The Sign Company (E.G) Ltd joins Signs Express in East Grinstead, securing family succession through a phased franchise rebrand model.
Independent West Sussex signage business The Sign Company (E.G) Ltd has joined the Signs Express franchise network from 1 November 2026, creating a new territory for the national brand in East Grinstead. The move forms part of a phased rebrand designed to facilitate retirement succession for the founders while supporting the next generation of leadership.
Established more than 35 years ago, the family-run enterprise is owned and managed by husband-and-wife team Marion and Robert Baker alongside their son Joel. Operating across the local area, the business supplies exterior signage, graphics, and custom fabrication to commercial clients. Having started succession planning earlier this year, the founders opened talks with Signs Express in March 2026 to secure the firm’s long-term future and provide Joel with central operational and technical backing as he prepares to take over ownership.
To maintain customer trust and operational stability, the firm is adopting a phased transition. The workshop will initially trade as Signs Express (East Grinstead), proudly operated by The Sign Company (E.G) Ltd, before moving exclusively to the Signs Express brand over the next 12 to 24 months. Through the agreement, the team gains access to group purchasing terms, IT infrastructure, and marketing support from the franchise headquarters.
Managing Director of Signs Express Limited, Jonathan Bean, commented, “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Marion, Rob, Joel and the entire team at The Sign Company (E.G) Ltd to Signs Express. Having built such a successful and well-respected business over more than 35 years, Marion and Rob have created a fantastic foundation for the future. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to support them with their succession plans whilst helping Joel prepare to take the business into its next chapter. Our rebrand proposition was developed with businesses like The Sign Company (E.G) Ltd in mind, where owners can face challenges when it comes to succession planning or unlocking their next phase of growth.”
The East Grinstead agreement marks the second conversion under the Signs Express rebrand proposition, which was launched 18 months ago to offer independent sign companies an alternative succession and growth pathway following the rebranding of the Exeter centre in early 2025. With more than 60 branches across the UK and Ireland, the franchisor plans to continue expanding through a combination of independent rebrands, existing network resales, and new franchisee recruitment.