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