Signs Express 2026 Convention: A Celebration of Network Strength and Franchise Growth Ambitions
On January 16, 2026, Signs Express brought its nationwide network together at the Alton Towers Resort for its annual convention, marking a strong year of performance and setting a clear direction for the future. With 42 centers represented, 25 exhibitors, and over 150 attendees, the event showcased the scale and collective commitment of the Signs Express network. The day provided an opportunity to reflect on the successes of 2025 and reinforce the brand’s confidence and long-term growth ambitions.
Celebrating Performance and Resilience
The morning plenary focused on celebrating success across the network, recognizing strong sales growth, promotions, and notable performances. Despite a challenging economic backdrop, the network demonstrated resilience throughout 2025, with positive momentum building in the second half of the year. A key update highlighted the evolving brand marketing strategy, which delivered strong results, including increased visibility and engagement, and a year-on-year uplift of enquiries.
The results reinforced confidence in the marketing direction and highlighted the important role local centers play in amplifying the national brand. The convention also recognized the introduction of new rebrand and conversion models, demonstrating how the franchise is futureproofing network growth. Collaboration across the network was emphasized as a critical factor in maintaining momentum and protecting long-term value.
A Franchise Model Built for the Future
Franchise recruitment and long-term sustainability were key themes of the day. Despite being an established brand with over 60 locations across the UK and Ireland, the convention highlighted that Signs Express businesses remain highly attractive and saleable. This was supported by strong demand for resales, the first successful rebrand, franchise renewals, and continued new franchisee onboarding.
Looking ahead, four strategic priorities for 2026 were outlined: expansion through new franchise models, enquiry growth driven by targeted campaigns, continued systemization through the rollout of CoreBridge, and the use of data-driven insight to support better business decisions. The continued rollout of CoreBridge was positioned as the network’s single largest investment for the year, with a further twelve centers scheduled to onboard by the end of 2026.
Insight-Led Discussion and Supplier Collaboration
The convention featured three expert-led panel sessions covering laser cutting, sustainability, and outsourcing versus in-house production. Each session focused on practical, commercial decision-making and featured a mix of industry experts and experienced Signs Express franchisees, reinforcing the strength of knowledge and collaboration within the network. Enhanced exhibitor engagement ran throughout the day, including quick-fire introductions, meaningful networking opportunities, and expert discussion.
The evening celebrated outstanding achievement across the network, with awards recognizing 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, supporting vital research and awareness for Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
Looking Ahead
As the convention closed, Signs Express reaffirmed its commitment to continued growth, improved profitability, and long-term success across the network. With a proven business model, strong marketing support, ongoing investment in systems and data, and a collaborative culture, Signs Express is actively looking for talented, driven individuals to join the franchise network throughout the year. For more information, please get in touch with Head of Franchise Recruitment, Emma Wakefield.
For those seeking to build a scalable, supported business within a well-established brand, the Signs Express 2026 Convention demonstrated why the network continues to go from strength to strength, and why now is an exciting time to become part of it. Read more about the Signs Express 2026 Convention and franchise opportunities Here
