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The New Franchisee on the Block

by | Mar 22, 2023

The latest franchisee to join the network is Michael Langford taking over the Boston and Grantham area as Countrywide Signs Boston. Learn what makes Michael such a great example as a franchisee.

Michael Langford, Countrywide Signs Boston started as a franchisee this month. Coming from a background in sales in the motor trade, Michael is a perfect example of what it takes to build a business. The practicalities as a sign erector are easy to teach, however recognising how to grow a profitable business needs to be second nature. He’s a great example of what’s needed to succeed as a Countrywide Signs franchisee.

Director Justin Pearce says: “Michael brings a wealth of sales experience, an enthusiastic professionalism, and a positive can-do attitude to the territory and has big plans to develop the territory above and beyond its previous success. We wish Michael much success and our continued support as he embarks on his Countrywide Signs journey.”

Meet New Franchisee Michael

Michael became the new owner at Countrywide Signs Boston the beginning of March. Michael completed his franchise training and practical induction at the end of February and is the new franchisee at Countrywide Signs Boston, taking over from Dave and Dan Jordan who left the network in late 2022 due to health concerns.

The business package sits somewhere between a resale and greenfield opportunity due to the nature of the change in ownership. Michael has access to a proportion of the original customers from the previous owners, however there is a great opportunity to promote his offering to other prospects within the territory.

Michael comments on his experience so far: “There has been a lot to get to grips with on the business-side, however, there’s no starting from scratch like if I were to start a business on my own. There’s a tried and tested structure to follow and online systems for both agents to place orders and for me to manage planning and fulfilment which is definitely a massive help.”

He continues: “Training was very thorough and if I have any questions there’s always someone the other end of the phone to help. I have a nice balance of existing agents like Newton Fallowell Grantham, Tony Ruby and Buckley Wand to erect signs for as a starting point and prospects in the area to contact and build relationships which I’ve already made a start with. The sales-side comes quite naturally to me having worked in sales and management for many years and I enjoy being back to the days of face-to-face visits to talk shop.”

It’s early days for Michael, but he’s proving to be a great example of a franchisee with the drive to learn and the ability to utilise his existing skill-set to further develop and grow his new business.

If you would like to learn more about becoming a Countrywide Signs franchisee, please Get in Touch.

Northampton Franchise Resale

An established Countrywide Signs territory covering all NN postcodes, with a customer base centred around Northampton.

Price including franchise fee: £49,995
Reported turnover: £48,000
Reported territory size: 287,000 properties
Current Operation: One van

About the business

The current franchisee has serviced the territory for over five years. Based outside the area, they travel into Northampton to manage the business. Currently operating with a single van, the territory offers a new owner the opportunity to explore further development across the area.

Reason for sale and handover

The owner is selling to concentrate on developing their adjacent territory. They will remain within the Countrywide Signs network nearby and will be available to offer guidance and assistance to the purchaser.

Take the Next Step

Get in touch to discuss the business, confirm the territory boundaries and explore the next steps.

Oxford Franchise Resale

An opportunity to take on an existing, company-owned Countrywide Signs territory covering Oxford and all OX postcodes.

Price including franchise fee: £39,995
Reported turnover: £24,000
Reported territory size: 367,000 properties
Estimated growth potential: Four to five vans

About the business

The Oxford territory supplies, installs and manages estate agent signage and has been serviced by Countrywide Signs for over 12 years. With an existing customer base, the territory provides a foundation for a new franchise owner to develop the business across the area.

The opportunity

Currently company-owned, this established territory is now being offered to a new franchise owner.

Take the Next Step

Get in touch to discuss the business, confirm the territory boundaries and explore the next steps.

Harlow Franchise Resale

An established Countrywide Signs business serving West Essex and South Cambridgeshire, with an existing customer base and support during the handover.

Price including franchise fee: £27,995
Reported turnover: £12,500
Reported territory size: 151,000 properties
Estimated growth potential: Two vans

About the territory

Based in Harlow, the territory includes Epping, Bishop’s Stortford, Great Dunmow, Sawbridgeworth, Saffron Walden and Haverhill. The current owner has operated the territory for over 10 years. The resale offers a new franchisee an existing estate agent signage business to develop across the area.

Reason for sale and handover

The owner is selling to focus on expanding another part of their existing business. They will work closely with the purchaser during the handover to help maintain customer relationships and support the transition to new ownership.

Take the Next Step

Get in touch to discuss the business, confirm the territory boundaries and explore the next steps.

Coventry Franchise Resale

Take on an established Countrywide Signs territory operated by the same franchisee for 22 years.

Price including franchise fee: £52,995
Reported turnover: £52,000
Reported territory size: 283,000 properties
Estimated growth potential: Four vans

About the territory

The territory covers Coventry and the surrounding towns of Coleshill, Nuneaton, Lutterworth, Daventry and Royal Leamington Spa. The current franchisee has spent 22 years supplying, installing and managing estate agent signage across the area, giving a new owner an established operation to build on.

Reason for sale

The owner is considering retirement and is open to selling the whole territory or part of it. A partial sale would allow them to reduce their workload, while a full sale would enable them to retire completely.

Take the Next Step

Get in touch to discuss the business, confirm the territory boundaries and explore the next steps.

North Devon Franchise Resale

An opportunity to acquire an established Countrywide Signs territory supplying, installing and managing estate agent signage.

Price including franchise fee: £30,995
Reported turnover: £14,500
Reported territory size: Over 255,000 properties
Estimated growth potential: Two to three vans

About the business

The territory is being offered by a franchisee based in southern Cornwall, who has developed a multi-van business there over the past 10 years. This resale gives a new owner the opportunity to take on the Devon part of that operation and develop its estate agency customer base.

Reason for sale and handover

The current franchisee is selling to consolidate their Cornwall territory. They will be available to assist the new owner during the early stages and are keen to build a longer-term working partnership across the area.

Take the Next Step

Get in touch to discuss the business, confirm the territory boundaries and explore the next steps.

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