Signs Express has a network of more than 60 centres across the UK and Ireland
Branching out
If the past few years has taught us anything, it is the importance of the support of others, be it from a personal, family-focused point of view, or in our professional lives with working and business.
For this reason, more sign-makers are considering the option of becoming a franchise and joining a wider network of businesses, all of whom support each other and have access to a whole host of resources to help grow their business.
SignLink speaks with some of the leading sign-focused franchise organisations in the UK to get the inside track on franchising and some of the key benefits of joining one of these far-reaching networks.
Trusted brand
First up, Signs Express has been active in the UK and Ireland for more than 30 years and has a network of over 60 centres. Emma Wakefield, franchise recruitment manager at Signs Express, says that while starting from scratch or taking ownership of a business may seem be daunting, the Signs Express model ensures franchisees are never alone and offers full support.
Signs Express Twickenham is now a flagship centre for Signs Express
“Offering each centre a territory area consisting of at least 10,000 serviceable businesses, our franchise model allows you to find a location that suits you and become your own boss with the opportunity to run your own £500k+ centre,” Wakefield says.
“Whether you choose to join Signs Express via our established resale opportunities or via one of our prime start-up territories, you have the freedom to set your own prices, purchase goods from any of our preferred suppliers and take on the jobs you want. For everything else, we’ve got you covered; we offer extensive sales, marketing, operational, IT and financial support, plus comprehensive onboarding starter packages.
“We offer mentoring and guidance from our experienced team and along with our 30 years of trading, being a Signs Express franchisee allows you to be part of a much wider business with group purchasing power, a trusted brand and expert knowledge to help you achieve your business goals.”
With this in mind, Wakefield goes on to outline some of the core reasons to consider joining the Signs Express network and move into franchising. These include the opportunity to run a business with high profit potential, recieve backing from an established and trusted brand, as well as access to training and ongoing support – all while working Monday to Friday.
“We offer start-up locations throughout the UK, offering you the opportunity to shape your business from the ground up, or if you’re looking for an established business with a loyal customer base our resale opportunities allow you to make a difference from day one,” Wakefield says.
“Signs Express is a franchise with a difference and offers a fantastic opportunity to work in a creative and innovative industry, backed by an established, trusted brand and an experienced Franchise Support Centre on-hand to support you throughout your entire Signs Express career.”
O Factoid: Signs Express has been active in the UK and Ireland for more than 30 years O
Among the latest additions to the Signs Express network is Signs Express Twickenham, with Signs Express Limited having recently taken ownership of the centre and, in the process, creating a flagship centre.
The team largely remains the same with the addition of James Coetzer as the new centre manager. Coetzer has extensive experience within the signage industry and alongside the existing team is continuing with the day-to-day running of the business.
Coetzer says: “I am really excited for the new opportunity and being able to use my existing skills and knowledge to not only add value to the business but continue to build the great relationships already established with local businesses.”
Signs Express Gloucester also recently welcomed Ben Walker as the new owner of the business, having taken over ownership of the business following Daryll Lillie’s decision to sell the company after 10 years at the helm.
Speaking of his new venture, Walker says: “This is a very exciting opportunity, and I can’t wait to get started. I feel positive, Daryll has built a fantastic base for us to push the business to even greater heights. I will continue to provide the service and products customers have come to expect from Signs Express Gloucester and hopefully welcome some new clients.”
Proven business model
Another leading franchise brand is Fastsigns, with over 750 locations worldwide including 25 centres operating in the UK. John Davies, managing director at Fastsigns UK, says the road to becoming a franchisee with Fastsigns simply starts with a visit to the company’s website.
Fastsigns’ new Northampton branch, spearheaded by Tunde and Laide Sodipo, is the business’ 25th UK franchise
“Visitors will find a section which takes them on a tour of the franchise opportunity; if you decide Fastsigns is the right pathway for you, there is an enquiry form where visitors can download our franchise overview brochure,” Davies explains.
“Once an initial conversation has been arranged, you will be invited to our UK support office for a ‘Discovery Day’, meeting with me to find out about the franchising opportunities with Fastsigns.
“Our model provides a new franchisee with the framework and support to launch their new business. Fastsigns has a proven business model, which a franchisee will typically follow. Our most successful operators take this model and add their own individual flair and management skills, enabling them to build a successful business for themselves, but not by themselves.”
So, what are the main benefits of becoming a Fastsigns franchisee? Davies says the stand-out highlight is that the Fastsigns team prepares the foundations of a business, including conducting research into what customers want from a signage company, identifying key products that customers require and the structure to a successful business.
“You don’t need any experience; our teams have years of it, so you can learn from us within your new business venture, so no certificates or qualifications are required,” Davies says, adding: “You receive support every step of the way, from finding and announcing the opening of your premises to assistance with marketing and everything in between and thereafter.
You don’t need any experience; our teams have years of it, so you can learn from us within your new business venture”
“You are not alone in the running of your business; our Fastsigns global family offer their support, advice, and friendship through a mentoring initiative. Added to that, Fastsigns is always ahead of the game; from researching the latest signage technology so we are always at the forefront of the industry to offering cutting-edge products, ensuring our franchisees are ahead of the competition.”
One of the latest additions to the Fastsigns family is the new Northampton branch, which recently opened its doors under the Fastsigns brand. The centre is spearheaded by Tunde and Laide Sodipo and marks Fastsigns’ 25th UK franchise.
Speaking about the decision to join the Fastsigns network, Tunde says: “The city of Northampton has a thriving business community, with a wealth of opportunities, making it the perfect location for us to launch our new centre. Laide and I have both had successful careers in our own right up until now, but we wanted to build something for ourselves, but not by ourselves. This launch will allow us to do just that.
“When we researched available franchise opportunities, Fastsigns UK stood out from the crowd as a business that’s scalable, with a network that’s at the forefront of the market sector, and it’s exciting to be a part of that.
“Now open, we’re looking forward to helping businesses across Northamptonshire and beyond with all their signage and visual communication needs.”
Local support
Elsewhere and Minuteman Press focuses more on the wide-format print area of the market and has been active in the UK for more than 25 years. Mark Jones, regional vice president for the UK’s south region, says there are many benefits to joining the Minuteman Press franchise family.
Romi Pinsent and her father Russell Pinsent became owners of Minuteman Press in Hove in June 2021
“Along with our proven business model and ongoing local support right here in the UK, we also offer a unique royalty incentive programme where royalties are capped at a monthly sales level,” Jones says, adding: “Other benefits include Monday to Friday business hours, a business with high net-to-gross ratio and multiple revenue streams and a flexible business model that gives our owners opportunities to logically grow and expand.
“Another benefit is our comprehensive two-week training programme, which covers all aspects of owning and operating a Minuteman Press centre. We’ve also developed proprietary business management and pricing software, FLEX, that makes running a Minuteman Press centre easier and more efficient.
“After training is completed, we also provide franchisees with additional onsite training and the initial setup of their business. This includes location setup, installing and implementing workflow systems, assistance in finding staff members, setting up vendors for products and supplies and starting the marketing programmes.”
Jones goes on to say that Minuteman Press is always on the lookout for new additions to its UK network, explaining that its franchisees are business owners who care about their local business communities and are alert to the needs of their clients.
“We take the time to get to know one another by introducing you to our franchise owners and to our way of doing business,” Jones says, adding: “This enables us to build real solid relationships with our franchise owners prior to going into business together.
“Having this approach allows us to really work closely with our franchisees and fully support them in their business. By offering exceptional quality and support, owners may enjoy a long-term relationship with their clients.”
Among the latest additions to the Minuteman Press UK network are Romi Pinsent and her father Russell Pinsent, who in June 2021 became the owners of Minuteman Press in Hove. They bought 30-year independent print shop TJ’s Branding Solutions and rebranded as Minuteman Press through the company’s Minuteman Press conversion programme that connects buyers like Romi and Russell with sellers like Tony Jenner of TJ’s Branding Solutions.
Tony Jenner, who sold TJ’s Branding Solutions, says: “I have been running TJ’s Branding Solutions for over 30 years and was looking at a change of direction. I was looking to retire and enjoy what I have achieved and spend more time with family.
“This was a great opportunity to sell at a good price with no broker fees. What was there not to like? It was a smooth exchange and transfer that was done – I would recommend it.”
Romi adds: “We have over 40 years of business experience between us however we were cautious about moving into a new industry. We met the Minuteman Press representatives at the franchise show in London who explained to us the way that Minuteman Press worked.
“We were immediately excited knowing there wasn’t a store in our area and we felt that with the support of the Minuteman team and buying into a global franchise, we would be as equipped as possible to move into a new industry and grow a print business.”
The Minuteman Press franchise in Bath recently moved to a new location
Starting a new business in the modern market can be a daunting prospect. With the backing of trusted franchising brands such as those mentioned here, franchising can offer a direct route to the market, with plenty of support along the way.
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