The diversification of Countrywide Signs services is leading to big rewards for franchisees, with one on course to break the £1m turnover mark in the next 12 months.

Traditionally focused on the estate agency market, where franchisees erect and maintain ‘For Sale’ and ‘To Let’ boards, the company has driven into new markets to impressive effect in recent years.

Commercial signage for local organisations, parks and offices is playing an increasing role for many franchisees and has opened up a significant new revenue stream for their businesses. That’s been allied with strong relationships with the new wave of online estate agents, ensuring that Countrywide Signs franchisees are at the forefront of their marketplace and ahead of sector trends.

Liverpool franchisee Tony Williams said: “My business is on track to generate more than £900,000 this year, with the high profit margins I was looking for as well as being flexible. This is the perfect franchise for those who are hard-working and want a business that is reliable and easy to run.”

Tony has over 15 vans on the road servicing local clients – great for local advertising in itself – and is spearheading the network’s numerous multi-van operations. But it’s not far from all about the bigger franchises, the flexibility he refers to is at the heart of the Countrywide Signs business model, which caters for all: franchisees looking to run a single van business as an owner-operator; those looking to start small and think big, by expanding into more vans over time; or those looking for a management franchise and multiple vehicles from day one.

Director Martin Attwood QFP, who is also himself a franchisee, said: “We have a great business model because it’s truly adaptable to every individual and local market, with three different investment levels to suit all budgets and ambitions.

“Tony is an inspiration as to what’s possible for those with the aspiration to run a management franchise, while we also have several owner-operator franchisees who have built a great business for themselves and an asset for their future.

“We’re extremely proud to have a 96% franchisee success rate and to have helped so many people over the years to become business owners and achieve the lifestyle of their choice – whatever that looks like.”