Signs Express outlines 2026 strategy at its annual convention, focusing on the CoreBridge rollout and new franchise expansion models.
Signs Express brought its nationwide network together on Friday 16 January for its 2026 Convention. With 42 centres represented and over 150 attendees, the event served as a platform to celebrate the successes of 2025 and set an ambitious direction for the future of the franchise brand.
The network reported positive momentum building throughout the second half of 2025 despite a difficult economic climate. Highlights included strong sales growth across multiple locations and the successful onboarding of several new franchisees. The company also noted that its shift toward a content-led marketing strategy, focusing on storytelling and video, resulted in a year-on-year increase in enquiries and brand engagement.
A primary focus of the convention was the long-term sustainability of the franchise model. The brand highlighted the continued attractiveness of its business units, citing successful resales, renewals, and the introduction of new rebrand and conversion models designed to futureproof the network.
Four strategic priorities were outlined for the coming year:
- Expansion through new franchise models.
- Targeted campaigns to drive enquiry growth.
- Continued systemisation via the CoreBridge rollout.
- The use of data-driven insights to support business decisions.
The rollout of CoreBridge was identified as the single largest investment for the year. A further twelve centres are scheduled to adopt the system by the end of 2026. This platform, alongside a newly developed Insight Portal, is intended to improve automation and provide better performance benchmarking across the network.
The day featured expert-led panel sessions on laser cutting, sustainability, and the commercial balance between outsourcing and in-house production. These sessions included both industry experts and experienced franchisees, reflecting the collaborative culture of the group.
The event concluded with a Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony. The evening recognised excellence in categories such as sustainability, design, and vehicle graphics, while also raising £1,630 for the charity Annabelle’s Challenge.
Signs Express confirmed that it is actively seeking driven individuals to join the franchise network throughout 2026, supported by ongoing investment in systems and marketing.