Not only is the award-winning franchise celebrating its 25th anniversary of franchising, the first franchisee, Nick Dawes, still with the business today, but also large growth and its best-ever turnover in the company’s history. Managing Director Craig Brown, used the opportunity of the Convention to present a number of awards to the franchise network and also set out plans for the coming years, including huge investments in new staff and infrastructure to grow the support available to franchisees even further. The investment and new initiatives launched at the event follow a fantastic year for Signs Express, which has seen four new franchisees joining the network and a further five training early next year. Finance Director, Jonathan Bean, also took to the platform to announce the increased start-up package contribution for new franchisees; helping brand-new franchisees to get off the ground and into profitability even faster. The Convention had an enviable mix of seminars, workshops and a supplier exhibition which was supported by over 20 of the leading suppliers to the sign industry. Craig said, “A big thank you to all of our suppliers who took time out of their business to attend, bringing along their kit and undertaking demonstrations for our attendees. I’m especially privileged to have worked alongside our partner sponsors at the event, Metamark, Papergraphics and SignFab, who are a real credit to the sign industry.” Big winners on the night were Signs Express Plymouth franchisees Chris and Vida Reilly and Signs Express Portsmouth franchisees Ray and Jane Allenby who were both named as Franchisee of the Year. Speaking of the joint winners, Craig said, “It was impossible to choose between both franchisees and so, for the first time ever, we announced two winners of our coveted award. They’re a real credit to our network and I am delighted for them both.” “Signs Express Plymouth has celebrated their 20th anniversary with Signs Express this year, making sure 2017 is one of its most memorable yet. The Plymouth centre has embraced the support on offer to drive a real shift change in their business, investing time and energy in local proactive sales and marketing activities, with fantastic results showing sales growth of 24%.” “Signs Express Portsmouth have delivered outstanding levels of growth in 2017, currently standing at 65%, by clearly setting targets and plans that they are delivering against. This has included dramatic changes to their team structure. With support from the Franchise Support Centre, they have been proactively building relationships with key customers and doing what Signs Express do best…delivering outstanding customer service.” The Signs Express network were also asked to present their best work for judging in the annual Sign Awards. Over 60 entries were received across five categories and franchisees and their staff were asked to vote for their favourite projects. The following winners were announced on the evening. Signs Express Sheffield picked up two awards for Best Exterior Sign and Best Interior Sign for their work with Bombardier and Sheffield Children’s Hospital respectively. Plus, their sign maker James Stuchbury was named as a joint Employee of the Year alongside Signs Express Exeter employee Alice Dowle, both of whom were recently named as finalists in the British Sign & Graphics Association Young Sign Maker of the Year award. Best Project went to Signs Express Basildon for their work at the leisure facility Jump Evolution and Signs Express Bedford won the coveted award for Best Vehicle Graphics for their full double-decker bus wrap. The award for Most Striking Design or Sign went to Signs Express Central Lancashire this year for their work at Moor Park School. Looking for a professional, full-service sign company for your next project? Find your nearest Signs Express today and get in touch to discuss our sign and graphics solutions!