As Signs Express celebrates its 25th year in business, it is looking at expanding its franchise offering to include a new business model; dual branding with existing print businesses to create a sign concession opportunity. This is a model already being run by rival franchisor FASTSIGNS.

"This is such an exciting new opportunity both for us and the businesses we are looking to work with," says sales director Tony Marsh, who adds: "With hundreds of signage enquiries already coming in for these areas, we are keen to speak to print business owners particularly in London and the South East, but we are open to discussing the opportunity with businesses further afield."

Without losing the identity of their own brand, Signs Express says it will work with printers to expand their businesses, reportedly giving them the competitive advantages and benefits which come from the support and security of joining a franchise organisation.

Marsh continues: "I look forward to our network growing larger and stronger over the coming months and years; we have a very bright future ahead."

With increasingly large numbers of commercial printers choosing to diversify into wide-format print and signage, the scheme will further smooth a path into the sector. The news will not be welcomed by certain sections of the industry, as it will pose a real threat to smaller independent sign-makers.