TotalFranchise Explore our wide range of UK Franchises For Sale
Agency Express Van-Based Franchise Case Study
Neil Chapman chose Agency Express as he was ready for a new challenge and a change of direction. Neil has built strong relationships with his clients and his second to none approach has safeguarded him a bright and busy future.
Franchise Information
  • BFA Membership StatusAward Winner
  • UK Years Established25 years
  • Current UK Coverage60%
  • Franchisee Support Staff10
  • Personal Investment Req.£12,500
  • Total Startup Cost£24,500
  • Territory-based business locationYes
  • Business to business servicesYes
  • Franchisee operates individuallyYes
Next Steps

Neil Chapman Joined Agency Express in November 2012

Neil Chapman became an Agency Express franchisee in November 2012. Previously a Hackney Proprietor based in Oldham, Neil was ready for a new challenge and a change of direction.

Agency Express - Neil ChapmanBeing self-employed for many years Neil knew of the uncertainties that starting a new business could bring. This is why a franchise opportunity appealed to him, because of the high levels of support and the increased rates of success.

"I was looking for a new venture and whilst selling my house I wondered who put the signs up for the estate agents and was there a specialised industry that dealt with this?"

Neil attended The British Franchise Exhibition in Manchester where he approached the Agency Express franchise team looking for his ideal business. After much investigation and spending further time discussing the franchise with the Agency Express, Neil seized the opportunity of owning a van based business.

"I had attended various Franchise Exhibitions and after a bit of research decided that this might be a road I could go down. I did try another company first, but when I spoke to Agency Express and met the staff I knew that this was the company I wanted to join. I made my mind up there and then to do just that."

After successfully completing a comprehensive training course at Agency Express HQ Neil was given further support to assist in the launch of his new business. This included a 3-day programme of visits to estate agents in his territory, enabling him to make first contact with potential customers.

"The training process was a good experience. It steered me in the right direction but then I learned even more out on the streets. The time spent calling on estate agents with the training team was valuable. It gave me a good insight into dealing with the face to face part of the business as I am not a natural salesman. However, I found that SignMaster3 the Agency Express online board management system basically did the selling for me anyway. Even today it keeps me ahead of the game."

Less than a year from the inception of his business Neil had established a solid base of customers, he had quickly achieved growth and a sustainable level of income.

"There have been many highlights but I think signing up my first self-generated customer would be at the top. It gave me a great confidence boost and enabled me to feel that I could push the business on from there."

Today Neil continues to thrive in his territory. He has built strong relationships with his clients and his second to none approach has safeguarded him a bright and busy future.

If Neil's story has interested you then find out more about the Agency Express franchise by clicking below

Youngest franchisee joined Agency Express in September 2020Youngest franchisee joined Agency Express in September 2020

Venturing into the world of franchising at the age of 24 Riccardo Mudrak is among Agency Express’ youngest franchisees.

Bert Bigaignon Launched his Agency Express Franchise in September 2018Bert Bigaignon Launched his Agency Express Franchise in September 2018

Following a 15-year career in the supply and maintenance of fitness equipment, Bert Bigaignon decided that it was time for a new challenge and a change in his work-life balance.

Gemma Vettraino launched her Agency Express franchise in November 2017Gemma Vettraino launched her Agency Express franchise in November 2017

Previously a Human Resources Manager of 15 years Gemma Vettraino felt it was time for a complete change of direction.

Steve Macqueen Became an Agency Express Franchisee in January 2017Steve Macqueen Became an Agency Express Franchisee in January 2017

Steve Macqueen runs his Agency Express franchise in Yeovil and Dorchester.

James Tipton launched his Agency Express franchise in August 2016James Tipton launched his Agency Express franchise in August 2016

James Tipton's professional, approachable manner enabled him to win new business and his high standard of work safeguarded him a busy first year with Agency Express.

Alex Sunjich Launched Agency Express Falkirk in August 2015Alex Sunjich Launched Agency Express Falkirk in August 2015

After extensive online investigation Alex Sunjich decided that the Agency Express franchise opportunity met all his requirements.

Peter Waters Became an Agency Express Franchisee in 2013Peter Waters Became an Agency Express Franchisee in 2013

Peter Waters runs his Agency Express franchise in Reading and has developed a solid client base.

John Burke has run a successful Agency Express franchise since 2004John Burke has run a successful Agency Express franchise since 2004

John Burke has grown his Agency Express business and moved from a single van operation to multiple vans and in 2016.

Phil Harrington has run a highly successful Agency Express franchise since 2007Phil Harrington has run a highly successful Agency Express franchise since 2007

Previously a HGV driver of 18 years Phil found the transition to becoming an Agency Express franchisee a natural and progressive step.

Steve Warren has run a successful Agency Express franchise since 2013Steve Warren has run a successful Agency Express franchise since 2013

Steve Warren has run his Agency Express franchise in Chelmsford since 2013.

Paul Jenkinson joined Agency Express in February 2013Paul Jenkinson joined Agency Express in February 2013

After much research Paul Jenkinson choose the Agency Express franchise opportunity as the most suitable route to take.

What Our Franchisees Say

I was filled with confidence from the professional way my enquiries were dealt with by the Agency Express Team. The strength of the franchise package, the impressive growth of the business in the last 12 years and over 100 franchisees proves that the model clearly works.Martin Shuker, Agency Express Lancaster


The support is still fantastic and you are never left alone when you need help. There is always someone on the other end of the phone to assist with whatever the problem may be. Agency Express staff are more like friends and family that you can just ring for a chat and that is a rare benefit other companies do not have.Danny James, Agency Express Teesside


I felt confident in the early days of starting my franchise. The Agency Express training and support programme gave me the kick start I needed in getting out there and getting active.Phil Harrington, Agency Express Shropshire


Why Choose Us

Excellent earning potential

Head office invoicing and payments system

A low-cost, low-overhead business

Related Franchise Categories
Related Franchise Types

TotalFranchise

Franchises for sale in the UK. Explore our wide range of franchise opportunities and browse information about franchising including franchise news, case studies and lots more. Totalfranchise is the leading UK franchises resource to help you start a franchise business.

Latest News
To subscribe to our newsletter about the latest franchise opportunities and information, please enter your email address:
Latest Tweets

Trading for over 15 years, Signs Express (Huddersfield) presents a new owner with an established, well-respected bu… t.co/YrH5Nz6Ayd

10:01 AM Jun 9th

Auditel welcome seven new franchise Partners on bumper induction programme as demand surges… t.co/oAf8qhzL10

12:13 PM May 30th
You have selected no franchises Complete your requests