Signs Express has been named as a finalist in the Established Franchisor of the Year category at the BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards, recognising the strength, stability and continued development of one of the UK and Ireland’s longest-standing signage franchise networks.
With more than 35 years of trading and 61 locations across the UK and Ireland, Signs Express has built a strong reputation for ethical franchising, long-term franchisee support and sustainable network growth. Franchisees remain with the network for an average of 17 years, with some having been part of Signs Express for more than 30 years.
The announcement comes alongside further recognition for the network, with Ian Furlong and Louise Sergent, owners of Signs Express Liverpool & Wirral, also named as finalists in the Community Impact Award category for their positive contribution to the local community.
Jonathan Bean, Managing Director of Signs Express, said:
“Being named as a finalist in the Established Franchisor of the Year category is a proud moment for everyone connected with Signs Express. This recognition reflects the strength, commitment and resilience of our franchise network, as well as the dedication of our Franchise Support Centre team.
Our role as a franchisor has always been about far more than simply growth. We want to help the right people build fulfilling, profitable and valuable businesses, while protecting the standards, culture and long-term stability of the network, so every franchisee can be proud to operate under the Signs Express brand. To also see Ian and Louise from Signs Express Liverpool & Wirral recognised in the Community Impact Award category makes this announcement even more special.”
Under the leadership of Jonathan Bean and Network Development Director Aaron Davis, Signs Express has continued to evolve its franchise model while maintaining the stability and best practice that have shaped its success.
Recent developments include the launch of new rebrand and conversion models, designed to help established independent signage businesses join the Signs Express network in a way that reflects their existing customer base, trading history and growth ambitions. These sit alongside the hub-and-spoke model, which offers existing franchisees a clear route to profitable expansion within the network.
Signs Express has continued to invest heavily in technology, data and training to support franchisees across the network. This includes the rollout of CoreBridge, a CRM, quoting and operational platform that acts as the backbone of the business, improving job management, customer communication and operational consistency.
Alongside this, Signs Express has introduced a custom-built insight portal, giving franchisees clearer visibility of business performance, trends and opportunities. The network’s bespoke Learning Management System also provides franchisees and their teams with access to more than 90 courses, with new content continuing to be added.
Marketing continues to play a key role in supporting the network, with customer enquiries increasing year on year and a notable shift towards content-led activity that showcases the very best of the Signs Express network.
The BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards celebrate excellence across the UK franchise sector, recognising franchisors and franchisees that demonstrate outstanding performance, innovation, support and impact and we’re thrilled to be named as part of this.
Network Development Director Aaron Davis, added:
“Signs Express has built its legacy by combining stability and outstanding customer service with innovation. We are proud of our history, but equally focused on the future, investing in systems, data, training, marketing and franchise models that will help our network continue to thrive for years to come.”Signs Express has been named as a finalist in the Established Franchisor of the Year category at the BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards, recognising the strength, stability and continued development of one of the UK and Ireland’s longest-standing signage franchise networks.
With more than 35 years of trading and 61 locations across the UK and Ireland, Signs Express has built a strong reputation for ethical franchising, long-term franchisee support and sustainable network growth. Franchisees remain with the network for an average of 17 years, with some having been part of Signs Express for more than 30 years.
The announcement comes alongside further recognition for the network, with Ian Furlong and Louise Sergent, owners of Signs Express Liverpool & Wirral, also named as finalists in the Community Impact Award category for their positive contribution to the local community.
Jonathan Bean, Managing Director of Signs Express, said:
“Being named as a finalist in the Established Franchisor of the Year category is a proud moment for everyone connected with Signs Express. This recognition reflects the strength, commitment and resilience of our franchise network, as well as the dedication of our Franchise Support Centre team.
Our role as a franchisor has always been about far more than simply growth. We want to help the right people build fulfilling, profitable and valuable businesses, while protecting the standards, culture and long-term stability of the network, so every franchisee can be proud to operate under the Signs Express brand. To also see Ian and Louise from Signs Express Liverpool & Wirral recognised in the Community Impact Award category makes this announcement even more special.”
Under the leadership of Jonathan Bean and Network Development Director Aaron Davis, Signs Express has continued to evolve its franchise model while maintaining the stability and best practice that have shaped its success.
Recent developments include the launch of new rebrand and conversion models, designed to help established independent signage businesses join the Signs Express network in a way that reflects their existing customer base, trading history and growth ambitions. These sit alongside the hub-and-spoke model, which offers existing franchisees a clear route to profitable expansion within the network.
Signs Express has continued to invest heavily in technology, data and training to support franchisees across the network. This includes the rollout of CoreBridge, a CRM, quoting and operational platform that acts as the backbone of the business, improving job management, customer communication and operational consistency.
Alongside this, Signs Express has introduced a custom-built insight portal, giving franchisees clearer visibility of business performance, trends and opportunities. The network’s bespoke Learning Management System also provides franchisees and their teams with access to more than 90 courses, with new content continuing to be added.
Marketing continues to play a key role in supporting the network, with customer enquiries increasing year on year and a notable shift towards content-led activity that showcases the very best of the Signs Express network.
The BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards celebrate excellence across the UK franchise sector, recognising franchisors and franchisees that demonstrate outstanding performance, innovation, support and impact and we’re thrilled to be named as part of this.
Network Development Director Aaron Davis, added:
“Signs Express has built its legacy by combining stability and outstanding customer service with innovation. We are proud of our history, but equally focused on the future, investing in systems, data, training, marketing and franchise models that will help our network continue to thrive for years to come.”