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Agency Express Van Franchise Case Study
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.
Agency Express Van Franchise Case Study
Franchise Information
  • BFA Membership StatusAward Winner
  • UK Years Established25 years
  • Current UK Coverage60%
  • Franchisee Support Staff10
  • Personal Investment Req.£14,250
  • Total Startup Cost£27,500
  • Territory-based business locationYes
  • Business to business servicesYes
  • Franchisee operates individuallyYes
Next Steps

James Tipton launched his Agency Express franchise in August 2016

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

Agency Express - James TiptonPreviously an experienced Retail Manager of 25 years for a leading supermarket chain, James wanted a change in career and was drawn to the idea of owning a business.

"I wanted to work for myself so I started researching the different options via a number franchising websites. I knew what my strengths were so that gave me a good place to start my investigation. After that I kept an open mind looked into areas that sparked my interest."

After much consideration, James found the Agency Express van based franchise to be the most attractive as it provided a clear and proven framework that he could easily adapt too.

"After meeting everyone at head office it was obvious that Agency Express were well organised and highly focused business, with the interest of customers high on the agenda. I felt that my knowledge, experience and skill set would adapt well to the franchise."

An advantageous business opportunity arose when an established Agency Express franchise came up for resale in James’s area. James seized the opportunity and within the first few months had built strong relationships with his customers and further developed the business.

"One of the biggest highlights for me so far is being my own boss and having total control of my work-life balance. Also, within my first few months of trading I was asked to complete a board change for a customer, replacing all of their old boards on the streets with new ones. This needed to be completed in addition to my normal days work. I set myself a target of five working days but completed the task within three. Seeing my service speed increase gave me a real sense of achievement."

Throughout the first 6 months James’s service delivery continued to grow from strength to strength. His professional, approachable manner enabled him to win new business and his high standard of work safeguarded him a busy first year.

"My daily routine consists of scheduling my jobs in SignMaster and loading the van up the night before. I always include a few spares for my busier customers and I make sure my batteries are charged. On the day I work my way through the scheduled job list, but I’ll also check SignMaster again late morning and around 3pm, to see if there are any jobs for the next day that I can pick up whilst on the road. When I get home I paint any posts that need refreshing whilst waiting for SignMaster to update with the following days jobs. Then after 5.30pm I plan my route and load the van for the next day. All in all it’s fair to say I am enjoying every aspect of my business."

Find out more about the Agency Express franchise for yourself 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.

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.

Neil Chapman Joined Agency Express in November 2012Neil Chapman Joined Agency Express in November 2012

Neil Chapman chose Agency Express as he was ready for a new challenge and a change of direction.

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

During the last two and a half years, the business has grown to a point where I’m working at full capacity with one van. I really enjoy the freedom of being able to choose the hours I work, and I particularly appreciate being able to work from home.John Burke, Agency Express Colchester


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 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


Why Choose Us

Simple to operate

Head office invoicing and payments system

A low-cost, low-overhead business

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