Signage stars from FASTSIGNS UK have been recognised for their contributions to the sector, at the annual UK Convention and Awards Ceremony, hosted by the franchise giant.
The global signage and visual communications specialist held its much anticipated event at the breathtaking St George’s Park, Staffordshire, after the pandemic meant last year's ceremony had to take place virtually.
Historically, the glittering evening has been hosted by FASTSIGNS Global CEO Catherine Monson, who travels over from the United States for the occasion. This year Mark Jameson, FASTSIGNS Chief Support and Development Officer based in the Dallas HQ, took a trip overseas to meet the British network during a roadtrip across the country. He also presented the awards alongside John Davies, Managing Director at FASTSIGNS UK.
The convention provides the franchise network with the opportunity to undertake peer to peer learning, share industry insights and meet new and key suppliers. A highlight of the two-day session is the awards evening, which celebrates the entire network’s successes over the past 12 months.
This year’s awards featured 13 competitive categories, including Project of the Year, Employee of the Year, Sales Achievement of the Year as well as the highly coveted, Franchisee of the Year award which this year was scooped by owners of FASTSIGNS Crawley, Melanie and Jose Martinez, and Alan White.
Longstanding FASTSIGNS franchisees, Melanie and Jose Martinez, and Alan White received the top accolade after dramatically improving every aspect of their business over 2021, including increasing sales, relocating to larger premises and upholding their fantastic company culture. They also regularly mentor fellow franchisees to maintain standards of excellence across the network.
Speaking after the celebratory evening, John Davies, managing director at FASTSIGNS UK said:
“The determination of our team never fails to impress me. While our community embraced the virtual celebrations in 2020, the entire network was thrilled to be able to meet together again, in person - and what amazing surroundings we were in this year.
“After navigating the difficulties of Covid-19, every franchise has emerged stronger than ever. They’ve been there as industries have reopened again, helping them to realise lots of exciting marketing projects.
“We’ve also been blown away by the performance of our employees too. A special mention must go to Jamie Douglas, of FASTSIGNS Gloucester. He’s been with the business for over a decade, and consistently delivered amazing results, despite huge personal challenges, and has rightfully earned the Employee of the year award.
Dave Thomas, of FASTSIGNS Peterborough hit the ground running since joining the business in 2021 and was awarded sales newcomer of the year.
“It’s with great pleasure we announce the FASTSIGNS Crawley leadership team as Franchisee of the Year. Mel, Jose and Alan’s story is testament to what can happen when you follow your dreams - all developing from employees to award-winning franchise owners over the last 20 years.
“They have overcome some very tough challenges in 2021, and have come out the other side stronger and more passionate than ever. They are always ready and willing to lend a hand, which is the attitude we love.”
The FASTSIGNS Awards main winners for 2021 were:
FASTSIGNS Crawley - Franchisee of the Year (Melanie and Jose Martinez, and Alan White), Comprehensive Solution of the Year (Chichester College Group), Mentor Award
FASTSIGNS Gloucester - Employee of the Year (Jamie Douglas), Runner up Project of the Year (Direct Online Services)
FASTSIGNS Manchester and Bolton - Sales Improvement of the Year, Runner up Employee of the Year, Second place Sales Achievement of the Year, First place Sales Person Highest Revenue.
FASTSIGNS Leeds - First place, Sales Achievement of the Year, Runner up Employee of the Year (Cliff Ward), Second place Sales Person Highest Revenue
FASTSIGNS Maidstone - Project of the Year (Muhannad Ziyadah, for Must Have Ideas)
FASTSIGNS Guildford - Runner up Comprehensive Solutions of the Year (Eldery Daycare Centre), 100% Net Promoter Score via Listen 360
FASTSIGNS Peterborough - Sales Newcomer of the Year (Dave Thomas)
FASTSIGNS York - Runner up Comprehensive Solutions of the Year (Qiiosk - East Riding of Yorkshire), 100% Net Promoter Score via Listen 360
FASTSIGNS Portsmouth - Runner up Project of the Year (Naval Families Federation)
FASTSIGNS Kingston - Third place Sales Achievement of the Year
FASTSIGNS Hammersmith - Third place Sales person Highest Revenue
FASTSIGNS St Albans - 100% Net Promoter Score via Listen 360
FASTSIGNS Islington - 100% Net Promoter Score via Listen 360
Make it Happen (Winner), Metamark (first runner up) and Route 1 (second runner up) were also recognised as Suppliers of the year, while Janie and Martin Drury at FASTSIGNS Birmingham were celebrated for their milestone achievement of 25 years in business.
The UK FASTSIGNS network currently comprises 25 franchises across the country. FASTSIGNS offers a range of ways to join the franchise network including, new centre launches, co-brand and conversion opportunities.
For more information on FASTSIGNS UK, visit www.fastsigns.co.uk.