Q&A: Does Agency Express Franchise in the UK?
Cara Squires, writer
If you love graphic design and you’re interested in running your own business, why not start your own franchise in the signage industry with a thriving company like Agency Express? Agency Express is an estate agency board services provider, renowned by businesses up and down the UK for its quality and professionalism. Read on, and find out everything you need to know about a potential franchise investment with Agency Express.
Good signage matters, and at Agency Express, this is understood. Good signage provides customers with communication cues, increases brand awareness and raises a company’s sales conversion rate. That’s why the signage industry is growing, and more businesses are requiring these services with each passing year. In short, there’s never been a better time to start your own graphic design franchise with Agency Express.
Does Agency Express franchise in the UK?
If selling signs with Agency Express sounds like the perfect working life for you, you’ll be thrilled to discover that yes, Agency Express does franchise in the UK. The UK’s largest provider of professional estate agency board services, headquartered in Norwich, would be delighted to welcome you to its ever-expanding network of over 117 franchisees, as the owner of your very own van based business.
As a market leader and an award-winning franchise, franchisees benefit from a nationally recognised brand, established reputation, comprehensive franchise package and proven business formulas. - Agency Express
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The history of Agency Express
Agency Express was founded in 1998 by ex-estate agent Stephen Watson, who “saw the need for a reliable nationwide estate agency board service” [Agency Express]. Since day one, the company has been all about providing the UK’s property agents, both residential and commercial, with these services. In the time since its founding, Agency Express has won multiple awards and developed a stellar reputation in the sector.
Agency Express now maintains over 60% of all estate agency boards across the UK and is a clear market leader. If you were to become a franchisee and run your own mobile franchise with the brand, you would benefit not just from high levels of demand and plenty of franchisor support, but also from Agency Express’s strong existing customer base and name recognition.
Two decades later, the company objective has remained unchanged. Agency Express are still dedicated to providing the very best service at the most competitive rates, and all whilst meeting the evolving needs of the UK property market and its professionals. - Agency Express
Start a franchise in the graphic design industry with an Agency Express signage business
If everything you’ve learned so far about Agency Express’s unrivalled provision of board services has left you ever more keen to invest, keep reading. The three questions answered below will equip you with all the knowledge you need in order to make a fully informed franchise investment with Agency Express...
1. How do you go about starting your own signage franchise with Agency Express?
To find out more about Agency Express and potentially register your interest in an investment, you can visit the franchise’s profile page on Point Franchise (linked above). Note, before you do, that the ideal Agency Express franchisee doesn’t need previous experience in signage or business management in order to thrive. Training supplied by the network will cover any knowledge gaps. That said, you will need to be hands-on, motivated and energetic, with a willingness to learn and a strong desire to grow your business.
2. How much do you need to invest?
In order to become an Agency Express franchisee, you’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £12,500, with a total investment cost of £24,500. After two years in business, your expected revenue is £40,000, meaning it shouldn’t take you too long to profit and earn back your initial investment.
To give you a better sense of where Agency Express fits in the wider franchising world, the average cost of starting a franchise, as of 2018, was £42,200 [British Franchise Association]. This average is impacted by many factors, such as franchise type (things like restaurants are usually the most expensive investments), location and associated brand name. As for how Agency Express fits specifically into the signage and graphic design sector, here are a few cost examples:
- Countrywide Signs - In order to become a Countrywide Signs franchisee, you’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £10,000, with franchise fees of £22,950 and a total investment cost of £35,000.
- FASTSIGNS - In order to become a FASTSIGNS franchisee, you’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £36,000, with franchise fees of £21,000 and a total investment cost of £120,000.
- Minuteman Press - In order to become a Minuteman Press franchisee, you’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £25,000, with a total investment cost of £50,000.
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3. What do you get in return for your investment?
As a franchisee with Agency Express, accredited by both the BFA (British Franchise Association) and the IFA (Irish Franchise Association), you’ll benefit from low startup costs, 100% daily repeat business and access to existing national accounts. You’ll enjoy family-friendly working hours, minimal paperwork and a centralised invoicing and payments system. Plus, Agency Express will provide:
- An exclusive territory licence
- A fully sign written van
- Comprehensive initial and ongoing training
- Specialist tools and equipment
- Access to SignMaster3
- Stationery and marketing literature
- Public liability insurance
- An operations manual
- Launch support
- Ongoing support
The Agency Express franchise package is a proven business formula that creates an excellent earning potential. It’s a van based franchise working from home, so low overheads mean increased profitability, and repeat daily business generates the opportunity for excellent returns. - Agency Express
Agency Express franchise opportunities are an excellent way to start running your own business
You should now have the information you need in order to determine whether Agency Express is a suitable franchise investment for you. If you’d like to continue your research into the wider world of mobile and van based franchise businesses, stay on Point Franchise. Discover how to choose the van based franchise that’s right for you, a day in the life for the owner of a van based franchise and five tips for running a van based franchise.
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Cara Squires, writer