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Peterborough couple in national franchise finals
A couple from Peterborough have been named as finalists in the annual British Franchise Association's (bfa)/HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards.
A couple from Peterborough have been named as finalists in the annual British Franchise Association's (bfa)/HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards.Anne and David Hitch, who launched a signs and graphics franchise, are now hoping to scoop the top title and a cheque for 5,000, courtesy of HSBC Commercial Bank.
The winner will be announced at a black-tie dinner at the International Convention Centre (ICC), in Birmingham, on October 1. Cheques for 3,000 and 2,000 will also be presented to the silver and bronze winners respectively.
Since buying an existing Signs Express franchise serving the Peterborough area in 2002, Anne and David have worked consistently to develop their business.
The one-stop-shop for all forms of signs and graphics moved last year to larger and much improved production premises at Saracen Business Park, Newark Road, Peterborough, and this, as well as robust management and marketing strategies, has ensured its success in spite of the economic slowdown.
With a strong focus on customer retention, excellent service and rigorous quality control, Anne and David boast a level of repeat business. They have established a reputation based on quality rather than price which successfully differentiates them in a competitive marketplace and leaves them well placed for future growth.
At the same time, the recruitment of a full-time salesperson, with telemarketing as part of their remit, has brought in more new business, while a bonus scheme for all members of staff has had a further positive effect on high margin sales. Targeted direct mail and a quarterly newsletter have also helped boost sales.
The partners' investment in new technology has enabled them to offer new products, such as canvas prints, window films and wide format printing, and opened up new potential markets, including the public sector – a key target during difficult trading times.
Investment in staff training is another vital part of the business's growth strategy. Four members of staff have been supported through sign making NVQ training, along with software skills and vehicle wrapping, while the Peterborough franchise is the first in the network to achieve industry health and safety accreditation, CHAS.
While others struggle to maintain income, the owners of this robust franchise are expecting to increase their gross profits this year, an impressive achievement in these challenging times.
Anne and David are one of 10 franchisees who impressed the judging panel, chaired by bfa president Sir Bernard Ingham, by demonstrating how they have achieved Success in Challenging Times – the theme of this year's awards.
HSBC’s head of franchising Cathryn Hayes said: “Anne and David from Signs Express Peterborough are an excellent example of how the determination and hard work of the franchisee, combined with the franchisor’s supportive approach, generates success at both individual and network levels, even during a challenging economic climate.
“HSBC is proud of our role in supporting so many successful franchisees over the last 25 years, and we are delighted to be in partnership with this dynamic and important market sector.
“We are committed to helping new and existing franchisee customers in these challenging times and have recruited more relationship managers throughout the UK to allow us to spend more time with our customers. We also provide a range of financial solutions to help them trade and have developed online support tools such as our Knowledge Centre and Business Network.”
Director-general of the bfa Brian Smart added: “These prestigious Awards celebrate the UK’s best franchisees.
“This year it was harder than ever choosing 10 finalists, and Anne and David Hitch are a great example of how focus and drive, when supplemented by the support of a franchisor, results in a successful business despite today’s economic downturn.”
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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