Signs Express concludes 25th year of franchising with record growth and MBO

Signs Express, the UK’s leading signs and graphics franchise, has started 2018 with a bang after announcing record network expansion, record network sales and a management buy-out (MBO) to drive further growth of its business.

The chain has reported that 2017 – its 25th year in franchising – was “remarkable” thanks to “exceptionally strong” trading for its third successive record year.

Its MBO has been led by Jonathan Bean, who has worked for the franchise for over 13 years including most recently as finance director, who has taken over the role of managing director from Craig Brown.

Brown, who has worked for the franchise since its inception in 1989, has exited the business to pursue new ventures.

The MBO follows a successful two-year plan for Signs Express which has seen huge investment in infrastructure and support services for its franchise network, led by its Norwich-based franchise support team.

The business’ 2020 vision, which will see the brand reach 80 production centres, is well on-track with nine new franchisees brought on board in 2017 and new branches planned throughout next year.

At current, Signs Express boasts 66 franchises across the country and these franchises offer a professional one-stop shop for business signs and graphics.

On the MBO, Bean said:

“We’ve proudly celebrated our 25 years in franchising and marked that milestone to help us achieve incredible growth in our network. All of this adds up to a fitting tribute to Brown’s tenure as managing director and both I, and the board team, are really excited about building upon that legacy.”

On his departure from the business, Brown added: “I genuinely believe I will be leaving the business in much better shape than when I took the role of managing director and is poised for a really exciting future.”