Graham Casey joined Signs Express as franchisee in Glasgow at the end of 2009. Having worked for Macfarlane Group PLC for over 30 years and leaving as a member of its board of directors earlier that year, Graham had reached a point in his career where he wanted to try something different but where he would be able to utilise all of his skills and experience. He was particularly interested in managing a fast-moving business where he could be involved in all areas from delivering excellent customer service through to team management and quality control.

Graham Casey joined Signs Express as franchisee in Glasgow at the end of 2009. Having worked for Macfarlane Group PLC for over 30 years and leaving as a member of its board of directors earlier that year, Graham had reached a point in his career where he wanted to try something different but where he would be able to utilise all of his skills and experience. He was particularly interested in managing a fast-moving business where he could be involved in all areas from delivering excellent customer service through to team management and quality control.

Graham had extensively researched the franchise market and found Signs Express on a resale website. He then visited the British & International Franchise Exhibition at the Olympia in London to find out more, and soon discovered that there was a franchise resale opportunity in the West of Scotland.

The Glasgow centre had been operational for 15 years and with its high quality and excellent customer service instilled throughout all staff, Graham could see the potential to continue its success and grow the centre even further.  

Graham commented on his decision: “Taking over an already established Signs Express centre was more appealing because of the comfort of having an experienced team and a ready-made customer base. This ensured that I was able to manage all areas of the business hands-on from day one and concentrate on learning about the business whilst not having to worry about building everything from scratch. The Glasgow centre made perfect sense and although already very successful, I could still see the potential for further growth.”

The value of the Glasgow franchise resale is the most in Signs Express’ long history – over three times the highest price of a sale – which is testament to the strength and size of the business and its extensive machinery and loyal customer base. 

Speaking at the time about the change in ownership, sales and marketing director Tony Marsh said: “We are thrilled that Graham has come on board with us but also very sad to see Neil & Carol Fraser, our outgoing franchisees, move to pastures new. They were recently rewarded for their efforts in a presentation which recognised them reaching over £5m invoiced sales. Couple this with the raft of awards they have received over their history and their excellent attention to detail and high quality workmanship and its easy to see the impact they have had on the network. With Graham’s vast experience we have no doubt that this will continue under his ownership.” 

As part of the UK and Ireland’s leading signs and graphics company, Signs Express (Glasgow) provides a complete design, manufacture and installation service for all forms of signage including interior/exterior signs, vehicle graphics, exhibition and display products, window graphics and health and safety signage for businesses in Glasgow and surrounding areas.