As one of the first franchises to open Nick has been centre owner since 1992 and now employs six staff from his 2300 sq ft unit based just off Landseer Road in Ipswich town.
1. What would you say have been the ultimate rewards?
Financial security is the main reward along with the freedom of being my own boss and the pleasure of seeing my business grow. We’ve also built a great relationship with a number of our customers, some of whom have been with us since day one.
2. How has the industry changed since you joined?
Franchising seems to have matured since I first started out and is now viewed much more positively as a viable business route. The sign industry has fundamentally stayed much the same, although obviously machinery and materials have changed somewhat with a much stronger bias towards full colour.
3. How did you go about raising the finance for your franchise?
I invested my personal funds plus a bank loan under the Government Approved Loan Scheme for the rest of the balance.
4. What has been your biggest order to date or who has been your biggest customer?
The biggest customer and job so far has been 125 vehicles for Eastern Electricity.
5. Where would you like to be in ten years time?
Skiing!
Nick Dawes, Franchisee, Signs Express (Ipswich)Financial security is the main reward along with the freedom of being my own boss and the pleasure of seeing my business grow.
