This resale is for an established franchise territory with over 30 years of customer relationships, based in Harlow, Essex and covering West Essex & South Cambridgeshire
This is an excellent opportunity to acquire an established Countrywide Signs franchise territory covering some of the most desirable property markets across West Essex and South Cambridgeshire.
Countrywide Signs was established in 1998, and now has a strong nationwide presence, supporting independent, regional and national agents with reliable, professional board management services. The brand won the Continuous Improvement Award at The Best Franchise Awards 2026
This territory includes the principal towns of:
- Harlow
- Epping
- Bishop's Stortford
- Great Dunmow
- Sawbridgeworth
- Saffron Walden
- Haverhill
These thriving commuter locations benefit from active residential property markets, ongoing housing development and a strong network of independent and national estate and letting agents, providing an excellent platform for recurring business.
Unlike a new start-up franchise, this resale offers an established customer base that has been trading with Countrywide Signs for more than 30 years. The current franchise owner has successfully operated the territory for over 10 years and is selling only to focus on expanding another part of their existing business. They will work closely with the new owner during the handover to ensure a smooth transition and support future growth.
Existing Business
- Established recurring customer base
- Client relationships dating back over 30 years
- Current annual turnover of approximately £12,500
- Significant opportunity to increase sales through proactive business development
- Ongoing support from both the franchisor and the outgoing franchisee
Financial Information
- Goodwill: £6,500
- Sign stock included: £1,500
- Countrywide Signs franchise fee: £19,995 + VAT
- Total investment: £27,995 (plus VAT where applicable)
- Low working capital requirements
- No premises costs
Your Investment includes:
- Exclusive five-year trading license
- Existing Client Database
- Online board management system including driver app.
- Operations manual on line
- Training: Theory, Practical, Marketing, Health and safety, accounts
- Loan application support
- Corporate clothing
- First year’s public liability insurance
- Specialist fixing pack
- Vinyl cutter
- Corporate van graphics
- Specialist tools and equipment
- Specialist starter slip pack
- Automated online invoicing
- Head office credit control and accounts support
- Stationary pack
- Bespoke website page and social media platforms with ongoing support
- Marketing materials
- VAT registration and 1st quarter VAT return
- Data protection registration
You will also need a van, as this is a van-based operation, however, you do not need to source or design it independently from scratch. Countrywide Signs provides full support, and the professional vehicle graphics (livery).
Financial performance is a key attraction:
- Typical single-van sales: £5,000–£6,000 per month
- Profit margins: approximately 55–65%
- Multi-van potential: £250,000+ annual turnover
With recurring work from estate agents and the ability to scale, the model is designed to deliver strong ROI and long-term business value.
This exclusive territory offers access to around 150,000 residential properties and approximately 80 estate and letting agency branches and could easily support a 2-van business Combined with the long-term customer relationships, it provides an outstanding platform for immediate income and long-term growth.
Why is This Territory so Attractive?
- Affluent commuter markets – The territory includes some of the South East's most desirable residential areas, benefiting from strong housing demand and above-average property values.
- Excellent transport links – The M11, A120, A414 and A10 provide fast access across the territory, making it practical to service customers efficiently from a single base.
- Close to London Stansted Airport – The airport supports significant commercial activity and employment, helping to sustain a vibrant local property market.
- Growing housing developments – Ongoing residential construction in Harlow, Great Dunmow, Bishop's Stortford and surrounding areas continues to expand the customer base.
- Strong estate agency network – The territory contains a healthy mix of independent estate agents, regional firms and national brands, creating excellent opportunities for recurring business.
- Balanced mix of urban and rural markets – Combining larger towns with prosperous villages helps spread business activity across different property sectors and reduces reliance on a single location.
- High levels of home ownership and private rentals – Both sales and lettings generate regular demand for property signage, supporting repeat business throughout the year.
- Established customer relationships – Clients in this territory have been served by Countrywide Signs for more than 30 years, providing an excellent foundation for further growth.
Growth Potential
This franchise territory has excellent expansion potential. The current turnover reflects a well-maintained business rather than a fully developed one, leaving significant scope for a new owner to increase revenues through proactive sales and marketing, plus the opportunity for the new owner to develop additional relationships with estate and letting agents, increase market penetration and introduce Countrywide Signs' wider range of signage and associated services.
With exclusive territorial rights, an established customer portfolio and the backing of one of the UK's longest-established property signage brands, this represents a cost-effective entry into a proven business with immediate income and excellent long-term growth potential.
Countrywide Signs is looking for motivated, practical individuals who are:
- Self-driven and organised
- Comfortable working outdoors and independently
- Keen to build relationships with local businesses
- Ambitious to grow a scalable enterprise
No prior experience in signage or property is required - just a willingness to follow a proven system and deliver excellent service.
