Case Study - Garth and Lindsay Allison
When Lindsay Allison went in pursuit of a new business venture, she knew she wanted a “fast-track” business—one that would get up and running quickly. With a wide range of business experience, including seven years as the Economic Development Manager for the Training and Enterprise Council and careers as a buyer, catering manager and lecturer, she was ready to take on the challenge of becoming an entrepreneur.
However, with no appealing businesses for sale during the time Lindsay was looking, the next suitable option was a franchise. Lindsay, and her husband, Garth, started by writing down what they wanted in the way of a lifestyle and came to the conclusion that retail would not suit them, but that a business-to-business environment would. This cut down the choices considerably.
“We began to investigate the sign industry. Once you research signs you realise that they are everywhere in many different forms and what a huge market there is for them. The technology associated with the sign industry has really grown. As a business proposition it appealed to us. We spoke to many people in the industry and they seemed happy with it as well,” says Lindsay.
After vigorously searching the various concept ideas available in the sign and digital graphic industry, Lindsay and Garth chose a FASTSIGNS® franchise. They opened their first centre in May of 1995 in Sheffield.
Garth recently was named director of franchise sales, U.K., for FASTSIGNS International, Inc., the international franchisor of FASTSIGNS® centres. He works full time on franchise development activities in the United Kingdom, while Lindsay and their son, Paul, manage the Sheffield centre.
“FASTSIGNS is well-positioned for great success in the United Kingdom,” said Garth, who noted that he’s encouraged by the level of interest and enthusiasm shown recently by prospective franchisees.
Meanwhile, Lindsay is content to run the centre in Sheffield, although she admits that, at first, working in something of a male-dominated industry had its challenges.
According to Lindsay, “The reaction I get from some of my customers to a woman coming to do a sign survey was a difficult challenge at first. Learning the tricks of the trade and adapting to all of the new technologies associated with the industry helps. I believe the Outside Sales position to be the most critical one in the company. For me, I couldn’t make a sign until I sold it. As with any business venture, once I had gained the necessary selling skills and my confidence grew, I saw that being a woman in this industry has so many positives.”
Sales at the Sheffield location continue to grow annually. At the 2003 FASTSIGNS® international convention, Lindsay and Garth were honoured because their centre recorded the highest sales percentage increase of all stores internationally from 2002 to 2003.
At the 2004 FASTSIGNS® convention, Garth was honoured for serving on FASTSIGNS® Franchise Advisory Committee (FAC), representing U.K. franchisees. The FAC helps provide strategic direction for FASTSIGNS® services and programs.
