Crowned Signs Express 2005 Franchisee of the Year, Nick & Marion Baxter-Sibley are celebrating 10 years of success and growth after first discovering Signs Express after visiting a Franchise Exhibition.

Following a successful career in IT for a blue chip company, Nick Baxter-Sibley was tired of the inflexible approach of most large corporate organizations and wanted to establish his own business to provide a stable future for his family and set his own career and business goals.

After visiting the National Franchise Exhibition and looking at the types of opportunities available, Nick and his wife Marion decided to find out more about Signs Express. Following an initial meeting and a tour of the pilot operation, Nick & Marion were very impressed with the company and were awarded the management franchise to operate the Exeter territory in 1995. Nick said, “The business to business market interested us in particular and the sign industry itself is a thriving industry, with every business needing signs. After visiting Signs Express we decided to take our enquiry further and were delighted to take on the management franchise for our chosen area.”

Established now for 10 years, the couple have encountered tremendous success and the decision to move to new premises two years ago has heightened this even more. After finding increasing repeat business from existing and new customers alike, Nick and his wife Marion wanted to move the business forward and in order to do this effectively, made two key decisions – to move premises to a new build industrial unit with over three times the space of their current facility and also, for Marion to join the business as an extra management resource to help develop the business further.

Nick said, “We have built up a good reputation in our local area, providing all manner of signage for businesses of all types and sizes. The group as a whole has grown substantially over the past 10 years and with it, the reputation and success of the network. The positive affect this has on us and others in the group is very good as we have the opportunity to work with leading companies including The National Blood Service, Mercedes-Benz, the Post Office and McDonalds which not only raises our profile but ensures guaranteed business as contracts are negotiated through the National Accounts team at Head Office.”

Such is the success of the husband and wife team, they were also awarded the Signs Express Ambassador Award at Signs Express’ annual convention in 2003 and also received industry wide acclaim with a highly commended award at the National Sign Industry Awards for imaginative exterior signage on behalf of the Met Office.

As technology and sign making practices continue to develop, Nick and Marion have decided to invest in the latest digital printing equipment, fulfilling a greater number of jobs in-house and offering extended services to their customers. They said, “We have made quite a considerable investment and have been very pleased with the take up and response from customers so far. The support team at Head Office have been invaluable, providing advice and support on the different machinery available as well as negotiating group discounts and providing feedback and information”.

Signs Express franchisees benefit from a dedicated team of over 25 industry professionals, offering ongoing support and advice in all areas from technical support and IT to marketing, operations, accounts and national accounts. An initial 5 week training course provides franchisees with all the tools they need to start the business and as a management franchise no sign industry experience is required as experienced sign makers are employed from the outset; whilst franchisees manage the running of the business.

"The support team at Head Office have been invaluable, providing advice and support on the different machinery available as well as negotiating group discounts and providing feedback and information"