As an established brand celebrating 35+ years of Signs Express and now with over 60 locations across the UK and Ireland, due to a successful focus on resales in recent years and the evolution of their Hub & Spoke expansion model, Signs Express continues to demonstrate why it remains as the UK’s leading signs and graphics provider and one of the most mature and trusted franchise names within the UK franchising sector.
In recent years, Signs Express ‘franchise sales’ has focussed on securing resales, completing three in 2025 alone, safeguarding jobs, customer relationships and boosting local market share, while providing incoming franchisees with the advantages of a proven trading history, an existing client base and an instantly recognisable brand. Alongside this, further growth opportunities have been unlocked within the network, with the evolving Hub & Spoke model, and yet another new territory opening in 2025 in Southport.
Managed closely by the Franchise Support Centre, these resales underline the maturity of the network (with an average tenure of 15 years and some franchisees into their third term) and the strength of the underlying business model, clearly showing how franchisees can build a valuable asset over time and successfully realise that value when they choose to exit.
With extensive coverage across the UK and Ireland, only a small number of exclusive territories now remain available for new franchisees, and whilst Signs Express will continue to prioritise resale opportunities and expansion via its Hub & Spoke model, it also recognises the importance of evolving its offer creating greater flexibility in how new entrepreneurs can join the network.
To reflect changing market conditions over the past 12 months and to meet growing demand from independent signage companies seeking additional support or a structured exit strategy, Signs Express introduced two new franchise models to their offering this year: the Rebrand model and the Conversion model.
Two new franchise models open the door for more candidates
Completing their first rebrand in early 2025 with Signs Express Exeter, 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.
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.
Limited and highly desirable territories remain
With the majority of the UK now successfully allocated, Signs Express has reached a pivotal point in its growth story. Only a very limited number of territories remain available in the Southeast of England, Scotland and Ireland, each selected for its strong commercial potential and B2B opportunity.
These remaining territories are positioned in areas with robust local economies and diverse customer bases, including SMEs, corporates, public sector bodies and education, making them highly attractive to serious franchise investors.
“We’re now at the stage where we have identified some exciting new ways for people to join Signs Express in a few limited and highly desirable locations,” added Aaron Davis, Network Development Director. “Most of the map is spoken for by established franchisees, so those last territories represent a rare opportunity to join a mature, well-recognised network with significant headroom for growth.”
Confidence in the sector and the brand
Against a backdrop of changing economic conditions, the 2025 performance of Signs Express sends a clear signal to the wider franchising community and the signs and graphics industry: there is sustained demand for high-quality, business-to-business signage and branding solutions, and a proven franchise model remains an attractive route into the market.
With successful resales, an evolving brand, a scalable Hub & Spoke structure, new entry models and only a handful of prime territories available, Signs Express is positioning itself as a compelling option for prospective franchisees seeking a resilient, B2B franchise with a strong brand and a long-term track record.
Apply now to join our 2026 intake
With limited opportunities to join Signs Express in 2026, get in touch today to discuss our available locations and resale opportunities.
