When your background is in helping people and building connections, it turns out that running your own business isn't such a big leap after all; when you have the right franchise behind you, that is!

In last month’s blog, we welcomed one of our newest franchisees, Alex Horseman, as he launched his new FASTSIGNS Bristol business. We’ve since welcomed him, his partner, Caitlin Mosler and his father, Chris Horseman, onto our training programme, and everything is progressing smoothly for their first few months in business.

We thought this would be a great time to learn more about them and what brought them to FASTSIGNS. After all, we’re nothing without all the wonderful people who make up our network, and every one of their stories is worth sharing!

Proving what’s possible!

Alex’s progress so far is a testament to what can be achieved in a short space of time with the right mindset, support, and a lot of hard work. In just four months of ownership, Alex is already getting to grips with the realities of his venture. Last week, Alex experienced his busiest week to date; the variety and pace of projects speak volumes.

Monday: Alex’s team were installing company logos for new tenants across a large managed office complex, earning a 5-star review.

Tuesday: Saw Alex lead his team installing signage for a care home, alongside transforming a bistro trailer with eye-catching logos and text.

Wednesday: The Bristol team were completing a full wrap for another food trailer.

Thursday: Delivering large-scale banners for both a construction company and a craft market stall, along with another 5-star review.

Friday: The team rounded off the week by erecting a new fascia for a double-fronted TaxAssist franchise.

Not bad for someone who only started trading at the end of November and was stepping into the signage industry for the first time.

No signage experience? No problem!

Alex’s experience is typical of a FASTSIGNS franchisee's start when launching a centre. Not everyone who joins FASTSIGNS arrives with a background in print, signage or manufacturing.

Alex has spent much of his working life helping local charities and selling digital platforms to businesses. While he greatly enjoyed his previous roles, there came a point where he knew he wanted to leave corporate life behind and build something he could truly call his own. He’d always had a deep-seated desire to become his own boss and take full control of his professional destiny, but signage was something he’d never considered before; until the right conversation at just the right time inspired him to move in a new direction.

That conversation came with a unique insider’s insight into the signage industry, from none other than his uncle and cousin, Nick and Charlie Horseman. As owners of a very well-established signage supplier themselves, they suggested Alex might also be able to build his own successful business in the sector, with the help of the right franchise. Of course, once he started looking, it wasn’t long before he found FASTSIGNS!