Agency Express Franchise
Initial Investment
£24,500 plus fully claimable VAT
Training provided
Yes
Social
Five reasons to start a franchise
Find out why franchising might be a good idea if you want to work flexibly, for yourself:
The Agency Express Franchise is the UK’s largest and only national estate agency board company with a network of over 115 franchisees
Multi award winning Agency Express was established in 1998 to offer a nationwide professional board service to both corporate and independent estate agencies. Today, via a network of 115 successful franchise operators Agency Express erects, services and maintains over 51% of all estate agency boards in the UK.
As a market leader and an award-winning franchise, franchisees benefit from a nationally recognised brand, established reputation, comprehensive franchise package and proven business formulas.
10 reasons to choose Agency Express
- Low start-up costs
- A van based business with low overheads
- 100% daily repeat business
- Existing national accounts
- No national competitor
- Family friendly working hours
- Simple to operate
- Centralised invoicing and payments system
- Minimal paperwork
- Accredited by both the British and Irish Franchise Association.
THE IDEAL AGENCY EXPRESS FRANCHISEE
As a van-based business, we are looking for franchisees who are hands-on, motivated and energetic. You don’t need previous experience or business qualifications, as their training will fully prepare you for running your own business.
You will be allocated an exclusive territory on which you operate on. This will provide you optimum chance of reaping high rewards and eventually, your work habits will determine the rate of your success.
Training & Support
In addition to the franchise package all Agency Express franchisees receive 8 days comprehensive training and support from our dedicated team. However, our franchisees are never alone in their franchise journey as the team are only a phone call away with help and advice.
Furthermore, their unique SignMaster3 on-line board ordering system supports you by reducing your administration to a minimum and their Centralised Accounts Department takes care of all invoicing for you.
Financial Information
The unique Agency Express franchise package requires an investment of £24,500 plus fully claimable VAT and has been carefully designed to get your business up & running straight away.
The franchise package includes
Territory licence
A 10-year renewable franchise agreement to trade as Agency Express within your own exclusive territory
Fully sign written van
The deposit paid on a new Renault Master van, complete with Agency Express graphics, SatNav and removable racking.
Comprehensive training
A total of eight days training coving all aspects of our business and a business launch in your own territory.
Specialist tools and equipment
All tools and equipment are provided for you to get your business up and running. Included in our comprehensive package is an Android smart phone, a specialist vinyl printer, together with supplies of vinyl, 4mm ‘correx’, compact ladders and a variety of other bespoke tools.
Access to SignMaster3
A 10-year licence to access SignMaster3, the Agency Express online board management system. SignMaster3 and the Signmaster3 Franchisee App enables you to seamlessly manage all work on a daily basis.
Corporate clothing
An all-weather range of high quality banded corporate clothing and essential day to day safety wear.
Stationery and marketing literature
All the start-up corporate stationery supplies, business cards and marketing literature you will require
Public liability insurance
The premium paid on your first 12 months’ public liability insurance, covering you for £5,000,000
Operations manual
A comprehensive Franchise Procedure and Operations Manual covering all aspects of the business
Launch and ongoing support
Including extensive territory research, customer database creation and weekly mailshot campaigns
Gallery
GEMMA VETTRAINO
Franchise Territory: BURY ST EDMUNDS
Year Joined: 2017
Gemma Vettraino launched her Agency Express franchise in November 2017. Previously a Human Resources Manager of 15 years Gemma felt it was time for a complete change of direction. She was drawn to the idea of owning a business and to the unique benefits that came with being her own boss, but having a young family security and flexibility were high on her list of prerequisites.
After much consideration Gemma made the decision to pursue a career in franchising due to the security and success rates they offer, and it was the Agency Express franchise opportunity that met her requirements. So, when an established territory came up for resale within Gemma’s area she seized the opportunity of becoming a franchisee.
One of the reasons Agency Express appealed to me was due to the flexibility that the franchise provided. I have three young children, so the ability to work hours that fit in with family life is important to me. Security also played a huge part in my selection. I wanted a franchise with a strong brand name and reputation and Agency Express are the leaders in their marketplace. Knowing that I have the opportunity to expand the business gave me the confidence I needed to proceed.
After successfully completing a comprehensive training course Gemma was assisted in the launch of her new business. This included a combination of hands on training and a programme of visits to new and existing customers, enabling her to connect and build relationships with the people she was going to be working with.
I found the training process really useful. It was invaluable spending time out on the road with different people to see how they tackled different challenges. This also provided an insight into the physicality of the job.
Within her first few months Gemma had built strong relationships with her customers and her high standard of work has helped her secure further business.
I am so pleased that I have joined Agency Express, I have even referred a friend to do the same. For me I no longer sit behind a desk all day, I manage my own time, I’m active and I feel healthier for being active. Every day is different, which I enjoy. One day I could be erecting large commercial board and the next I could be erecting boards for an event. Needless to say, there are always a number of residential boards to take care of. You have to work hard but it is well worth it if you are looking to run your own business.
Agency Express nominated in British Franchise Awards
Agency Express has been shortlisted for the Franchisor of the Year accolade at the 2020 ‘bfa HSBC British Franchise Awards‘, which are to be held at the Vox, Birmingham, on November 30th.
Founded in Norwich during 1998, Agency Express carry out the erection, maintenance and management of ‘For Sale’ and ‘To Let’ boards for estate agencies throughout the UK. Support and innovation are at the very core of the business. Agency Express believe that a well-supported network, with a healthy work-life balance breeds happy, successful franchisee.
Ben Brookes, Managing Director, Agency Express shared his thoughts:
Agency Express are delighted to be announced as a finalist in the 2020 ‘bfa HSBC British Franchise Awards ’. The revered award showcases the UK’s most exceptional franchisors, and achieving a place in the final selection illustrates our ongoing commitment to our franchisees their success and welfare. To be recognised as ‘Franchisor of the Year’ is truly the kitemark of franchise excellence and something every franchise should aspire to.
The awards evening is the flagship event in the franchising calendar and receiving a nomination in itself is an achievement, proving the business works ethically and in the best interests of franchisees and staff, beating many other franchise systems who also entered.
Pip Wilkins QFP, CEO of the British Franchising Association, congratulated the board services company:
The vision of the business to increase client growth by 20 per cent, among other objectives, has seen the franchise flourish. Franchisee fleets have grown, and new client companies have grown by 23 per cent in the past 12 months. Furthermore, a recent sole supplier agreement with a leading estate agent has generated an extra 750k for Agency Express franchisees.
Andrew Brattesani, Head of Franchising, HSBC, said:
As well as the numbers speaking for themselves, Agency Express has implemented numerous technological advancements to remain ahead, including the Agency Express app, route optimisation services and a direct system integration.
Agency Express will go head-to-head against five other franchise brands for the esteemed ‘Franchisor of the Year’ award in November.
Agency Express make ESTAS ‘Supplier of the Year’ shortlist for a 7th consecutive year
Agency Express are delighted to announce that they have once again been shortlisted in the ESTAS estate agency ‘Supplier of the Year’ awards.
The ESTAS is the largest and most prestigious awards in the UK property industry, honouring only the best agents and suppliers to the industry.
With the awards now in its 10th year, the supplier category has become an integral part of the annual ESTAS competition, providing a badge of excellence which is instantly recognisable by agents and highlights a supplier’s commitment to quality service.
Powered by ‘The ESTAS’ ethical online review platform, Agency Express customers were asked a series of questions about the service they have received from their franchise operators.
The shortlist was determined purely on the feedback received from a record 7,500 agents who used each supplier’s services during 2019. Alongside Agency Express a further sixteen supplier firms have been shortlisted across various product sectors.
The ESTAS Supplier of the Year sponsor Simon Whale of Kerfuffle said:
“With so many suppliers in the property sector, all claiming to deliver the best products and services it’s almost impossible for agencies to make informed decisions about who they should be using. Kerfuffle, like ESTAS is committed to recognising those that are really delivering.”
Simon Brown Founder of the ESTAS Group commented:
“Just like great agents the best suppliers to the industry go out of their way to provide exceptional service to their agency clients and they should be recognised for that. We understand that different types of products and services require different service levels so we highlight ‘Best in Sector’ suppliers as well as the overall Supplier of the Year.”
Stephen Watson Agency Express Chairman added:
Being recognised for outstanding customer service by The ESTAS is one of the biggest accolades a supplier can receive within UK residential property industry. We’ve been extremely fortunate having won an award for the last 6 consecutive years, and we wouldn’t be here again in 2020 without our wonderful customers. Their support has been outstanding and the feedback we have received has been both invaluable and rewarding.
Final thoughts came from ESTAS Brand Ambassador Phil Spencer:
“The industry’s leading suppliers are instrumental in helping agents provide excellent service, they are an extension of that experience so the service they deliver to agents is crucial, it’s therefore only right that the ESTAS puts the spotlight on their efforts”
The winners will be announced by ESTAS Brand Ambassador Phil Spencer at the 17th annual ESTAS Awards on 15th May.
