FASTSIGNS franchisee explains the key role signage played during the pandemic

Signage has provided the stability the country needed. It could provide yours too

In 2020, the need for signage was amplified beyond all recognition. It stepped into the breach, providing reassuring instructions to the anxious UK public.

Clear signage dictated rules that allowed people to go about their business in a safe and managed way. As a result, it’s easy to see why the signage industry was one of the sectors to fare best between March and November of last year.

Emotional connection

The interesting thing to observe is that although signage played a very functional role, the emotional connection to a sign is powerful, making them and the signage industry an appealing opportunity for prospective franchisees.

FASTSIGNS appreciates the emotional connection business owners have to the signs they buy. It’s the enduring beauty of the service the company provides to its customers.

It’s more than just a sign, it’s a physical manifestation of what that business can provide to its customers. FASTSIGNS helps businesses, of any size and from virtually any industry, communicate with customers in a way that helps them to thrive.

Important role

Considering the emotion that can be connected to signage, Richard Wedgwood, franchisee of FASTSIGNS Manchester, recently replaced all the directional signage in Manchester Magistrates’ Court in readiness for the Manchester bombing inquiry.

He says: “The signage we provided helped to direct attendees within the court buildings.

“While physically these signs were uniform and practical in appearance, the emotion surrounding the event was particularly poignant for our local community. The signage played a part in ensuring the enquiry ran smoothly. It was an honour to be involved in this project.”

Customer focused

FASTSIGNS launched in Dallas, Texas in 1985, reaching the UK in 1995.

Over the past 35 years, the company has evolved to put customers’ needs front and centre. Often, customers work with FASTSIGNS because they identify one signage need. It’s the company’s job to listen and empathise with the customer and understand the reason why they need a sign.

FASTSIGNS uses its expertise to showcase a world of signage opportunities that exceed customer expectations.

Reading the above, some prospective franchisees maybe a little in awe of the impact signage has and may question if they have the capabilities to succeed in the signage industry. The answer to that question is unequivocally ‘yes’.

That’s not to say it’s easy, but with over 700 FASTSIGNS franchises operating globally and many of those franchisees having no previous signage experience, it’s achievable for anyone.

FASTSIGNS provides comprehensive training and support and all a prospective franchisee is required to be able to do is listen, follow the model and empathise with the customer. With those skills, you’ll have the makings of a successful FASTSIGNS franchisee.

At a glance FASTSIGNS

Established:

1985

Number of franchised outlets:

24 in UK. Over 700 worldwide

Location of units:

Birmingham, Bolton, Brighton, Chelmsford, Crawley, Enfield, Gloucester, Guildford, Hammersmith, Huddersfield, Hull, Islington, Kingston, Leeds, Leicester, Manchester, Maidstone, Milton Keynes, Peterborough, Portsmouth, Southampton, Sheffield, St Albans, York

Investment range:

£125,000-plus

Minimum required capital:

£36,000

Contact:

01785 253140. enquiries@fastsigns.com