November 12, 2007 // Franchising.com // MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - After considerable evaluation, a new support team and support model have been introduced to SIGNWAVE®, the sign and graphics franchisor in Australia. Andrew McKay has been named General Manager, Brendan Jamieson is the Franchise Business Consultant and Helen Spencer will take on the role of Franchise Development Manager. In addition, SIGNWAVE's corporate headquarters have relocated from Sydney to Melbourne.
"The primary reason for this change is to provide the SIGNWAVE franchisees with knowledgeable individuals that have practical, hands-on experience in the sign and graphics industry," said Susan Last, Chief Operating Officer of international sign and graphics franchisor FASTSIGNS International, Inc., who in 2006, repurchased the master franchise rights for FASTSIGNS® in Australia, known as SIGNWAVE.
SIGNWAVE centres use advanced technologies and digital sign-making systems to create a full range of custom signs and graphics. Centres offer a range of services including design, manufacture and installation. Utilising core products, such as banners, corflute, pvc and self adhesive vinyl, SIGNWAVE centres provide everything for vehicle graphics, tradeshow exhibits and displays, architectural signs, Braille and tactile signs, safety signs and full colour digital imaging.
"Andrew, Brendan and Helen bring extensive sign and graphics experience to SIGNWAVE and will offer our franchisees fresh ideas and concepts on how to run their business," continues Susan. "Andrew and Brendan have owned their own sign businesses and all three have worked in the Australian sign industry for quite some time. Their knowledge of the industry will help build awareness of SIGNWAVE and increase our presence throughout the country."
On becoming part of the SIGNWAVE family, Andrew says, "I see a unique opportunity to build and grow a national sign network from an established and reputable base. By harnessing collective efforts and skills from the new management team and working alongside our franchisees, my objective is to build a unified network under one brand that can service Australia on a truly national basis."
The new team and head office is now based in Melbourne: Suite 923, 401 Docklands Drive, New Quay, VIC 3008 Phone: 03 9604 5200 FAX: 03 9642 3080 or via the web at www.signwave.com.au.
About SIGNWAVE®
SIGNWAVE® first entered the Australian market in the summer of 1992. Currently, there are 19 centres operating throughout the country in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and the newest centre in Western Australia. SIGNWAVE sign and graphics centres use innovation and technology to make the sign buying process simple by offering consulting, design, production, file transfer, delivery, installation for a full range of custom sign and graphic products. For more information, visit www.signwave.com.au.
About the new SIGNWAVE Team:
Andrew McKay, General Manager
With over 20 years experience in the sign industry, Andrew brings a unique range of skill sets and knowledge to SIGNWAVE. Having completed a signwriting apprenticeship with one of the biggest companies in Melbourne, Andrew was given responsibility as foreman shortly thereafter, learning the requirements of dealing with staff, suppliers and clients.
Eventually Andrew started his own contracting business before forming North Melbourne Signs where Carlton United, Coca Cola Amitel, Telstra, Castrol, National Gallery Victoria and State Library Victoria were listed among his core clients. North Melbourne Signs was one of the first to branch into large format digital printing in-house.
Selling the business in 2001, Andrew concentrated on selected clients (mainly in the event management industry) in a consultancy role, and then accepted a full-time position with Sign*A*Rama in franchise support, combined with sales duties for four years.
Prior to joining FASTSIGNS, Andrew continued working in the industry as Business Development Manager, where he was responsible for securing national accounts.
Brendan Jamieson, Franchise Business Consultant
Brendan has been in the industry for 20 years working with and at some of Melbourne's biggest and most established sign companies, namely, Carroll Signs & Graphics, Ausigns, North Melbourne Signs and Signcraft. Brendan has a wide-ranging knowledge of traditional signwriting; computer design; sign manufacturing and installation; work prioritisation and organisation; application of vinyl and digital print media; knowledge of all substrates; and is familiar with site surveys (with OH&S standards).
Having run a small contracting company, Brendan has the connections, experience and skills, learnt from years of client interaction, innovation, cash flow control and all the details that come with running a small business.
Helen Spencer, Franchise Development Manager
Helen was formerly the sales and marketing coordinator/manager for one of the country's leading companies in digital imaging, co-ordinating large scale national visual merchandising from quotation through to production, dispatch and installation.
Having started out in a customer service role, Helen has accumulated a wealth of experience in the sign/digital print industry. She has a proven ability to build and foster relationships and combined with her attributes as an exceptional organiser with natural people skills, is ideally suited to a development role.
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