Could this be the best birthday present ever for aspiring business-owners?

Signs Express is one of the UK and Ireland's leading sign and graphics companies with a franchise network of 70 dedicated sign production centres. For 25 years Signs Express franchisees have been at the forefront of innovation in digital sign production, window graphics, vehicle wrapping and exhibition supplies. The £45,000 set-up fee includes a Signs Express franchise licence plus a complete package of support, professional fees, premises expenses, IT equipment, marketing materials and training: everything a new franchisee needs to get going. In addition the company has negotiated a range of affordable funding options for key printing equipment to ensure start up fees are manageable. 'Our business model is extremely successful and we're committed to growing our brand,' Tony Marsh, Signs Express sales director, explains. 'We're looking for ambitious people to grow with us and, to celebrate our 25th birthday, have devised a truly unique package that makes Signs Express accessible to even more people. We've met some fantastic entrepreneurs over recent years who have the business acumen we're looking for but cannot proceed due to a lack of start-up funds. The investment we're making in the anniversary franchise package provides an unrivalled opportunity for people to join one of the UK's best known, and well-respected, B2B franchises. 'We have a number of key territories available where sales enquiries are flooding in. They are just waiting for a talented and committed franchisee to step in and grab the opportunity. With the anniversary franchise package they will certainly have a head start in business.' Signs Express franchisees operate within a specific territory and centres are based in light industrial premises with a team of experienced sign making staff. Franchisees do not need any industry experience as this is taught in training and workshops. A strong brand identity is communicated across the premises, marketing materials and online, and the company is one of the most recognisable in its sector. Signs Express works with many national businesses, bringing work directly to franchisees, with a national sales department assisting in the administration and negotiation of contracts across multiple locations. The marketing support also includes website marketing which generates thousands of sales enquiries each month, along with many other branding initiatives all aimed at putting Signs Express front of mind for customers. The UK based support team also includes an experienced operations team handling HR and health and safety, technical support, development and business support as well as accounts. Franchisee Steve Lloyd of Signs Express (Chester) comments on the training he has received: 'The official training was a course at head office but the truth of the matter is that the training, encouragement and back up has been from the first moment that I contacted the Franchisor to the present day. From choosing a location to recruiting staff to managing sales the training has really never stopped.' Visit Signs Express at the National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC on stand H20 in Birmingham on 3rd and 4th October,