Posted:13-January-2021
Exclusive Interview: From the forces to franchising
Name: Craig Tiley
Location: Stoke on Trent
Franchise: Signs Express
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying a Signs Express franchise business?
I was a Sergeant in the Corps of Royal Engineers British Army. My job was mainly based around logistics and procurement of construction tasks from Bridges in Afghanistan to Police Stations in Kenya.
Why did you go down the franchise route?
I have known people in and around franchising for years and it had always attracted me seeing the success of others and I always thought that I could do it!
How did you raise the finance?
I raised part of it myself with my retirement money from the Army, bank loan and also had some help from my family.
What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?
The ongoing support I receive from HQ is invaluable. I am on the phone daily for advice, tips and inspiration and have never been let down.
Along with my business advisor, Signs Express’ dedicated support team ensure I look at the facts and figures and give me advice on the next steps to take.
It’s important to keep looking at the bigger picture in order to keep on track with the growth I want for the business.
It is not easy to see the grass through the weeds sometimes so the guidance I receive is very motivating.
What is a typical day for you as a Signs Express franchisee?
As the business owner I can be fairly flexible, so will work either at the centre or at home. I have a fantastic team in place who run the centre while I am not in the unit, so my focus can be on building relationships with customers.
I meet quite frequently with my larger clients to catch up and see if I can help with any upcoming work and also go out to meet new potential clients that have got in touch via our website, which is the most searched for signs brand on Google.
What challenges have you faced?
Keeping focused on business growth is hard because you need to adapt your premises, staffing and keep the work coming in all at the same time, but I find it very rewarding.
Has becoming a Signs Express franchisee changed your life, if so how?
Absolutely, I now have so much more freedom and have been very blessed with the growth we have achieved in only one year. I have a very exciting future ahead of me.
What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to buy their first franchise?
Do your homework. I could never imagine having anywhere near the size of business I have now going at it alone. There is a tonne of advice out there, picking the right franchise is obviously the key.
What are your plans for the future?
For now, I am going to keep doing what I am doing with the support of Signs Express.
Once I have grown the business to the level I want, continued to develop my team and have a comfortable lifestyle, I may take my foot of the gas a little and enjoy the rewards.
Would you do it again?
In a heartbeat, best decision I have made in my life.
To immediately download Sign Express' FREE franchise prospectus (with no obligation tied to it), click here.
Interested and want to know more about Signs Express?
The Signs Express basic profile outlines aspects of their franchise opportunity
