Signs Express rewarded its top achievers and showed appreciation for the group’s hard work at this year’s Signs Express convention. Taking place every two years, the convention sees a number of members of the group from all over the UK and Ireland visit the outskirts of Norwich at Sprowston Manor hotel, and this year was no exception. Spread over the course of two days, franchisees were able to hear the latest in developments across the network as well as new business opportunities available to increase turnover and enhance their customer base.
Signs Express was delighted to welcome Mark Foster to the convention as key note speaker and guest presenter at the awards. The franchisees were let in to his world learning how Mark’s father’s fear of water pushed him to learn to swim, how he spent his early career filing in a council office and the truth behind that string vest on Strictly Come Dancing
The weekend’s events culminated with the prestigious Signs Express Awards. Competition was tough with a number of worthy winners in the mix but the final decision rested with the Signs Express directors and independent judges, Val Hurst editor of Sign Direction magazine and David Catanach, director of the British Signs and Graphics Association (BSGA).
This year saw franchisee Malcolm Lant from Signs Express (Gateshead) crowned Franchisee of the Year having continued to perform outstandingly and exceed expectations even during the current recession. A Special Achievement was awarded to Lee Eaton at Signs Express (Manchester) – the team also scooped the Most Outstanding Project for their fantastic work for Sky Pro Cycling Rainforest Rescue project, which took them around Europe.
As well as the award decisions at HQ, franchisees were also given the opportunity to nominate a fellow franchisee for their helpfulness. The results were clear with the group Ambassador of the Year award going to Ken Bevis at Signs Express (N & NE Lincs) for his willingness to go the extra mile.
Signs Express (Leeds) swept the board winning both sign categories Best Individual Sign and Best Multiple Sign Project Awards for their illuminated shop signs for Hush Puppies in Bristol and for their project work at Bridgewater Place, City Point and Leeds City Councils leisure centres.
Signs Express (Peterborough) sped into first place winning the Best Vehicle Graphics Project Award for its work carried out for Top Hex – providing an instant and colourful connection to the world of dance and theatre in an eye-catching and amusing way.
Managing Director Craig Brown said, “Once again it has been a very difficult decision to make with regards to our Franchisee Awards. So many of the network are performing exceptionally well and there are many factors to take into consideration when deciding who should win each category. We have three very worthy winners who have all shown their dedication and determination to succeed”.
In addition, Ashby Trade Sign Supplies won the Supplier of the Year award, as voted by the Signs Express franchise network.
