048 countrywide signs DSAP 29/10/07 19:45 Page 1
Franchisee Focus
Join a niche section
in the property market
When Ian Morris took voluntary redundancy he found the business opportunity he
was looking for with Countrywide Signs. Derin Ibrahim interviews
‘F
or sale’ and ‘sold’ signs are ultra
visible throughout the UK, however
“Running my
many people overlook the business
opportunity they represent. By providing these
business has
signs to estate agents, Countrywide Signs has
taken a niche section of the property market.
been hard
When Ian Morris took voluntary redundancy
from his job of 17 years working at a Vauxhall
work, but I
Motors factory, Countrywide Signs gave him the
opportunity he had been looking for. He says: “I
really enjoy
felt I needed a change so I looked into franchising
and when I contacted Countrywide Signs they
being my own
said my area was available. Countrywide Signs
appealed to me for many reasons. When I spoke
boss.”
to them they went through the set-up and the
Countrywide Signs
internet service that they provide and it all
seemed very professional. Also they have very
franchisee Ian Morris
good communication between estate agents and internet, text messaging and Global Positioning
franchisees.” Satellite (GPS) to provide the best possible
An expert at carrying out the management of service to its clients.
property signs, Countrywide Signs makes great Prior to launching his franchise Ian received
use of modern technology in the form of the nine days’ training. His business, which covers
Merseyside and North Wales was launched in
August 2006. “Although running my business
COUNTRYWIDE SIGNS SUMMARY:
has been hard work,” says Ian, “I really enjoy
being my own boss.”
TYPE OF FRANCHISE: Van-based/management From the period of January 2007 to January
INDUSTRY SECTOR:
2008 Ian is on target to get a £90,000 turnover
and he still has plans to build-up his business:
‘For Sale’ sign supply, erection & maintenance
“I’m mainly trying to expand the number of
IDEAL FRANCHISEE PROFILE: You must be enthusiastic,
agents and vans. I’ve just taken on another driver
self motivated, keen to succeed and relish the
and I want to take on another full-time driver so
challenge of running your own business as part of
that I can focus on doing the sales and marketing
a team.
side of the business.”
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1998
FURTHER INFORMATION:
FRANCHISING SINCE: 1998
NUMBER OF FRANCHISEES: 42
Call Tony Williams on: 01223 257779
or email: admin@countrywide-signs.com
INVESTMENT REQUIREMENT: £19,995
Visit: www.countrywide-signs.com
PRIORITY RECRUITMENT LOCATIONS: Nationwide
Head office: Countrywide Signs Ltd, PO Box 163, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 9UW
See this feature online at www.thefm.net/47917
48 ©2007 The Franchise Magazine
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