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
- 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. (Available in vacant territories only.)
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 in one of our vacant territories 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: £25,000 (£5,000 of which is reinvested into your launch campaign)
- Minimum Liquid Capital: £65,000
- Overall Investment Level: £215,000 (includes working capital)
- Potential Turnover: £750,000+
- Projected EBITDA: 20%+
Signs Express named finalist at BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards 2026
Signs Express has been named as a finalist in the Established Franchisor of the Year category at the BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards, recognising the strength, stability and continued development of one of the UK and Ireland’s longest-standing signage franchise networks
With more than 35 years of trading and 61 locations across the UK and Ireland, Signs Express has built a strong reputation for ethical franchising, long-term franchisee support and sustainable network growth. Franchisees remain with the network for an average of 17 years, with some having been part of Signs Express for more than 30 years.
The announcement comes alongside further recognition for the network, with Ian Furlong and Louise Sergent, owners of Signs Express Liverpool & Wirral, also named as finalists in the Community Impact Award category for their positive contribution to the local community.
Jonathan Bean, Managing Director of Signs Express, said:
“Being named as a finalist in the Established Franchisor of the Year category is a proud moment for everyone connected with Signs Express. This recognition reflects the strength, commitment and resilience of our franchise network, as well as the dedication of our Franchise Support Centre team.
Our role as a franchisor has always been about far more than simply growth. We want to help the right people build fulfilling, profitable and valuable businesses, while protecting the standards, culture and long-term stability of the network, so every franchisee can be proud to operate under the Signs Express brand. To also see Ian and Louise from Signs Express Liverpool & Wirral recognised in the Community Impact Award category makes this announcement even more special.”
Under the leadership of Jonathan Bean and Network Development Director Aaron Davis, Signs Express has continued to evolve its franchise model while maintaining the stability and best practice that have shaped its success.
Recent developments include the launch of new rebrand and conversion models, designed to help established independent signage businesses join the Signs Express network in a way that reflects their existing customer base, trading history and growth ambitions. These sit alongside the hub-and-spoke model, which offers existing franchisees a clear route to profitable expansion within the network.
Signs Express has continued to invest heavily in technology, data and training to support franchisees across the network. This includes the rollout of CoreBridge, a CRM, quoting and operational platform that acts as the backbone of the business, improving job management, customer communication and operational consistency.
Alongside this, Signs Express has introduced a custom-built insight portal, giving franchisees clearer visibility of business performance, trends and opportunities. The network’s bespoke Learning Management System also provides franchisees and their teams with access to more than 90 courses, with new content continuing to be added.
Marketing continues to play a key role in supporting the network, with customer enquiries increasing year on year and a notable shift towards content-led activity that showcases the very best of the Signs Express network.
The BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards celebrate excellence across the UK franchise sector, recognising franchisors and franchisees that demonstrate outstanding performance, innovation, support and impact and we’re thrilled to be named as part of this.
Network Development Director Aaron Davis, added:
“Signs Express has built its legacy by combining stability and outstanding customer service with innovation. We are proud of our history, but equally focused on the future, investing in systems, data, training, marketing and franchise models that will help our network continue to thrive for years to come.”
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.
