Fastsigns, headquartered in Texas, has extended its reach into the Midlands with the launch of its Northampton franchise on 28 March, marking a continuation of its expansion into the British market.

Husband and wife Tunde and Laide Sodipo head up the new print shop, bringing with them years of experience of working for multinational businesses in the finance and accounting sectors.

Tunde Sodipo said: “Laide and I have both had successful careers in our own right up until now, but we wanted to build something for ourselves, but not by ourselves.

“This launch will allow us to do just that.”

The new franchise, which has a 140sqm facility and currently employs four staff, has taken on machinery from Fastsigns' suppliers including Mimaki, Epson, Kala and Keencut, to offer a range of signage and graphics services.

Tunde told Printweek that given Fastsigns' proven business model, he hoped to achieve a turnover of more than £500,000 annually within three to five years. This would translate, he said, to an annual growth of about 20%.

Part of this expansion, he added, would involve recruiting more personnel, including a new sales executive and designer. There are plans for further recruitment later in the year.

John Davies, managing director of Fastsigns UK, said that he was thrilled to welcome the pair to the network, and that Northampton would be an ideal base to cement the franchise’s presence in the Midlands.

He said: “The opening of any new centre is always a really special one for us, and the arrival of the Northampton centre is just one of a number of new centres set to open their doors this year.

“Like many others, the signage industry has gone through an exceptionally challenging period, but what’s remained unwavering is businesses’ need for visual communications that help them get the right messages to the people that matter.”