Sign Maker Profile
The opening of FASTSIGNS Leeds in 1995
Individual and unique You might think that a franchise owner would be tethered to following a strict business model laid down by FASTSIGNS, but that simply is not the case. Each branch is individual in their offering and this is down to the business owners, as John says: “Business owners are trained and encouraged to follow a framework when they first open, but the beauty of franchising is that they come and utilise your system, but it’s their own personal flair that makes their business unique. We can guide and influence them, but ultimately, they’ve got latitude to make their own decisions.” When a new franchisee signs on the dotted line, they are offered a very comprehensive training programme and are flown out to the FASTSIGNS HQ in Dallas, Texas, for two weeks. On their
Franchisees can produce any kind of exterior or interior signage they like
return they can then work alongside a mentor centre, or one of FASTSIGNS UK’s support team will come to their centre to continue the training process. “If you open your own business, you don’t know on day one what you don’t know,” explains John. “The benefits of joining a franchise model is that we give you absolutely everything, so at the point you need something, you can get it. But it doesn’t stop you doing your own thing.” Franchisees are not restricted on where they can buy their products or supplies, and can offer any kind of signage service they like. Some specialise in vehicle graphics or custom banners, others focus on niche market areas like servicing hotels or offices for their signage needs. On a personal level, John’s ambition is to grow the network to 50 locations and then he will see it as a job well done.
“I believe it is achievable to open four locations a year for the next five years.” That sentiment is already ringing true for 2025, as four locations – Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh and Liverpool – are planned to open by the end of the year. John explains that COVID-19 set back FASTSIGNS UK’s growth plans, but they are seeing a bounce back. Ultimately, the economic environment has to be right, along with a slightly volatile labour market, for someone to consider investing in a franchise business.
The inside track
Not a week goes by where John isn’t in touch with the franchisees. He makes it his mission to visit at least two locations a week and receive their inside track on how business is going.
John pictured at FASTSIGNS Crawley as the branch celebrates its 30th anniversary
www.signupdate.co.uk
“What I enjoy the most is that myself and the franchisees don’t have traditional business relationships in the stale sense. I find it lovely to see that how through being successful in business I can see peoples’ lives develop and flourish,” says John. Although the franchise business model that FASTSIGNS UK operates in the UK is not unique, having a parent company in the US – a country that has mastered the art of franchising – and such an extensive network, certainly has its advantages. As FASTSIGNS UK celebrates turning 30, it looks as if the next three decades are set to be as fruitful as the first as John and the team look to double its network reach and embrace any changes and developments the sign making world throws their way.
September/October 2025 | 47 |
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
