Join the UK's Leading Signs & Graphics Franchise
Whether you're an experienced sign maker ready to scale, an independent signage business looking to rebrand and grow, or a business-savvy individual with no industry experience seeking your next opportunity, Signs Express offers the perfect platform to build a successful, sustainable business. Benefit from Monday to Friday working hours, strong earning potential, and full head office support from the get-go.
Interested in owning a business with long-term demand and a recognised brand behind you? Let’s start the conversation.
“Nearly 25 years in, and I still love the industry and business... seeing the work our team has produced in and around the city gives me an enormous sense of pride.” - Richard Howes, Signs Express (Lincoln)
Why Join Signs Express?
- UK’s #1 signs and graphics franchise
- £750,000+ turnover potential
- Up to 20%+ EBITDA potential
- Four flexible routes to ownership
- Monday–Friday working hours
- Exclusive territories with growth potential
- National accounts and collective buying power
- Award-winning franchise network
- BFA & HSBC 2024 Business Transformation Award)
- Full training, mentoring and ongoing operational support provided
Is the Signage Industry a good Investment?
Quite simply, yes. Signage is everywhere.
The UK signage market presents a strong investment opportunity due to its consistent demand across virtually all sectors, including retail, construction, education, healthcare, and transport.
Want to know what the opportunity looks like in your area?
We can talk you through available territories and the best entry route for you.
“We’re excited to continue exploring what’s possible with the backing of such a strong and supportive network.” - Matt Rutlidge, Signs Express (Central Lancashire & Southport)
Explore our Routes to Ownership
Signs Express offers four flexible entry models, allowing you to join the network in a way that suits your experience, investment level and ambitions.
Not sure which route fits you best? We’ll help you explore your options.
Resale: Purchase an established Signs Express centre with an existing customer base, team, equipment and revenue already in place.
Ideal if you're looking for a proven business with immediate trading history.
Start-Up: Launch a new Signs Express centre in an available territory with structured onboarding, marketing support and a proven operational framework.
Perfect for ambitious individuals ready to build a business from the ground up.
Rebrand: For established independent signage businesses, the Rebrand model provides the opportunity to transition into the Signs Express network while gaining access to national marketing, an established brand, structured systems, supplier discounts and ongoing business support.
Already operating in signage and ready to scale? This could be your next step.
Conversion: If a resale is not available in your preferred territory, Signs Express can support you in sourcing and acquiring an independent signage business and converting it into a fully operational Signs Express centre upon completion
Want to secure the right location? Ask us about conversion opportunities.
Alternatively, for existing signage business owners looking to sell – let us help and sell your business for you.
“Rarely any two days are the same making each day interesting! As cheesy as it sounds, it’s the job satisfaction and being able to make a difference which motivates me still after 20 years.” - Ian Charles, Signs Express (Grantham)
Your Role as Franchisee
As a Signs Express franchisee, your role is to lead and grow your business by building strong client relationships, managing a production team, driving sales, and delivering consultative and creative signage solutions across sectors including retail, education, healthcare and construction.
If you enjoy relationship-building, creativity, business development and leading a team, this could be an ideal opportunity.
Investment Overview
- Franchise fee from £8,500
- Typically, 30% liquid capital required
- Finance support available
- Ongoing fees: 7.5% MSC & 1.5% NPF
Want a clearer breakdown of investment levels and typical funding routes? We’re happy to talk it through.
“The business has been heading in a great direction, and joining the Hub & Spoke (expansion) model was the perfect next step.” - Kris Bell, Signs Express (Aylesbury)
Take the Next Step
Ready to take your business to the next level, or launch something brand new - with the UK’s leading signage franchise? We’d love to hear from you.
With limited slots available this year, contact us now to register your interest.
It could start with a simple call, and lead to your next business move:
- Franchise Fee: £8,500
- Minimum Investment: £215,000
- Minimum Liquid Capital: £65,000
- Potential Turnover: £750,000+
- Projected EBITDA: 20%
Signs Express Launches Dual Growth Model at The Print & Sign Show to Support Independent Signage Businesses Across the UK
Signs Express, the UK’s largest signage and graphics franchise, has announced two new innovative business models designed to support independent signage companies across the country, and they’re looking forward to officially launching these models at The Print & Sign Show at the NEC in September where you can see them on stand S35.
Complimenting their existing Resale and Start-Up Models, the Rebrand Proposition and Conversion Resale Model both offer flexible, fully supported solutions to help owners grow, transition, or sell their business, while maintaining local legacy and maximising long-term success.
These initiatives are part of Signs Express’ wider expansion strategy and commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for established business owners in an increasingly competitive market.
A Rebrand Model Designed for Growth
Soft launching at the beginning of the year, the new owners of Signs Express (Exeter) rebranded their established local brand KBS Signs and joined the Signs Express network, which saw their orders double almost overnight!
The Rebrand Proposition is aimed at independent signage or print businesses seeking to scale but facing barriers such as limited marketing reach, increasing operational costs, or a lack of structured support. This model allows business owners to rebrand their existing operations as a Signs Express centre, unlocking access to an award-winning brand, a national network, preferential supplier rates, dedicated franchise support, and industry-leading tools and systems, while retaining full ownership and control.
Included in the Rebrand Model:
- Grow your business overnight with customer databases available for certain locations
- Group buying power to reduce cost of materials
- Centralised marketing support including SEO, PPC, and brand campaigns
- Advanced CRM and quoting systems
- Business development, operations, and HR support
- Comprehensive onboarding and continuous training
- Built-in exit strategy planning for future resale
“This model gives business owners the best of both worlds, freedom to run their business, with the support and structure to accelerate growth,” said Aaron Davis, Network Development Director at Signs Express. “Our goal is to empower local signage experts with the tools and backing they need to thrive in today’s market.”
A Hassle-Free Exit Through the Conversion Resale Model
For business owners thinking about stepping back, the Conversion Resale Model offers a fully managed route to sell their signage business, on a no sale, no fee basis. Signs Express acts as a broker, managing the end-to-end sales process and marketing the business under the Signs Express name to attract high quality buyers.
Once sold, the business is rebranded as a Signs Express centre, maintaining continuity for customers and teams, and offering the buyer a ready-to-trade operation with the support of a recognised franchise.
Key Features of the Conversion Model:
- No sale, no fee basis
- Full marketing and buyer vetting handled by Signs Express
- Access to a broader pool of qualified buyers, including non-industry professionals
- Retain business value and protect legacy through a structured sale
- Support for the new owner post-sale via the Signs Express franchise model
“Selling a business can be a stressful and expensive process, especially for owner-operators,” added Aaron Davis. “We aim to remove those barriers, making the transition as smooth and beneficial as possible for all involved.”
Opportunities Available Nationwide
Signs Express is actively looking for rebrand and conversion partners in key locations across the UK, including but not limited to:
Ashford • Bournemouth • Brighton • Canterbury • Chester • Crawley • Croydon • Dorking • Eastbourne • Harrogate • Macclesfield • Stoke • Tunbridge • Warrington • Watford
With over 35 years of industry experience, 60+ locations, and a multi-award-winning franchise network, Signs Express continues to lead innovation and opportunity in the signage and graphics industry.
Interested in Joining the Network?
Business owners interested in learning more about either model are invited to contact Signs Express for a confidential, no-obligation conversation.
Come and see us at The Print & Sign Show!
Signs Express are thrilled to be exhibiting at The Print & Sign Show this year to discuss their new models. The event is being held at the NEC in Birmingham from 23rd to 25th September. Register for your free ticket now and don’t forget to visit Signs Express on stand S35!
I would definitely recommend franchising to those who wish to own a business with large potential. It’s been a fantastic way to grow my opportunities whilst knowing I have all the support, guidance and reassurance just a phone call away.
Signs Express’ dedicated support team ensure I look at the facts and figures giving me advice on the next steps to take. It’s important to keep looking at the bigger picture in order to keep on track with the growth I want for the business. I have a very exciting future ahead of me.
