Originally opened in 2003, husband and wife team Dave and Kim Nurse now employ six staff at their 1981 sq ft unit in Leeds.
1. What did you do prior to becoming a Signs Express franchisee?
Worked for a materials supplier who supplied the sign industry.
2. Why did you choose franchising?
The main reason was the support available. Although I had extensive management experience, knowing that help and expertise was on hand in all areas of the business from operations to HR, technical support, accounts and marketing was a great comfort, especially in the early days of trading.
3. What has been your biggest challenge?
Finding good staff you can rely on has been a big challenge. As a small business you need to entrust your staff with a number of roles and its very important that they reflect the ethos you want to portray to customers. Once we found the right staff, they have been able to grow along with the business which has been a rewarding experience.
4. What advice would you give to someone looking to start a franchise?
Be as active as possible to get your name out to potential customers. Don’t expect the doors to open and everyone to want to do business with you. You need to let as many people know you are open as you can. Tap up old friends, colleagues and ask them to refer their contacts so you have a larger pool of people you can talk to.
5. How did you go about raising the finance to become a franchisee?
Raising finance was quite easy for our business. Once we had sent out our business plan, which was worked on with the help of Signs Express head office, we found that the successful trading history of the franchise meant that all of the major banks were willing to lend to us. We borrowed against our house to raise the liquid capital needed to secure the rest of the bank funding. We found it much easier than looking to start in business alone as a franchise has much higher success rates and so has a better lending policy from banks.
Dave Nurse, Franchisee, Signs Express (Leeds)Although I had extensive management experience, knowing that help and expertise was on hand in all areas of the business from operations to HR, technical support, accounts and marketing was a great comfort.
