Signs Express, the UK and Ireland’s largest network of franchised sign production centres supported by its central headquarters in Norwich, has strengthened its Board with the appointment of Mark Harvey as non-executive Marketing Director and Mark Poole as non-executive IT Director.

They join shareholder owners, Managing Director, Craig Brown and Finance & Operations Director, Jonathan Bean. The Board is completed with non-executive Chairman, Carl Fisher.

Craig Brown commented, “Jonathan and I are delighted to welcome Mark Harvey and Mark Poole to the board. I have a very clear vision for Signs Express and along with Carl the mix of expertise will be invaluable to achieve this.”

Mark Harvey is the former Managing Director of award-winning marketing agency Shorthose Russell, which he sold through an MBO in December 2015 and now runs MH Consulting. Mark stated, “I am absolutely delighted to be asked to join the Signs Express Board. The business is ambitious, energetic and fully committed to growth – an exciting mix that bodes well for a successful future!”

2015 was a fantastic year for the company recording record group sales, industry recognition at the National Sign Awards and their Manchester operation winning the British Franchise Association B2B category as well as the coveted Franchisee of the Year Award.

Last year also saw two former shareholders, Tony Marsh and Peter Sayles, depart the business. The deal was facilitated with support from HSBC and legal advice given by Leathes Prior.

Looking forward to 2016, Jonathan Bean remarked, “we achieved what we set out to do last year and we’re very clear on what we want to achieve in the future. The appointment of Mark Harvey to deliver our marketing strategy to support growth and Mark Poole to develop our IT structure, services and programmes to our franchise network are integral to our overall business success.”

The Signs Express network currently boasts 62 franchised operations offering design, manufacturing and installing of signage solutions across the UK and Ireland.