

As well as the excitement of this month's British Franchise
Exhibition, Signs Express franchisees have been celebrating their own
success at this year's bi-annual convention. With
nearly all of the 80-strong franchisees attending from all over the UK
and Ireland, this year's Signs Express Convention at the De Vere
Dunston Hall hotel Norwich, proved to be the most successful to date.
The two day learning experience gave guests the opportunity to increase
their knowledge of latest market trends and developments, discuss
corporate branding issues and have the opportunity to meet with key
suppliers at a dedicated Supplier Forum. The culmination of the
event was a glitzy black and white themed awards' evening, created to
reward franchisees for their continued commitment and growth as part of
a leading sign-making franchise network. The Signs Excellence
and the Franchisee awards gave all franchisees the opportunity to be
fully recognised for their individual achievements. A number of centres
entered but with only three finalists per category, competition was
tough. This year saw David and Kim Nurse at Signs Express
(Leeds) crowned The 2007 Franchisees of the Year; having also received
the Newcomer of the Year award at the last Convention in 2005. Other
winners included Malcolm Lant at Signs Express (Gateshead) winning
Resale Franchisee of the Year and Stephen Read at Signs Express
(Aylesbury) for best Greenfield Franchisee of the Year. Also
celebrating this year's awards were Neil and Carol Fraser at Signs
Express (Glasgow) who won a double whammy. Firstly for the Best
Interior Sign Award for internal signage at the new atrium building in
the University of Bradford and secondly for Best Project for its
Slaters contract - an ongoing project to supply signage for the leading
clothing store. The Glasgow team were delighted to be named as
finalists for five different projects, a first for the awards. Best
Exterior Sign was awarded to Signs Express (Falkirk) for an illuminated
sign for the Alloa Plant - franchisee Steve McMurray created a striking
new entrance sign for the glass bottle manufacturer. And finally,
Gareth and Julia Doherty at Signs Express (Wembley) revved into first
place for Best Vehicle Graphics with two vehicle wraps on behalf of the
RAF. The Sign Excellence awards were expertly judged by two
members of the British Sign & Graphics Association; Mike Hall
Chairman of the Technical Committee and Albert Baxter who is Director
of the BSGA. Signs Express Managing Director David Corbett
commented on the weekend's events: "Our bi-annual convention is always
eagerly anticipated and once again this year was a complete success. It
is never easy to choose from such an array of franchising talent, and
with so many success stories this year the decision has not been any
easier. All of this year's winners have proved worthy of their titles
and are true examples of the theme of this year's convention - Proud to
Franchise." Since its inception in 1989, Signs Express has
developed into the largest sign company in the UK and Ireland providing
a complete design, manufacture and fitting service for all forms of
signage including interior and exterior signs, vehicle graphics,
banners, window graphics and exhibition display products. Signs
Express will be exhibiting at this month's forthcoming British
Franchise Exhibition at Birmingham's NEC on Stand M140 on 5-6 October.

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