Posted:13-January-2021
Exclusive interview: From professional golfer to Signs Express franchisee
Franchisee name: Tina Surface
Franchise: Signs Express
Location: Basildon
When Established: February 2002
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying your Signs Express franchise business?
My husband Tony and I opened Signs Express (Basildon) in February 2002 and we have grown the business substantially over the years. Before becoming a franchisee, I was actually a professional golfer.
What attracted you to franchising versus started starting up on your own or finding employment?
Having always worked for myself I’ve always had the drive and ambition to start my own business but was unsure of how to do it. That’s when we began to look into franchising.
Franchising offered me the tools and knowledge of an established, proven business model, whilst ensuring I was still the business owner, so it really gave me the best of both worlds.
Why did you choose your particular franchise business (Signs Express) ? What research did you undertake?
Tony and I attended quite a few franchise shows and seminars before deciding on Signs Express. We looked into each business and decided which one would fit into our lifestyle, budget and family life.
Do you feel there is enough support or training in the industry, or externally, to help mums looking to get back into work and considering starting a business? What additional support do you think would help?
I felt I had all the information and support I needed with regards to getting mum’s back in to work within this industry. Having attended various franchise shows I personally never felt the need for any specific additional support. I’ve had four children since taking on the centre and have found that being a franchisee has allowed me flexible working hours that work with my family.
How did you raise the finance for funding your franchise? Did you use any financial support (grants etc.) specific to business start-up?
With our deposit already saved, we secured additional funding with a bank loan. We actually paid back our bank loan in our very first year of trading.
What training and support did you receive initially from your Franchisor?
The support we have received from Signs Express has been invaluable. We both attended a 4-week training course at the Headquarters in Norwich that covered everything we needed to know to hit the ground running. The training included knowledge about signs, marketing, sales and general businesses management.
After the initial training we then had regular visits from Signs Express HQ to help us to get the business off the ground. But their support didn’t just stop when we opened, there’s continual support in all areas of the business from Procurement to finance, marketing to operations, so you never have to ‘go it alone’.
With 25 years of experience it’s fantastic to be able to tap in to that wealth of knowledge as well as connect with other franchisees within the Signs Express network.
What is a typical day for you as a Signs Express franchisee?
My day typically consists of dealing with accounts and customers’ enquires, whether from new or existing clients. We’ve been lucky enough to be involved in some really interesting projects over the years.
In 2015 we were presented with the Most Striking Sign award at the Signs Express convention, in recognition of work we produced at Heathrow Airport. It involved us manufacturing and installing a free-standing sign for Etihad Airways, which is designed to look as though it is floating. Tony and I attend the annual awards almost every year and it is an amazing feeling to have our commitment and the hard work of our team recognised.
Balancing work and family life is important for all franchisees but more so for working parents, do you think franchising gives a good work and family life balance? Has becoming a franchisee changed you and your family’s life?
Becoming a franchisee has enabled me to spend more time with my family as I can arrange my work hours around them thanks to the fantastic team we have put in place.
Did you take advantage of any support available to women looking to get into business? E.g. member of a women in business network, attend any specific women business events?
In the past, particularly when we were first opening Signs Express (Basildon), I attended women in business events. For any woman considering franchising, there is a great deal of support available throughout the UK.
What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give other mums looking to get back into work and considering starting their own business through franchising?
I think the most important piece of advice I can give is to pick a franchise which you are really interested in and will suit your family life. At times all business owners will have to work long hours and weekends so make sure you carefully consider how this is going to fit into your lifestyle.
For me franchising has given me the chance to become a business owner, but still be a mother and have the kind of family lifestyle we’ve always wanted.
What are your plans for the future?
We expanded into new premises in 2014 and I want to keep expanding the business. We’d also like to open more Signs Express centres as well.
Would you do it again?
Absolutely!
To find out more about Signs Express and to receive their free and non-obligatory franchise prospectus, click here.
Interested and want to know more about Signs Express?
The Signs Express basic profile outlines aspects of their franchise opportunity
