In 1996, Tracy took over her family’s business selling safety equipment into the construction industry, before 12 years later accepting a buy-out offer from a larger company.
Although she was offered a senior role at the company, Tracy opted to move on and instead support Jeremy with his new venture of running a Signarama franchise—a decision he had made just six months prior to the takeover.
Despite being new to the industry, thanks to Signarama’s training programme, Tracy got to grips with the market and was soon offering a host of new ideas for the business.
“I was very comfortable with being able to run the business, but it was important to learn as much as I could about the industry—the products; the services; new technology; customer types; competitors; trends and potential,” Tracy explains.
Signarama provide incredible systems and procedures, but unless you’re from the industry yourself, you need to put the right people with the right technical expertise in place”
“We needed to bring certain skills in-house, like graphic design and production.
“Signarama provide incredible systems and procedures, but unless you’re from the industry yourself, you need to put the right people with the right technical expertise in place.”
Six years after taking control, the Signarama Birmingham South franchise is one of the most successful branches in the country, employing a full-time team of six.
“There’s no question that being part of such a well known global brand can open certain doors for you,” Tracy says.
It’s been challenging of course and it’s been a steep learning curve at times, but we have the advantage of always knowing that there is support there whenever we need it”
“Often the impression of size and national reach is very instrumental in larger clients trusting you with important and high value projects.
“It’s been challenging of course and it’s been a steep learning curve at times, but we have the advantage of always knowing that there is support there whenever we need it.
“We can call on the Signarama franchise team for anything we need, whether that be for the latest industry knowledge or just simple advice on a project.
“We are also part of a large network of franchise owners who are more than happy to help each other out or even work together to deliver on national contracts.”
