Signage and graphics company Signwave is opening its second new franchise for the year in Osbourne Park, Perth, with print veteran Barry Boyd and wife Elle Boyd taking the helm.
Co-owner Boyd has had more than 15 years production and operations management experience, having originally qualified as a printer at the Glasgow College of Building and Printing.
Boyd says, “Until now I predominantly specialised in the self-adhesive label sector and am now looking forward to extending this print, production and business management expertise into signage and display services for clients in automotive, hospitality, events, construction and retail industries.”
Linda Sultmann, general manager of Signwave Australia says, “The market in Perth is dramatically underserviced by a professional sign service. The current centre is inundated by business. I think the market there could use a third store. There is strong demand at the Belmont centre, Perth has a lot opening up there with the mining boom.
“The new centre just opened, the owner is still training. We have got someone there onsite to help him out for the moment. My experience of him is that he is client and service driven. He is already out there, getting client opportunities. He is a proactive guy.”
Signwave says also on the new team is Lachlan Menzies, with 14 years in production, design and installation – including vehicle wrapping – and Nicholas Carter has 10 years experience in graphic design as well as in film application developed through a previous role in a window tinting business.
[Related: Signwave expands to South Australia]
Signwave is also actively seeking more potential franchisees to join the Australian network, which now has 17 centres, with a particular interest to break into the Queensland market.
Linda Sultmann, general manager of Signwave Australia says, “Following the rollouts of Signwave Adelaide Central, and now Osborne Park, the benefits of franchise ownership for commercially minded people are continuing to be realised. Our preparation process and training are thorough, and our marketing support begins way before the doors open for business. This is the advantage of joining a franchise group with tried and tested methods of creating strong foundations for SMB profitability.
“We have had some prospects up there in Queensland but we have not had any quite right yet. We know it is busy right now with the Commonwealth Games. We are looking for anyone in print or window tinting. We are looking to open in the Brisbane and Gold Coast markets immediately.
“We have also just gone to an online POS system, which makes everything more efficient. Clients can go ahead and place orders, proof artwork, check progress on work. We are on G Suite so the entire business is now online. We are keeping with the latest tech, we like to be on the curb if not ahead of it.”
Signwave says it is also looking to resell a franchise in a Sydney metro area.
Dean Rowland, franchise operations manager, Signwave Australia, says, “Both of our two new centre owners have backgrounds in industries that have made the switch to signage a logical next step. Signwave is a smart choice for current sign, print or window tinting business owners wishing to convert or co-brand. Our industry experience, expertise, technical resources and support systems make us hard to overlook for anyone interested in providing a reliable, highly skilled, comprehensive visual communications service.”
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