“I’m optimistic—until the inks dry on the agreement it’s not a deal. All I can say is we have a number that are close, but I would not like to put a timeframe on it,” says Allison.

The scheme launched earlier this year in the UK, following the success of a pilot launched in the US in 2012. The firm exhibited at North Print and Pack, something which generated ‘significant’ leads according to Allison.

The managing director of the UK business wouldn’t be drawn on its potential impact on the commercial print industry, a sector which promotion from the firm describes as ‘declining’, saying that the ‘acid test’ is still to come.

He continues: “We’re not promoting this as a saviour. A [printing] company I saw recently aren’t going under, but they are looking to expand.

“I’d be surprised if they didn’t double their turnover with our help. This is not for tin money. This a serious proposition, we’re looking for franchisees to do serious numbers.”

The argument is that printers have most of the skills required to become a signage outlet and the customer base ready and waiting. Fastsigns argue its just a case of getting a reputable brand name, the right equipment, and being able to call on its support before a potentially steady new revenue stream can be opened.

“This is not going to fit everybody, we are aware of that.  The people we’re talking to have sales in excess of £600,000,” adds Allison.

He continues: “Adding the Fastsigns brand to what they currently offer, is going to give them really good opportunities to expand the services and products to a customer base that is already buying.

“Our focus is on SMEs, so the markets are pretty similar, and we have 28 years of experience. We visit a lot of printers who have the kit but struggle to get it to market.”
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