Continuing his journey to become a Signs Express franchisee by taking on our established Huddersfield centre in the next few weeks, we caught up with Junior following his intensive three-week training course to see how it went!
“It’s definitely been an intense three weeks that’s for sure! There’s been an enormous amount of knowledge and information to take in and I’m excited to get in centre and start to learn and conquer my new business adventure I’m embarking on.
Week one was a mix of classroom learning with Head of Operations Jeff Bufton, along with walking the streets of Norwich and starting to understand the phenomenal amount of different signage solutions there are available. It made me aware of the breadth of materials involved in making signs and the terminology of naming the different materials and their durability involved in sign making. This is essential in order for me to understand and be able to make my customers aware of what the best solution is for their requirements.
Along with product knowledge, we also spent time learning all health and safety elements from both the employer and customers perspective, followed by site survey’s and what to look out for, as well as a detailed overview of writing risk and method statements (RAMS).
The weekend break was extremely welcome after an intensive first week and it truly cemented just how essential the training is for such a specialist industry.
Fresh into week two, we kicked off with all things marketing with Head of Marketing, Damien Berry. I thought I understood the depths of the marketing involved, however after a fantastic session I realised just how quickly the marketing landscape is changing and Signs Express understands the importance of keeping ahead of the curve and competition. Damien and the team are busy working on marketing plans and the future marketing focus for 2025 and I’m delighted that as a new franchisee, I’ll be part of the Local Marketing Programme, which will locally enhance our presence, all delivered by the team with their guidance and support. I knew I was definitely in good hands!
Next up was system training with Clarity expert Thomas Somers who is also a previous Signs Express franchisee, so it was a great insight into the business for many reasons. Over the two days with Thomas, we successfully went through invoicing, pricing, quoting and working through the entire customer journey from start to finish. Another big learning curve, but also not as daunting as expected as things started to slowly piece together.
With a lovely meal with the team at the Franchise Support Centre on Tuesday evening in between busy days, we were then onto IT, Finance, Sales and Business Planning. It’s safe to say with Ryan looking after all of my IT needs, Anthony and Tracy supporting with day-to-day financial control and reporting, plus Stuart and Dave finishing up with Sales and Business Planning, I knew I made the right decision joining Signs Express. I’m in safe hands going forward.
Whilst there was a huge amount to learn, it’s also been fantastic getting to know the team more at the Franchise Support Centre, enabling me to build key relationships. I quickly felt at home, well looked after, and was delighted to be included in Tracy Goddard’s Signs Express 30th Anniversary celebrations!
Following some downtime with my family at the weekend, I was then enroute to the company owned Signs Express (Twickenham) centre to get hands on and stuck into the practicalities of sign making, best practice and everything that goes with it. Supported by the Franchise Support Centre’s Jeff Bufton and Dave Allen and the team at Signs Express Twickenham Matt, Troy,
Toni, B, Mark and George I came away feeling confident with the basics of sign making, along with a clearer understanding of surveys, project and account management, essential business admin, plus installations and production. I understand I’ve still got a lot to learn which I’m hugely excited about!
The three weeks have left me feeling more confident in my abilities. I can’t wait to get in the centre and put into practice what I’ve learnt. I now have a better understanding of the importance of every element that goes into each and every project. Sign making is a true craft, it’s multifaceted, enormously skilled, creative and requires a logical mind and approach to problem solving.
I’m nervous, yes, apprehensive and maybe a little anxious as it’s new to me, but I’m also thrilled to be moving into ownership very soon and becoming part of the Signs Express network. Their knowledge, vision for the future, commitment and where they see me heading in the future leaves me full of respect for Signs Express.”
