February 2025

The Signs Express Convention 2025 held on Friday 24^th January brought together over 150 attendees for a dynamic and inspiring event at the stunning De Vere Wokefield Estate in Reading. This annual event provided an invaluable platform for networking, learning, sharing of best practice and celebrating the outstanding achievements of the Signs Express network.

With over 20 key suppliers and industry partners in attendance, the convention offered a packed agenda filled with insightful seminars, product launches and expert discussions on the latest developments shaping the signage industry.

Inspiring Seminars and Industry Insights

Attendees had the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge from industry experts, a strategic update from Signs Express Limited Managing Director Jonathan Bean and Network Development Director Aaron Davis, plus keynote speakers, covering a range of topics designed to help businesses grow and adapt in an evolving market:

• Jonathan Bean (Managing Director) and Aaron Davis (Network Development Director) led us through the market changes impacting our business and the strategic plans to drive growth and innovation throughout 2025 and beyond.
• Grace Appleby from Yawn Marketing delivered an engaging seminar on Building Your Personal Brand online, providing actionable insights on leveraging digital platforms for business success.
• Stuart Coomber, Head of Sales at the Signs Express Franchise Support Centre, presented an in-depth session on Sales Analysis and Understanding Where Your Business Comes From, equipping attendees with valuable strategies to drive sales performance.
• Jack Thompson from Brandfixx introduced an exciting new modular vehicle wrap solution, for Signs Express customers that opens up fresh opportunities in vehicle branding.
• Kevin Aires from Cadenz, the convention’s external keynote speaker, delivered a powerful session on the Impact of Video for social media, highlighting the growing importance of video content in digital marketing.

Adding to the knowledge-sharing experience, Head of Marketing Damien Berry led insightful fireside marketing chats, discussing the key marketing developments for 2025 and providing attendees with a forward-thinking approach to brand growth and visibility.

A Night of Celebration: The Gala Dinner & Awards

The convention concluded with a glitzy black-tie gala dinner and awards ceremony, celebrating the remarkable talent, dedication and achievements within the Signs Express network over the past 12 months. From recognising outstanding customer service to innovation in signage solutions, the awards showcased the best in the business.

Signs Express Awards 2025 – Winners List:

🏆 Training & Development Award – Kim & Dave Nurse, Signs Express (Leeds)
🏆 One to Watch Award – Pat Ginty, Signs Express (Mullingar & Dublin)
🏆 Social Media Champion Award – Matt Rutlidge, Signs Express (Central Lancashire & Southport)
🏆 Sustainability Award (Sponsored by Metamark) – Signs Express (Southampton)
🏆 Best Interior Sign Award (Sponsored by The Printing Charity) – Signs Express (Sheffield & Rotherham)
🏆 Best Exterior Sign Award (Sponsored by The British Signs & Graphics Association) – Signs Express (Manchester)
🏆 Best Sign Project Award (Sponsored by Amari Plastics) – Signs Express (Belfast)
🏆 Most Striking Design Award (Sponsored by Ultima Displays) – Signs Express (Belfast)
🏆 Best Vehicle Graphics Award (Sponsored by Spandex) – Signs Express (Lincoln)

🏆 Supplier of the Year Award – Super-Wide Digital
🏆 Employee of the Year Award (Sponsored by SignElite) – Mark Wheeler, Production & Installation Manager, Signs Express (Southampton & Winchester)
🏆 Network Champion Award (Sponsored by Sedo & Epson) – José Ferreira, Centre Manager, Signs Express (Southampton & Winchester)
🏆 Newcomer of the Year Award (Sponsored by Premier) – Matt Rutlidge, Signs Express (Central Lancashire & Southport)
🏆 Franchisee of the Year Award (Sponsored by ACR Signs) – Matt Rutlidge, Signs Express (Central Lancashire & Southport)

The event was a true celebration reinforcing the strength and community of the Signs Express network. From innovative new services to sustainable initiatives, the convention highlighted the dedication of franchisees and employees in driving the brand forward.

Hearing from Signs Express Managing Director, Jonathan Bean, “The Signs Express 2025 Convention was a true testament to the strength and ambition of our network. From inspirational seminars to engaging conversations that sparked new ideas, the energy and positivity in the room was fantastic. Seeing our franchisees, their senior team members and industry partners, come together to share knowledge, celebrate achievements and drive innovation was truly inspiring.

I could not be prouder of what has been achieved in 2024, and this event really reinforced our ongoing commitment to growth, collaboration and excellence and demonstrates that together, we’re shaping the future of Signs Express. My sincere thanks and appreciation go to our network, my Franchise Support Centre team, our supplier and industry partners and of course our customers. We look forward to seeing what 2025 brings!”

Why Join Signs Express?

As the UK’s leading signage and graphics franchise, Signs Express provides an unparalleled business opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to enter a thriving industry. Franchisees benefit from a proven business model, access to industry-leading suppliers and the support of a well-established brand with 35 years of experience. With comprehensive training, ongoing marketing assistance and a collaborative network of like-minded professionals, Signs Express franchisees are equipped with everything they need to succeed. Whether you're an experienced business owner or looking for a new venture, Signs Express offers a rewarding and profitable opportunity in the ever-growing signage sector. For more information, get in touch today!