Starting my diary entry on a high, I’m delighted to say after months of meticulous planning, due diligence, working through legals and financial planning, as well as completing the franchise recruitment process, I am officially the new and very proud owner of Signs Express Huddersfield and Halifax!
I’m not going to lie, those final few weeks building up to completion were stressful but having built a great relationship with the outgoing franchisee, Martin, and working with Emma at the Franchise Support Centre, we got there, completing the sale of the business just a few days later than expected, on Friday 4th April.
The initial weeks felt like a whirlwind. Martin remained by my side throughout the transition, supporting me both in the centre and out on jobs, as we tackled the two-week handover process together.
During my first week with Martin, I spent a lot of time observing, listening and absorbing as much information as I could. We carried out site survey’s, visited customers, discussed signage solutions and even rolled up my sleeves to assist with installations (although I quickly discovered I’m not the biggest fan of heights!).
The second week shifted focus to operations and systems. I began mastering the office side of things, preparing quotes, familiarising myself with materials and solution options, and understanding payroll, accounts, and other vital processes. It was a steep learning curve, to say the least!
That week also brought a much-needed pause to celebrate this major milestone. We enjoyed a lovely evening meal with Martin, my wife Kali, Emma, and Signs Express Managing Director Jonathan Bean, a great moment to mark the journey that began with my initial enquiry back in July 2024.
Going it alone after the bank holiday was quite daunting, however with drive and ambition and my fantastic sign maker Ash alongside me, I’m pleased to report its going smoothly and I’m loving every minute of it.
There’s a staggering amount to learn, it’s unbelievable and more than I thought in all honesty. Working in an environment where every single project is bespoke and where the materials and solutions available are endless. It’s my responsibility to find that perfect solution for my customers and I’m determined to do so to the absolute best of my abilities, to continue Martin’s legacy.
With the acquisition complete, our centre’s reach has expanded into the Halifax territory, opening up new opportunities for growth. While I’m excited to engage with prospective customers and grow the business, I’m also conscious of the importance of getting the foundations right. Truly understanding the operations, refining my craft, and ensuring we provide a first-class service to all customers, both new and existing, is what will ultimately define our success.
Right now, I’m focused on soaking up as much knowledge as possible and investing all my energy into the business. Building relationships is essential, but for me, delivering quality is the top priority as we take this exciting next step forward.
