Durst hires new software specialist as part of strategic expansion
Durst UK has hired Amira Bouchiba as its UK and Ireland software and application specialist, one of several hires planned for 2025
Franchised signage firm Signs Express won the Business Transformation Award at this year’s UK British Franchise Awards, presented at a black-tie event in Telford
Signage and graphics solutions firm Signs Express has won the Business Transformation Award at this year’s UK British Franchise Awards.
The awards show, organised by the British Franchise Association (BFA) and HSBC, was held this year at the Telford International Centre in Shropshire. Other awards given out at this year’s show included the Franchisor Trailblazer Award, Leadership & Culture Award, and the Brand Awareness Award.
Founded in 1989 and franchised in 1992, Signs Express offers signage and graphics solutions ranging from vehicle graphics to exhibition displays. The company currently has 52 franchisees operating across 62 locations in the UK.
The company was reportedly awarded the prize for the success of its franchise model, which provides a wide range of self-employment opportunities for franchisees and employees alike.
Aaron Davis, network development director at Signs Express, says: “We’re incredibly thrilled and honoured to accept the Business Transformation Award at this years’ BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards.
“Over the past few years, we’ve worked extremely hard alongside our network to evolve our established business to enhance our sustainable, future-proof franchise model to take us into our next stage of business growth for both new and existing franchisees, so it’s fantastic to see these efforts recognised amongst some of the very best in franchising.
“A big thank you goes out to our exceptional franchise support centre team, our incredible network of franchisees and of course our customers for supporting us over the past 35 years.”
Pip Wilkins, chief executive officer of the BFA, comments: “This is such a great win for Signs Express who have brought self-employment opportunities to so many through their successful franchise model.
“The judges were very impressed by their entry, despite being up against some very stiff competition. We thank them for their hard work and dedication and for being great ambassadors for ethical business format franchising in the UK today.”
The recent UK Graphic Awards also garnered a range of wins for Signs Express franchises.
The Southampton branch of Signs Express won Gold at the UK Graphic Awards for its work in a children’s hospital.
The company provided more than 300sq m of wall graphics to a newly refurbished wing of the Crawley Hospital in West Sussex.
Signs Express Twickenham also won Silver in the Branded Interiors category for its Xeinadin Rebrand project, with Kyle Wright of Signs Express Central Lancashire given the Highly Commended prize in the Rising Star category.
