Fastsigns

Alan Grimes' Story:

Alan Grimes, had no experience of signage or printing when he decided to open his FASTSIGNS centre in Milton Keynes in November 2006.

“My background was in Business to Business Sales and Marketing so I had no specific knowledge of the sector, just some transferable skills.”

Alan spent 5 weeks training shared between the FASTSIGNS US Headquarters in Dallas and at home in the UK.

“The experience was invaluable.  I spent a couple of weeks shadowing another franchise owner in their centre, doing everything possible really – answering the phone, helping make signs and talking to suppliers.”

“After that I went over to the US with my team, a graphic designer and a customer service representative, for an intensive 2 week training programme.

“There are separate streams of training depending on what your role is, so for example our graphic designer was focused on design and production, whereas we had more training in the sales and administrative side of the business. 

“Then we all came together for product knowledge and technology training, such as types of signage, substrates, how to apply vinyl, how to use printing and cutting equipment and laminating.  It was very intensive; we started at 8am and didn’t finish until 6pm, and then we were given homework!”

Alan found the ‘work flow’ aspect of the training particularly useful in helping him and his team to run efficient and well-organised business.

Alan continued:  “FASTSIGNS have a great system for tracking and recording each enquiry through to an order and then the production, delivery and importantly the follow-up.”

Three years on and Alan now has 3 full-time members of staff and one part-time. 

“The support doesn’t stop once you’ve completed your initial training.  Once I was back in the UK I had more training, plus support for my launch.  We have a great intranet where we have access to over 500 FASTSIGNS franchisees across the world.  There are also webinars on every conceivable subject from ‘van-wrapping’ to counselling your staff.”

“Above all, if you ever have a problem there is always someone available to help you. 

It’s also good to know that we have access to all the latest technology developments and we know that when we get some new piece of equipment it has been thoroughly tried and tested. Getting through this recession has been tough but there has been so much support from the franchisor that I have never felt alone.”

Facing redundancy? Give FASTSIGNS® a call

Redundancy is becoming a fact of life, and although many of us wish to escape it, it can be a real blessing in disguise.  It can offer the opportunity to realise those long forgotten dreams of being your own boss and having your own business.

Garth Allison, managing director, FASTSIGNS UK: “Being made redundant can be a daunting process.  I know because it’s happened to me in the past, but looking back, it’s the best thing that could have happened.  If there is anyone out there who is looking to run their own business, and is self-motivated with some sales, marketing or operational experience, give us a call.”

Chris Simpson's rise to Success:

Chris Simpson, owner FASTSIGNS Leeds, was 47, when the American carpet tile manufacturer he worked for was taken over and he was made redundant in 1995.

Chris said: “It was not entirely unexpected; I had seen it coming so was not taken by surprise. I was annoyed that the Head Office had not supported us better but in general I was calm.  I saw it as a new opportunity.”

 “It happened the day before I was due to fly out to Florida on holiday with my wife and youngest daughter so we decided to go on holiday and contemplate the future in the warmth of Florida.”

Chris had always fancied running his own business but was put off taking the risk as he had a young family, but being made redundant gave him the opportunity to do something completely different.

“I fancied a complete change. My background was IT/computing but I moved around into other areas and at the time of redundancy I was human resources director.”

“I had often thought I might move into the restaurant business, but decided I wanted a business to business franchise. So, I bought the franchise magazines and identified a handful of suitable ones then went to a Franchise exhibition in London.”  

Chris was attracted to sign or print franchises and particularly the FASTSIGNS concept of a retail sign shop, because it was “different from the traditional sign company and more accessible to customers.”

Looking back on his redundancy and his decision to take on his own FASTSIGNS business, Chris says: “I have no regrets” and his advice to someone who finds themselves in a similar position is, “Treat it as an opportunity to do something different, believe in yourself and go for it.  FASTSIGNS has all the training and support you need, so you don’t need lots of experience.”

Richard Wegwood explains why he chose to franchise with FASTSIGNS:

Richard Wedgwood, 41,  spent 20 years in the ceramics industry, involving lots of international travel, when the recession hit and he found himself in a new role that wasn’t working for him.  He sought a redundancy package and set up FASTSIGNS®  Manchester in July 2010.

“I loved the job but the travelling became too much.  It sounds glamorous but living out of a suitcase loses its appeal after a while.”

“I’m a workaholic by nature and my roles had all been quite pioneering.  It got me thinking ‘If I can set up and grow somebody else’s business surely I can do it for myself?”

Why Franchising?
“I hadn’t previously considered franchising and was looking at moving overseas, Canada in particular.  Most of the business opportunities there seemed to be franchises so I enlisted the help of Matchpoint, a franchise consulting network who match prospective franchisees’ skills to potential franchisors, to help me find a good ‘fit’.”

“When I discovered the range of franchising opportunities in the UK I reconsidered moving overseas and started looking at what was available here.”
 
Why FASTSIGNS?
FASTSIGNS was one of the franchises that Matchpoint put forward and the company ticked all the boxes. 

“I met with Garth Allison, the UK Managing Director, and I was impressed by the business model.  The initial investment was manageable and there is a good split between franchise fee and royalty. I want the franchisor to have a vested interest in my continuing success.”

“I want a business that can challenge me and keep me interested for the next 20 years, so I like the fact that FASTSIGNS offers a complex range of products, from a simple printed poster to state of the art multi-media electronic installations. There’s a lot to learn and a lot of market opportunities.”

“I love the diversity of running a FASTSIGNS centre.  At 10am I might be the IT manager, then at 12 I’m a salesman then at 2pm I’m the Financial Director.  It’s exciting and there is no opportunity to get bored.”

FASTSIGNS for Women 

Garth Allison, UK Managing Director, FASTSIGNS said: “It’s not a man’s world anymore, well not at FASTSIGNS anyway!  Three times during the past five years the top sales award has gone to one of our female franchise owners. We find that women franchisees are good at sticking to our system and focusing on it’s strengths. Also they are well organised and good at working on the business, not just in the business. We are very keen to talk to women who are considering becoming franchise owners.”

Jenny Boreham explains there is a place for women with FASTSIGNS
Jenny Boreham, was born in Wanstead, East London and set up FASTSIGNS Chelmsford in 1996.
 “I visited the National Franchising Exhibition and was very impressed with the support offered by FASTSIGNS.  They were very open and seemed to be genuinely nice people.  I still enjoy their company.”

“The important factor about running a successful FASTSIGNS centre is having sales and marketing skills. Signs are not particularly technical and because of the support offered you can always find the information that you require, quickly. When I first began the support of the rest of the network was essential. I think it is an advantage being a woman in this industry, because people remember you!”
 “I have a business that has grown year on year, with a great team and hopefully a secure future.”
 “I would definitely recommend FASTSIGNS.  They have never let me down, their assistance, support and care is, I believe, unmatched. The technical support and visits mean that FASTSIGNS stays ahead.”

For more information about FASTSIGNS Click Here

 

 

Fast Signs - Watford

FASTSIGNS supplies signs and display products of all types to local and national businesses.  Being part of the FASTSIGNS International Incorporated franchise network provides access to the FASTSIGNS business system. This system manages the whole process from marketing and sales through to fulfilment and accounting.
The Watford Franchise has been a consistent performer since opening in 1994 and 80% of their business derives from the core area within a radius of 10 miles of Watford – their products include almost anything that can be described as a sign. In-house manufacture is focussed on cut vinyl and digital print graphics and 70% of  their product is manufactured in-house thereby optimising margin.
The territory covers all WD postcodes (Watford, Rickmansworth, Borehamwood, Abbots Langley, Kings Langley and Radlett).  Being close to London, but with much cheaper industrial unit and retail rental costs, makes the area a very fertile territory for a sign company. The population is over 200,000 with a business count of over 10,000.
The business is fully staffed so the owners are able to focus on marketing and customer retention which has proved invaluable during the recent recessionary period.  Prudent management and cost control has ensured businesses success during this period with sales levels and gross profit stable.
Now seeking to retire the owners are asking £99,950 for FASTSIGNS Watford and a full prospectus is available following the signing of a non-disclosure agreement. Please complete the enquiry form for further information.