Franchises for Couples UK Signs Express Ltd

Successfully growing a business has been a particularly satisfying and rewarding experience for Neil and   Carol Fraser (pictured below), who were awarded the franchise of the Glasgow area of Signs Express in 1995. Providing a comprehensive signs and graphics service, they have continued to expand over the last 11 years and now service the whole of Glasgow.      

Carol, previously a PA with a leading Chartered Accountants and Neil having worked in the transport industry, were looking to develop their own business and realised changing technology presented a good opportunity.   

Neil says; “I had dabbled a little in terms of the signage of our own vehicles.  At that time, there were plenty of more traditional sign writers, but not many offering computerised graphics, which I could see was the way things were going.  Carol and I were looking for a complete change in career and after researching a number of franchise options, decided to visit the Signs Express franchise Head Office and were very impressed with the concept and professionalism.  Signs Express offered fresh opportunities and challenges enabling us to pull together our resources and talents.”

“Right from the start, I have never been afraid to tackle any signage challenge customers have requested.  I feel it’s important to work with them to find a solution to make their designs practical but with the desired impact.  The market place is looking for more out of their signage and if I don’t find a solution, someone else will. You can’t afford to stand still both in ideas and technology investment”.

Carol says, “I decided to attend college over three years to study the various industry standard design packages, which was a real challenge.  Although in the first couple of years we had not invested in the software and full colour digital machinery, we knew it was just around the corner for us and we wanted to be prepared in order to ensure we stayed ahead.  The design packages are now much more user friendly and training is also available at HQ, but our early adoption has stood us in great stead through our development of the business”. 

From the smallest of beginnings, this Signs Express centre has been pulling in a raft of industry awards over the years, for quality, design and expertise.  The awards include:-

• 2006 - National Sign Industry Award, Highly Commended for Best Interior Sign Project.
• 2005 – Sign Excellence Award, Highly Commended for Best Interior Sign Project.
• 2004 – National Sign Industry Award, Highly Commended for Best Interior sign project.
• 2003 – Sign Excellence Awards, 3 Awards including Winner of Best Interior Sign Project, Highly Commended Exterior Sign and a Special Award for Outstanding Project.
• 2000 – Awarded Franchisee of the Year by the Signs Express Group.

Due to continued growth, the company, which employs 10 staff, is moving the business to new custom designed premises at Hillington Park, Glasgow next month.   This will significantly enhance their in-house facilities ensuring greater control of production, quality, and customer service.   

Sustained growth and continued development of the business with considerable investment in new machinery including 3 full colour print and cut machines, laminator and a Saber 8’ x 4’ flat bed computerised router, meant they were running out of space in their existing premises.

The much larger new premises has enabled them to have a custom designed router and preparation room, larger vehicle graphics application bay and production/printing room.  Upstairs will accommodate offices and an inspirational meeting room for their customers.

Carol says; “What has made the business work so well for us has been the continued support we’ve had from our Head Office including marketing, technical support, new products, new machinery, accounts and National Accounts.  In the early days, not many people had heard of Signs Express, but it’s well known nationally now.  We are also well established here in Glasgow with our customer base extending beyond our expectations and plenty of referrals and repeat business.” 

In addition to timing, providing excellent customer service and being a good judge of the market, the real secret to making your business a success, says Neil, is simply determination and hard graft.

Neil says;“You’ve got to be 100% committed.  Carol and I had to put everything else on hold, pretty much for the first few years of the business but we are now reaping the rewards and we are very excited about our future.”

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