Ethical Franchise & Uk Franchise Business Directory

Without doubt, the biggest advantage to a franchisee is that it reduces the risk of business failure. Because an ethical franchisor will have tried, tested and proven the business model, most of the challenges will have more...

The importance of a good business plan can not be overstated. The initial objective of the document is to help you raise finance for the business however it will also help you understand what you wish to achieve from th more...

The decision is made and you have done the important background research on the Franchise that you have selected and the System involved. You have spoken to several other Franchisees, arranged the funding and booke more...

Signs Express

Leading signs and graphic franchise Signs Express has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 1989. The group has had its best ever financial year and with more branches in the pipe line; the network of franchisees is growing in record numbers.

With over 80 production centres, Signs Express is the largest sign company in the UK & Ireland. Signs Express’ newest franchisee Michael O’Hara talks about his franchise decision and experiences so far. Michael O’Hara opened his Signs Express production centre in Sligo after realising that owning his own business where he could make the decisions and directly influence its running, would suit him better than working for a multi-national company.

Detailing his career path, Michael comments ‘I've had an interesting route to becoming a franchisee, working in various industry sectors.’

‘I started out in Hotel Management, living and working in France and Switzerland for over three years. On my return to Ireland I joined Statoil, Ireland's largest oil company where I stayed for 9 years.’ During his time with Statoil, Michael worked in both their Finance and Marketing departments - experience which has stood him in great stead for running his own business.

Each Signs Express franchisee takes part in a comprehensive training course covering all areas of the business and receives ongoing support and advice from a dedicated team of over 20 industry professionals at the Head Office; covering all disciplines including technical support, accounts, marketing, IT and operations.

‘After researching a lot of companies, Signs Express were the most professional.’ Comments Michael. ‘On making the trip to the Norwich head quarters, I was absolutely delighted with the set up as it re-enforced my initial thoughts. I contacted several existing franchisees during my research and they all were very positive. The more I dug up about Signs Express, the more they smelt of roses. No-one had a bad word to say about them!’

‘The Signs Express management franchise puts you in the lucrative b2b environment with excellent sales potential from companies of all sizes and industries, so I knew there would be good opportunities to really grow the business.’

‘All of the Signs Express Marketing literature is excellent and their corporate branding, from the smallest key-ring right through to my van, is consistently strong. And after visiting the Head Office and meeting the support team, I felt reassured that help and advice on all elements of the business was only a phone call away. Throughout my training and during the set up of my production unit, I have been very impressed with the level of organisation and advice provided.’

‘Other franchise operations just didn't 'ring my bell' ....they all fell short of Signs Express.’

Providing a full design, manufacture and fitting service for all forms of signage, franchisees operate from light industrial units with a custom designed production centre and dedicated vehicle application bay to offer customers an efficient and professional service. With no sign experience necessary, good management skills and enthusiasm provide the foundations for success within the Signs Express management franchise.