Signs look good for budding firm

Jan 15 2008 by Henryk Zientek, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Signs look good for budding firm

ALL the signs point to success for a new business venture in Huddersfield.

Martin Davis, who lives at Shelley, decided he needed a fresh challenge after 27 years with the same firm.

Now Mr Davis, who rose to the role of general manager with that company, is reaping the rewards as the boss of his own Signs Express franchise.

Since launching the business at the end of October, he has already recruited two employees – an experienced signmaker and a trainee signmaker – and is seeking a part-time telesales worker.

He has also landed significant contracts with local companies, including ones to provide vehicle graphics for a fleet of vans and others to supply and install a range of signs for two Huddersfield manufacturing firms.

Mr Davis said: “I had been at the same company in Lockwood for 27 years and I needed a change. I could have gone onto the jobs market – but although I was an experienced manager, working for the same firm all that time meant the CV was a bit thin.”

Instead, he decided to investigate franchising as a means of getting his own business up and running. He went to a franchising exhibition at Olympia in London – and came away with details for 20 different businesses.

“I liked the look of Signs Express,” he said. “It seemed to work for me. I whittled the 20 down to 15 and then six – including another sign making franchise and visited all of them – but Signs Express stood head and shoulders above the others.

“It was the only franchise that seemed to be vetting me and interviewing me to see if I was appropriate for them – rather than simply wanting me to get the cheque book out.”

After a frustrating search for premises, Mr Davis moved into a 2,500sq ft double unit at Queen’s Mill Road Industrial Estate, Lockwood – just yards from his former employers.

Contractors spent four weeks refitting the premises – installing new flooring, windows and office areas. The site includes drive-in bay to carry out vehicle graphic as well as additional office space for further expansion.

Signs Express creates and installs a range of signs from large outside lit signs to health and safety signage, window and vehicle graphics. exhibition displays, banners, labels and stickers.

Mr Davis said: “After just a few months of trading, we have already won business through recommendation and word of mouth.”