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.