Meet our Franchise Owners

Trevor Smith

“I didn’t have any experience of running my own business and the risks of starting from scratch are much higher than investing in a proven business model. The Countrywide Signs franchise is tried and tested and members of the network are running very successful businesses. I looked at opportunities offered by Countrywide Signs’ competitors and they just didn’t compare. They weren’t as professional and the owners seemed to have little interest in me or providing ongoing support, it was all about the money.”

Trevor Smith was looking for a career change that would enable him to get out and about again and realise a dream to be his own boss.

David Hughes

“A friend suggested I consider franchising and Countrywide Signs appealed to me because it’s a simple yet highly successful business model. It seemed a much better proposition than other opportunities I looked at and I was very impressed with the franchisee testimonials I read. I also liked the fact that the franchisors still operate their own territory. Although I run my business from home, I’m on the road everyday, which I prefer.”

Looking for a more secure and exciting future, David Hughes decided to choose Countrywide Signs.

 

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Alan Edmonds

“I chose to take on a franchise because it gave me a proven route to becoming my own boss. After working for 12 years with one company I felt that I could really benefit from the support and backing Countrywide Signs provide, especially in the start-up process. I was concerned about the current climate and the Countrywide Signs business opportunity gave me the security and confidence that my business would really work.”

At the beginning of 2012, Alan Edmonds started his Countrywide Signs company in Leeds, promising estate and letting agents a hassle-free and pleasant experience.

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Jim Stevenson

"I was looking for an opportunity that had a lot of growth potential and after doing a lot of research into different types of franchises; Countrywide Signs was the one for me. Having bought the Edinburgh Central franchise, I hope to invest in another territory in the near future and build a multi-van muti-territory business."

Sean Sowley

"I already had 3 years of franchising behind me so I knew that this is what I wanted to do, it was just a case of finding the right business for me. I came to know about Countrywide Signs through an associate and chose them simply because they were the best option, in my opinion."

Sean understood franchising; he just needed to find the right one.

Jamie Cook

“What attracted me to Countrywide Signs initially was that they came highly recommended by my brother who works with lots of franchises. After researching them myself and meeting with the directors I was given the confidence and the help to take the step I’d been thinking about for so long."

 

Having worked in the marine industry for 6 years, Jamie Cook felt his career wasn’t progressing how he wanted it to. 

Russell (Cass) Clay

“During my 40 years in the catering industry, I ran my own pub, was a general manger and a site director. There   came a point where I felt that I had completed this part of my life. The unsociable hours played a huge part in my decision to change careers and Countrywide Signs provided a great opportunity for me to start my own business, with the advantage of having time to spend with my family."

Cass already knew that becoming a franchise owner was what he wanted to do.

  Gary Whydell

 “Having spent the last twenty-four years in the printing industry I finally decided to chase my dream of working for myself.  I chose Countrywide Signs because it is such a simple concept, a very professional organisation and you don’t need to invest in premises or stock making the start up really easy.”

Gary has lived in Grimsby for twenty-two years with his wife Debby. 

 Kevin Atkinson

“I was always looking for a van based management franchise, although I had considered setting up on my own too. Now I am up and running I am so glad I didn’t go it alone! At 49 I want to build my Countrywide Signs into a management business and replicate the success many of the other Franchise Owners have had over the past 10+ years.

John Lynch

"I would say to anyone thinking of becoming a franchise owner this is a fantastic business which gives you time to enjoy life. If you are already a franchise owner and looking at further options becoming a master takes everything to the next level."

John Lynch, Countrywide Signs Master Franchise Owner for the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, is working to secure the companies market leading status by landing national contracts to drive the network forwards.

Anthony Williams

 "My business on track to generate well in excess of £225,000 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."

Already experienced in running his own business Anthony Williams decided to become a Countrywide Signs franchisee as it provided the brand recognition he wanted. Four years later and he has plans to expand his business again.

Ian Morris

 "Countrywide Signs gave me the change of career that I was looking for. Running my own business has been hard work, but I really enjoy being my own boss.  I have plans to expand my business to increase my current turnover of £90,000."

When Ian Morris took voluntary redundancy from his job of 17 years working at a Vauxhall Motors factory, Countrywide Signs gave him the opportunity he had been looking for.

James and Jane Bickerstaff

“This franchise would suit someone who likes to be busy and enjoys a challenge. This isn’t a nine-to-five job, however what you put in you do get out at the end, which has enabled us to achieve the success our hard work deserves.”

Even though Countrywide Signs franchisees James and Jane Bickerstaff started their business eight years ago, they still find that every day is different and interesting.

Martin and Angela Attwood

 “Running your own business is satisfying both in terms of income and knowing you are in control of your destiny. I would highly recommend a Countrywide Signs franchise to anyone who enjoys working outdoors and wants to be the master of their own destiny.”

A decade on from launching their business and franchisees Martin and Angela Attwood are thriving, with their Countrywide Signs franchise generating a six-figure turnover.

Tim Mason

 "I’m aiming to achieve a first year turnover of £50,000 and I’ve got a clear plan of how I want to develop my business. I know my area will easily have the work to support this.”

Although Countrywide Signs franchisee Tim Mason launched his business less than a year ago, he already has clear plans for its future.

Tyler Smith

"For me, the Countrywide Signs franchise has provided an opportunity to work in a business where I am out and about working with people, rather than chained to a desk. For my father, the prospect of building a substantial business through marketing and providing a professional service was the key attraction."

Both Tyler and his father are achieving their goals with the Countrywide Signs franchise, the perfect team!