15 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 263 - February | March 2026 UK signage franchise, FASTSIGNS UK, celebrated the end of 2025 with its annual convention and awards ceremony, which brought together franchisees, suppliers, and industry professionals from across the network. The event, hosted at The Belfry Hotel in Nottingham, saw a day of workshops and collaborative sessions, ending with its yearly awards ceremony, where a total of 14 awards were presented. At the awards, FASTSIGNS Crawley claimed the Franchisee of the Year accolade, after 30 years in business since opening its doors in 1995. Led by owners and directors Melanie Martinez, Jose Martinez, and Alan White, FASTSIGNS Crawley provides a variety of signage, graphics, and visual communications services for clients across the South East of England. The FASTSIGNS Crawley team was recognised for “their commitment to continuous improvement and innovation,” with a statement from FASTSIGNS adding: “Their ongoing investment in providing high-quality signage, combined with a strong focus on enhancing the customer experience, has set them apart as leaders in the signage sector.” In addition to receiving the Franchisee of the Year award, FASTSIGNS Crawley also earned recognition in key categories including a Special Recognition Award for its impact within its local business community, and a Bronze Sales Award for its 2025 sales performance. Melanie Martinez, director and owner at FASTSIGNS Crawley, says: “To win this award in the same year we celebrate 30 years of business in Crawley is incredibly special for all of us. We’re truly thankful for the continued support from our entire community. This moment is more than an achievement – it’s a reminder of how much stronger we become when we grow together, invest in our team, and embed ourselves in our local network. What a way to end the year.” John Davies, managing director at FASTSIGNS UK, adds: "This year’s convention demonstrated what an exceptionally strong period it has been for our entire network. “Crawley’s recognition as Franchisee of the Year comes at a particularly meaningful moment of 30 years in business. The hard work shown by Alan, Melanie, Jose, and the team continues to inspire our wider network. Their energy and ideas shone through at the convention. We’re excited to see how they evolve and thrive over the coming decades.” FASTSIGNS Crawley was recognised for its “commitment to continuous improvement and innovation” FASTSIGNS Crawley wins Franchisee of the Year on 30th anniversary By Jonathan Pert Signs Express brought its nationwide network together at the Alton Towers resort on January 16th for its 2026 convention, which aims to celebrate the franchisees of the signage brand, recognise outstanding achievements, and set a direction for the future of the brand. 42 Signs Express centres took part in the day, with 25 exhibitors supporting the event and more than 150 attendees. A morning plenary focused on celebrating success across the network, recognising sales growth across multiple centres, promotions within franchise groups, notable sales office performances, and welcoming new franchisees into the Signs Express family. A key update focused on Signs Express’ evolving brand marketing strategy, with a shift towards a more content-led, brand-driven approach centred on storytelling and video. This focus reportedly delivered strong results in 2025, including increased visibility and engagement and a year-on-year uplift of enquiries. The event also covered the introduction of new rebrand and conversion models, which the franchise has implemented to futureproof its network growth while encouraging collaboration across the network. Four strategic priorities for 2026 were also outlined at the convention: expansion through new franchise models, enquiry growth driven by targeted growth campaigns, the use of data-driven insight to support better business decisions, and continued systemisation through the rollout of leading system CoreBridge. The convention featured three expert-led panel sessions covering laser cutting, sustainability, and outsourcing versus in-house production, with each featuring a mix of industry experts and experienced Signs Express franchisees. The convention concluded with the Signs Express Gala Dinner and Awards, with prizes handed out recognising excellence in sustainability, design, signage projects, vehicle graphics, supplier partnerships, and individual and team performance. The event also raised £1,630 for Annabelle’s Challenge, a charitable organisation supporting research and awareness for vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Signs Express signals growth ambitions at annual convention By Jonathan Pert EVENTS | NEWS The event included an awards show celebrating achievements by Signs Express franchisees
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