It is launching the offer in the UK after a "staggering response" to the initiative in the US when it was rolled out last year, according to FastSigns UK managing director Garth Allison.

FastSigns’ move to expand its UK presence is part of the resurgence in the print franchise model in the UK, coming hot on the heels of the launch of PrintCafé and the relaunch of Kall Kwik.

"There are lots of printers who have dipped a toe in the waters of signage and exhibition graphics who have hit a wall and need a way to grow," said Allison. "This offer is designed for independent print businesses to add products and services."

The firm is targeting printers with sales in excess of £600,000 who would be able to accommodate a FastSigns branded space of 40sqm+ to promote the services and the brand. Products available under the FastSigns brand include signage, graphics, display boards, posters and increasingly digital signage.

"Our brand positioning was changed last year to be ‘more than fast and more than signs’, the offer now includes interiors, décor, general print and websites in additional to all forms of signage, including digital signage," said Allison.

The "drop-in" concept is priced at £12,500, below a full franchise of £17,500. Initial investment is £5,000 with the remainder in instalments over 24 months.

Further costs to set up the site range from £25,000-£50,000 depending on existing wide-format equipment and capabilities. The exact figure is determined following a site audit. The firm claimed that figure was significantly less than starting up a franchise from scratch.

Allison said the only constraint on potential sites was in areas where one of the 19 UK FastSigns operations were located, to prevent excess competition. However, he added that the firm believed the UK could support up to 120 locations.

"We now have three channels to grow our presence new centres, conversions and now co-branding," said. "Additionally existing franchisees can take on a second centre."