The UK signage franchise has been named a finalist for Established Franchisor of the Year, recognizing decades of franchise growth, innovation, and franchisee support.
- Signs Express named finalist in Established Franchisor category.
- Ian Furlong and Louise Sergent finalists in Community Impact.
- Signs Express has 61 locations and 35 years of history.
Signs Express has been named a finalist in the Established Franchisor of the Year category at the 2026 BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards, recognizing more than three decades of sustained franchise development and operational excellence. With 61 locations operating across the United Kingdom, the signage specialist continues to demonstrate how long-term investment in franchisee success can strengthen a brand's position in a competitive marketplace.
The recognition reflects more than business longevity. Under the leadership of Managing Director Jonathan Bean and Network Development Director Aaron Davis, Signs Express has combined operational innovation with comprehensive franchise support, contributing to an average franchisee tenure of 17 years. The company's investment in technology, including the CoreBridge platform and a dedicated learning management system, has helped modernize operations while maintaining consistent service standards throughout the network. Franchisees Ian Furlong and Louise Sergent from the Liverpool & Wirral centre were also recognized for their outstanding community impact.
Maintaining that level of consistency across an established franchise network requires reliable operational infrastructure. Gorilla Dash helps franchisors achieve that through its CRM Integrations, connecting customer information and business workflows across locations to improve communication, strengthen collaboration, and support more efficient day-to-day operations. As franchise systems continue to grow, connected technology helps leadership teams maintain visibility without increasing operational complexity.
Providing franchisees with timely access to reliable information is equally important. Gorilla Dash complements its connectivity with the Knowledge Base, allowing franchisors to centralize operating procedures, training materials, technical documentation, and frequently referenced guidance in one searchable platform. Together, these capabilities help franchise organizations preserve brand standards while equipping every location with the resources needed to deliver consistent performance, a hallmark shared by award-winning franchise systems such as Signs Express.
Key Facts:
| Franchise Longevity | Signs Express has over 35 years of experience and franchisee retention averaging 17 years. |
|---|---|
| Franchise Reach | Operates 61 locations across the UK and Ireland. |
| Community Recognition | Liverpool & Wirral branch recognized for Community Impact. |
| Technology Investment | Implemented CoreBridge CRM and a Learning Management System to enhance operations and training. |
| Leadership | Jonathan Bean and Aaron Davis lead with a focus on innovation and stability. |
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