Now is the time to look at your chosen industry, research it and the current market place.  It’s always best to avoid “fad” industries, don’t forget to take a look at the boom/bust cycles it may have had over the years.

When choosing a franchise, the franchisor will train you so don’t be concerned if you don’t have experience – most franchise owners come from completely different backgrounds.

Ask questions like:

• Does it have a proven market place?
• Does it interest you?
• Are there opportunities for growth?
• Who are the main competitors?
• Will it suit my lifestyle?

STEP 4: Seek advice

So now it comes down to the three remaining pieces of advice:

• Commercial – always make sure you have spoken to the franchisees/franchisor to make sure you understand what this franchise is all about.  It’s always a good idea to speak to the BFA and other industry bodies; they have been in the business a long time and will be able to give you information on the franchise opportunity you’re looking to buy.
• Financial – Accountants, you need to make sure that you not only have enough money for the franchise but also enough to give you working capital.
• Legal – make sure you speak to your franchise solicitor and understand all terms of the franchise agreement.

STEP 5: Compare the best

Would you buy the first car you saw?  Possibly, but more than likely you would shop around to find a car that best suits all your needs.  This is the same principle as looking for a franchise; it may be that the first franchise is the best suited to yourself.  However it’s always best to see what other companies in the sector you have chosen offer.  Its good to ask questions, and to also visit the head office to get a feel for the company and the support structures in place.

STEP 6: Decision time

Its decision time, you’ve done your research and asked the questions but don’t sign if your not ready, you can always start the six steps again.  Make sure you are 100% ready and if and when you decide to become a franchisee remember Rome wasn’t built in a day, but your franchisor will be with you every step of the way.

Signs Express is the UK and Ireland’s leading signs and graphics franchise, established for over 20 years with a network of more than 75 franchisees.  To find out about Signs Express franchise opportunities call 0800 731 2255 or visit http://franchise.signsexpress.co.uk/

CASE STUDY - Anne Hitch Signs Express Peterborough

Signs Express is the UK and Ireland’s leading signs and graphics franchise, established in 1989 with a network of over 75 franchisees.  Anne Hitch is Managing Director of Signs Express in Peterborough, and also owns an additional territory area operating the Kings Lynn area.  As the only sole woman at the helm of a Signs Express franchise she is one of the inspiring personalities behind the brand.

We spoke to Anne about her career path and what qualities she believes makes her successful in business.  As well as being an award-winning franchisee, Anne is a mother of two, an active member of her local business network and proactively supports charities and community causes.

“I started off my working life in office support roles but my longer term ambition was always to become by own boss”, explains Anne. 

“Having a partner with professional interests abroad led to our living in the Middle East for 10 years, while our boys were young.  Whilst away, I studied a part time correspondence business management degree and am very proud to have graduated with first class honors.  We returned to England for the children’s schooling. Although I was initially looking into managerial jobs, my partner and I went on to buy a Signs Express franchise.  As circumstances changed I began running the business by myself and have been doing that for three years now.

Anne observes that things have changed since she became sole manager. “I have an extremely supportive and highly skilled team.  The hallmarks of my management style are diplomacy, empathy and flexibility.  It’s a softer management style compared to some men I know but I think this helps to get the best out of people.  I plan ahead so that production is consistent, avoiding peaks and troughs where possible.  Everyone in the team has their specialism but is also trained to cover other roles.  For example our sales person has had risk assessment training, so this is something factored in to initial contact with clients, rather than further down the line. 

“Credit control and good financial management are my strengths.  Yes, it’s good to know the technical side of things, but good business management is most important when running a management franchise, knowing your overheads and so on.  The business degree gave me so much knowledge. You’re never too old to learn.

How does Anne balance work and motherhood? “Being a full time working mother, there are times when I’ve got to be in too many places at once.  You have to ask flexibility of your kids sometimes.  Being self employed, if I have to take someone to the hospital for example, I can do it. Things might not always happen when I’d like them to, but they do get done.

On women in business, Anne says: “Women have so much to offer.  Being organised is critical to business success and this is where I think women excel.  Many working women also run a household, do the shopping, cooking, cleaning and so on.  Most of us intuitively juggle and multi task and that’s often played down.  I think that women have to be confident in their ability. Sometimes this can come across as a bit hard but you have to be brave and have a go. I’ve had it all said to me in the past; “how are you going to do that”?  If you believe negative comments you will lack confidence and won’t achieve.”

“I feel a bit of a pioneer, being the only lady operating as a sole franchisee within the Signs Express network.  Hopefully I will inspire other women to seek out similar business opportunities.”

Braille and tactile contract leads the way

Signs Express (Peterborough) is delighted to have been awarded the official contract by Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) to manufacture their specialist commercial product "RNIB Maps for All".

RNIB Maps for All are exclusive to RNIB and are bespoke maps designed to be read by sight and touch.  Each map is carefully designed to blend tactile and visual elements to allow everyone including blind and partially sighted people access to important information they need when using and visiting public places like museums, art galleries, gardens, and railway stations.  The first commission for Signs Express has been for 5 RNIB Maps for All for Southern Railways.

Sue King from RNIB said, “We were looking for a supplier that would be able to deliver the high quality and precision manufacturing required for our maps.  Signs Express has demonstrated that they are able to do this and the fact that they are local to our offices in Peterborough is an added bonus”.

Signs Express is able to ensure continuity and accuracy of the braille and tactile components with all manufacturing completed within the Signs Express group.          

Anne Hitch, owner of Signs Express (Peterborough) said, “We work very hard to ensure our solutions meet the needs of our customers and I am very pleased that RNIB contracted us as a supplier for this very worth while ongoing project. Working with their commerial clients, RNIB are dedicated to supporting the needs of blind and partially sighted people and RNIB Maps for All are a very important part of this work.”

She continued, “It’s a great example of local organisations working together on national projects.  Through our close working relationship, we are also able to deliver signage which is attractive but also vitally functional.”

Signs Express (Farnborough) prepares for Farnborough International Airshow

The bi-annual Farnborough International Airshow takes place this year, 9-15 July.  Commenting on the show, Tim Burt, Owner of Signs Express (Farnborough) said: “During the last airshow in 2010 we provided vehicle signs for the organiser’s fleet of 40 Range Rover VIP Courtesy Cars, signage around the show site, contractor vehicle signs and exhibition stand graphic services”.

At the Signs Express (Farnborough) airfield-based production unit, the growing company has taken on a new member of production staff, ‘Sam’ Samuhel who with many years of signs and graphics design and installation at the National Exhibition Centre is ideally suited for Farnborough Airshow projects.  Sam, a talented graphic designer and skilled sign-maker, joins Signs Express at the same time as they have invested in new printing capabilities. 

Tim Burt, Owner of Signs Express (Farnborough) commented; “We are delighted with the results from our new Roland wide-format digital printer, its come at a great time as we will be very busy in the run up to the Airshow.  Our new printer means we can manufacture and deliver signs and graphics to our customers quicker than ever, building on our successes since we opened in October 2008.  Tim continued, “Offering clients a complete service, we can produce anything from interior and exterior signs to vehicle graphics, banners and exhibition displays in-house, a perfect combination of expertise for airshow exhibitors as well as the wider needs of the north Hampshire business community.”

 

Having established Signs Express (Farnborough) after leaving the RAF, Tim always enjoys the Farnborough International Airshow and remembers shows from his childhood in the 1970s and 80s when he lived in nearby Fleet.  The production unit is situated right-beside the airfield so they are able to serve the airshow exhibitors immediately.

 

As part of the UK’s leading signs and graphics company, Signs Express (Farnborough) provides a complete design, manufacture and installation service for all signage including interior and exterior signs, vehicle graphics, exhibition and display products and window graphics for businesses in Farnborough and surrounding areas. 

Win a selection of Easter Eggs

We are pleased to launch April's calendar competition.

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.

Entries will be accepted from 1st April - 30th April inclusive for the April prize of a selection of Easter Eggs.

To enter the competition please answer the following question:

Name 2 spices in a hot cross bun?

Please email your answer to comp@signsexpress.co.uk

Congratulations to Debbie Lewis from Exeter who was the winner of our March competition.

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 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

Double celebration for Signs Express Leeds

Signs Express (Leeds) were once again celebrating their award success last week at the UK Sign & Digital UK Awards which took place at the National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham on 28^th March.

Scooping two podium positions for best individual sign and best multiple sign project in the 1-9 employee category, Signs Express (Leeds) were delighted to add the industry awards certificates to their ever growing cabinet.  

The judging panel were so impressed by the technical expertise required to produce the striking and elegant Hush Puppies illuminated sign, they awarded the project 2^nd place for the ‘Best Individual Sign Project of the year’ for 1-9 employees.  Their innovative solution for floating halo illuminated signage on behalf of Hush Puppies to a glass fronted retail store has lead to additional work with the leading brand and enviable industry recognition.

Signs Express (Leeds) were also awarded third place for the comprehensive range of sign solutions provided to Bridgewater Place prestigious development in Leeds. Showing a true understanding of the needs of their customer, the award was for the Best Multiple Sign Project for 1-9 employees. 

Alan Caddick of Sign & Digital UK, organisers of the awards said, “The awards entries were of an exceptional standard and displayed some of the best creative talent in the industry.  Competition was high and the judging panel of industry experts had a real challenge to narrow down the nominations to produce the final shortlist”. 

Commenting on winning two awards Dave Nurse, Managing Director of Signs Express (Leeds) said; “I am absolutely delighted to have won 2^nd and 3^rd place in two of the Sign & Digital UK Awards, It’s great to see that the hard work and great service provided by our dedicated sign making team doesn’t go unnoticed”.

Signs Express (Leeds) is based on Leodis Court, Leeds 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.

Business for sale in South London (circa £70K)

Signs Express has a business for sale in South London which has been successfully operating for 15 years – 8 in the current ownership.  The owner is now looking to retire therefore paving the way for a new franchisee to take the reigns. 

With an excellent reputation amongst its wide customer base, the centre receives a high volume of repeat business.  Clients range from SME’s to the public sector as well as professional businesses.  As a fully functioning centre, all the elements are in place to take the business to the next level.
The benefits of investing in this business include:

• A customer base of 15 years with quality clients who give much repeat business.
• Experienced staff.
• Fully fitted production unit including wide format digital printer, vinyl cutting plotter, computer systems & software, company van, phone system, fixtures and fittings.
• Take advantage of the UK’s most well established sign and graphics brand, great marketing materials and a website that produces 1000’s of sales enquiries for the network.
• An initial 4 week training programme at our HQ in Norwich, plus on-going support in all aspects of the business: Technical, Operations, Sales & Marketing, IT/HR, National Accounts.

This franchise opportunity is perfect for someone who has management and / or sales experience and has the drive and determination to develop the business further. Note: candidates do not need previous sign experience.

At an investment level equivalent to starting a new Signs Express business from scratch this business is being offered for a quick sale at a reduced asking price of £70,000 excluding stock and pre-payments. To learn more please request our franchise prospectus and complete the enclosed application form.

Please call 0800 731 2255 for further information about this business

Futures bright for family business

Dave Nurse is one of only a few franchisees to have a sign industry background to join the UK’s largest and most successful signs & graphics franchise. It’s a real family affair with wife Kim and son Rick working in key roles in the business.

What bought you into franchising?

Before joining Signs Express I had a career as a sign making materials supplier, I have always wanted to have a business that all the family could be involved in and looked at franchising as a way to achieve this.  Having dealt with some of the Signs Express centres in the past I was impressed with the running of their operation and, after visiting the Franchise Head Quarters and meeting the staff, I knew it would be right for my family and I.  As most franchisees don’t have industry experience when they start out, I knew comprehensive training and support would be available for my wife and son to help them understand the industry.

What are the benefits of running a business with your family?

Its very rewarding working with your family, it’s not always easy but you can achieve a great level of satisfaction from it.  We have always wanted to buy a business where we could combine all of our skills and make it successful and have found owning a franchise together makes this achievable. Plus I find it helps to keep us all motivated knowing that we are all working towards the same goal.

What do you consider to be career highlights?

Last month we attended the Sign and Digital UK Awards and picked up two awards. Being recognised as undertaking the best projects across the industry is a fantastic achievement. We have also been named twice in Signs Express own awards as Franchisee of the year. It’s great to see that hard work and great service doesn’t go unnoticed. 

CASE STUDY - Mark Kendall Signs Express Southampton

Signs Express is the UK and Ireland’s leading signs and graphics franchise, established over 20 years ago with a network of more than 75 franchisees.  In this series of special features we introduce some of the inspiring personalities behind the brand.

Mark Kendall took over Signs Express Southampton as a franchise resale, for a career change.  In two years he has almost doubled the turnover of the centre.  We caught up with Mark to find out what inspired him to become a Signs Express franchisee and unearth his tips for running a successful business.

“For 28 years I worked in aluminium stockholding; completely different to the world of signs and graphics that is my passion now.  However working for myself had always been a personal goal” explains Mark.

“I relocated from Bristol to Southampton almost 30 years ago, aged 21, for a sales job in a small organisation, then went on to became a shareholder of a larger company.  When that relationship ended I set up an aluminium stockholding business of my own.  In 2007 that business was sold as a Management Buy Out.” 

So what motivated Mark to change career?  “Selling my aluminium stockholding business was the catalyst for my career change.  I had acquired a range of transferrable skills, like sales, marketing, people management, IT and so on; and my network of professional contacts in Southampton was really strong.  I wanted a new challenge but still wanted to be my own boss. 

What appealed to Mark about franchising? “I had never really considered franchising as I didn’t know much about it, so went along to a franchise show to learn more.   It was there I heard that the Signs Express franchisee in Southampton was looking to emigrate and so the business was for sale.  As we talked, the possibilities of the signs industry became clear to me.  I realised that my breadth of contacts were a ready-made potential client base.  People from all walks of life need signs.  By applying the same skills, I could sell signs in the same way that I had previously sold metal.  

 

Mark explains how changing industries has worked for him: “My proven business management, sales and team leadership skills have laid the foundations for building a successful Signs Express centre; the team around me are the technical experts on the production side of things.  Being part of a franchise provides peace of mind as support is always available on all aspects of running a business.  As well as head office, the network of more than 75 franchisees provides plenty of first-hand experience to draw on.”      

“In my view, the two most important skills for a franchisee to possess are, 1) being prepared to get in front of people to talk about your business and, 2) being good with people.  My advice is, listen to people, let people manage themselves, make people feel important, and be reliable – direct these principles to both your customers and people within your team.” 

So what are Mark’s goals for the future?  “I am proud to have doubled the turnover of this centre within two years of having taken it on; though increasing business and becoming more profitable is always going to be a goal.   I think Signs Express Southampton has built a reputation for excellence and quality.  In ten years time I’d like to be in new larger premises, have a bigger team and see people around me who have helped build this business up taking on more prominent roles.”

To find out about Signs Express franchise opportunities call 0800 731 2255 or visit http://franchise.signsexpress.co.uk/

Falkirk Franchisee success for Scottish Franchise Week

A strong brand and support from a dedicated team at franchise headquarters were the main attractions to Steve McMurray – one of the few franchisees with a sign making background to join the UK’s leading sign franchise Signs Express. 

A chance meeting with an old colleague at a franchise exhibition lead to Steve hearing about a resale in his area, with Steve taking on the Signs Express business in Falkirk in 2005.

After restructuring the business, Steve has been able to more than triple turnover, turning the business into one of the largest sign companies in the area and becoming one of the most successful Signs Express franchisees in the network. By keeping control of his costs he has also achieved excellent profit margins enabling reinvestment into the business; ensuring he has the latest technology in house to meet his customers exacting demands.  

Such is his achievement; Steve McMurray was named a finalist in the British Franchise Association Franchisee of the Year awards in 2010 and has three times been recognised in the Signs Express franchise awards held biennially during the Signs Express convention. In his latest accolade, the business was short listed for Sign Business of the Year at the Sign & Digital UK awards 2012.

Steve McMurray said, “When I first took over the business it was underperforming and had poor brand presence but I could see the potential. We’ve worked really hard to build our reputation in the Falkirk area which has resulted in around 80% of our business coming from repeat orders due to our customer relations.”

Through his strong belief in customer service, great attention to detail and his exemplary management skills, Steve and his team have been commissioned to work on many of the largest projects in the region.

Steve continued, “I could see many benefits of being part of a franchise rather than starting up my own business, even though I had already worked in the sign industry. Being part of a network of established sign businesses means we can gain many competitive advantages over our local counterparts and with the back up and support from the dedicated team at franchise headquarters help is always just a phone call away.”

As a management franchise with full training and support provided in all areas of the business, Signs Express franchisees do not need experience in the sign industry and come from all walks of life from the military, IT, local government, manufacturing and retail to name just a few.

Signs Express shortlisted for EWIF Awards

Anne Hitch, Signs Express franchisee for the Peterborough area, has been shortlisted for the Encouraging Women in Franchising (EWIF) Franchisee of the Year Award.

The Encouraging Women in Franchising (EWIF) Association has been established since 2009 and are dedicated to encouraging women into franchising.  The EWIF’s members come from all areas within the franchising industry and they offer a range of free services to help women who are considering becoming franchisees as well as women business owners looking to franchise their business.

Anne Hitch will go head to head against four others nominated for the EWIF Franchisee of the Year Award.  Commenting on her nomination, Anne Hitch, Franchisee, Signs Express Peterborough said; “I’m delighted to be through as a finalist for such a prestigious award, it’s great to see that women in franchising doesn’t go unnoticed.  I have built a very successful business, providing high quality products and exceptional customer service.”

Craig Brown, Managing Director at Signs Express commented; “Anne is a real credit to the Signs Express network.  She is focused on customer service and by developing strong relationships with her staff, suppliers and customers; Anne has been able to take the business to new heights.”

Signs Express is a signs and graphics provider established over 20 years ago and with over 75 franchisees across the UK and Ireland.  Since Anne Hitch joined Signs Express she has substantially grown her business to become one of the most successful franchisees in the network.

Signs Express Peterborough are based on the 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 displays and display products.

A day at the Excel Franchise Show

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!

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

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

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

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.

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.


Meet our Franchisee of the Year Malcolm Lant, Signs Express (Gateshead)


Malcolm was named as a Regional Finalist for the prestigious British Franchise Association Franchisee of the Year Awards.  The Gateshead centre originally opened in 1998 with Malcolm taking over the centre in 2005, he now employs 6 members of staff from his 3448 sq ft unit based on Dukesway, Gateshead.


Commenting on being a finalist Malcolm said, “Through hard work and determination my team and I have been able to build a very successful, strong business; continuing to provide excellent quality products with exceptional service which has resulted in high levels of repeat business and referrals.”


Franchisees work from custom designed light industrial production units with dedicated vehicle application bays, which provide more flexibility than retail environments and are better suited to the lucrative B2B environment. The management franchise package includes comprehensive training and ongoing support covering all areas of the business. Experienced sign-makers and specialised equipment ensure client requests are completed to the highest standards. From here on, the franchisee receives ongoing support and advice from a dedicated team of over 25 industry professionals at head office; covering all disciplines including technical support, accounts, marketing, IT and operations.


To find out more about a Signs Express franchise please visit us at stand 304 at The Franchise Show Exhibition or visit us at www.signsexpress.co.uk/franchise or for free tickets for the show https://tickets.prysmgroup.co.uk/tfs/46/

Our new 2012 calendar!!

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

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