FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q. What makes Signs Express stand out from the crowd?

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  Utilise our experienced brand and model and run your own business.

  • 100% UK owned and run company
  • 35 years of experience within franchising
  • Award winning network
  • 47% higher turnover than an independent sign company
  • Bespoke tailored solutions with a consultative approach
  • UK based Franchise Support Centre
  • Group buying discounts via preferred suppliers
  • 5-10,000 businesses per territory
  • Opportunity for business expansion
  • Environmental commitment and policy
  • Ability to create and manufacture 80% of our bespoke products in centre
  • High franchisee retention
• Q. How does the franchising model work?

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  Business format franchising is the granting of a license by one person (the Franchisor) to another (the Franchisee), which entitles the Franchisee to trade under the trademark/trade name of the Franchisor.

  As a franchisee you make use of an entire package, comprising all the elements necessary to establish a previously untrained person in the business and to run it with continual assistance on a predetermined basis. Signs Express is a management franchise opportunity, which means that as a franchisee you are required to manage the running of your own business within the guidelines and adherence of the Signs Express franchise system.

• Q. How do I apply?

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  We are expanding our network and looking for motivated individuals to join our lucrative industry in both our start-up, rebrand and resale territories. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact us using the phone number above or by completing our enquiry form. Our dedicated Franchise Recruitment Team will be in touch to answer all of your questions and find out about you.

• Q. What is the recruitment process?

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  When you’re ready to find out more, fill out our online enquiry form or give us a call and our Head of Franchise Recruitment, Emma Wakefield will be on hand to talk you through our opportunities and to find out more about you and your ambitions for the future.

• Q. How long does it take from signing to opening the centre's doors for a start-up opportunity?

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  This is a difficult question to give a definitive answer to as this is dependent on finding satisfactory premises for a new centre and your own plans for establishing the business. After the initial training course, your light industrial unit will be fitted out, staff recruited, and the business established.

  On average, this takes around three months but can be more or less depending on individual circumstances.

• Q. I already have an existing business, but I want to expand and have the support of a franchisor, are there still opportunities?

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  Absolutely, in addition to our standard start-up or resale franchise packages, we also have a rebrand opportunity enabling you to expand your existing business with the recognised and trusted Signs Express brand. We understand no two businesses are the same, therefore we will work with you on a bespoke re-branding package.

  Please note, under the rules of franchising, there can only be one Signs Express centre per territory, therefore we would need to ensure your desired area is vacant.

• Q. How Profitable is a Signs Express Franchise?

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  Each of our Signs Express centres vary in terms of turnover, however our business model is built to achieve a turnover of £750,000+ and 20%+ EBITDA.

  With the introduction of our hub and spoke expansion opportunities, there is now the opportunity for our centres to expand their reach and drive their turnover and profitability further with our cost-effective growth model.

• Q. What are the benefits of becoming a franchisee rather than starting a standalone business owner?

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  As a franchisee you are able to combine national best practice with local ownership. The franchise model allows you to be your own boss, running your own business your way, however you will be part of a much larger national franchise company offering support and stability.

  Benefits of joining a franchise include:

  • Established, trusted brand
  • Proven business model
  • Extensive training and support
  • National and local coverage
  • Expansion opportunities
  • Supplier discounts
  • Networking opportunities
  • Dedicated Franchise Support Centre
  • Specialist support and mentoring
• Q. How much investment is needed?

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  The minimum initial investment level for a Signs Express centre is £65,000 liquid capital.

  The overall investment figure will depend on location, working capital and other factors, however, regardless of which franchise package you choose with us, you typically require 30% of the overall investment in liquid capital, with the remaining 70% funded by bank lending.

• Q. What monthly fees are involved for a franchisee?

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  There are two monthly fees as part of our franchise as follows: 

  1. Monthly Management Service Charge (MSC) fee of 7.5% of your turnover to cover use of the brand, all aspects of support from the Franchise Support Centre including IT, Finance, Sales, Operational Support and Marketing including our website (your shop window), bespoke marketing campaigns and much more.

  2. National Promotional Fund (NPF) levy of 1.5% of your turnover,  which covers all of our national brand advertising, lead generation and your monthly PPC campaign.