Meet Our Franchisees
Andy & Chris Simpson
From Redundancy to a Seven-Figure Legacy Enterprise
Executive Summary: When voluntary redundancy became an option in the mid-1990s, Chris Simpson and his then 25-year-old son, Andy, seized the opportunity to build a business together by launching FASTSIGNS Leeds. Over three decades of continuous operation, the father-and-son duo developed clear operational boundaries, combining Chris’s financial oversight with Andy’s technical, creative and team leadership skills. Beyond building a top-performing centre, that holds one of the network’s highest UK sales volumes, Andy served as a FASTSIGNS UK board member on both the UK Central Marketing Fund and also the Global Franchise Advisory Council, as well as taking a short period of employment for the franchisor as a Business Consultant.
The Background: Building a Purposeful Family Legacy
In 1995, having taken voluntary redundancy from a senior management role, Chris Simpson sought a fresh direction that would offer commercial control and long-term security. Intrigued by the creative and technical potential of the emerging B2B signage sector, he invited his son, Andy, then 25 years old, to join him in launching a new FASTSIGNS franchise in Leeds.
To ensure long-term success as both business partners and family members, Chris and Andy established clear operational rules early on, to separate home life from work. In the early days, their defined roles were:
- Chris Simpson: Oversaw business administration, financial control and high-level strategic management.
- Andy Simpson: Directed creative execution, technical production, technology adoption, and team leadership.
This division of responsibilities allowed the duo to operate as equal partners, creating a stable foundation. Over the years, Chris’s wife Catherine, Andy’s wife Diane and Andy’s son Jack have all contributed to the centre, creating an enduring family culture that extends to its long-standing staff. When Chris made the decision in 2015 to transition into retirement, with reduced working hours (a transition he is still settling into and has not fully completed, over a decade later!), Andy stepped up his role in the business and empowered his team to help deliver FASTSIGNS Leeds service to their customers.
Cultivating Decades of Team Loyalty & Regional Authority. A Team Built Like Family
An indicator of FASTSIGNS Leeds’ success is its extraordinary employee retention rate. While Chris and Andy built the business, their core staff members have grown alongside them for a quarter of a century
Rebecca Holliday
Sales Professional
25 years of service leading account development.
Dedicated Production & Fabrication Team
Multi-decade team members who oversee complex manufacturing and installation.
Shaping the Visual Identity of Leeds
For Andy, the dynamic nature of the visual communications industry remains its greatest appeal. Serving a premier B2B client base means no two projects or client requirements are ever the same.
FASTSIGNS Leeds has built an iconic regional portfolio spanning world-class organisations:
- Sports & Entertainment Giants: Leeds United Football Club and Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club.
- Manufacturing & Corporate Heavyweights: Arla Foods and global corporate brands.
- Retail & Culture Hubs: Trinity Shopping Centre
- Educational institutions: Shakespeare Primary School.
“Walking through Leeds city centre and seeing our work everywhere, knowing our team helps facilitate the city’s commercial experience and culture, is immensely fulfilling.”
Industry Innovation and Network Leadership
With such an exciting customer portfolio, with many customers needing to keep pace with trends and compliance to remain relevant in their industry, Andy has always had an eye on the next piece of equipment or industry shift.
When Chris and Andy first opened, coloured signage was made by layering vinyl; fast forward to the early 2000’s and the technology jump to digital printing, the demand for their centre’s capabilities exploded. And it’s never really slowed down. Andy is excited about the possibilities that AI can bring into the industry. He is working with his team to harness the power and efficiencies AI can deliver. To keep pace with the ever-changing industry, Andy pulls on the franchisor and supplier network to keep their service ahead of the curve.
Andy is also fully committed to franchising and FASTSIGNS as his franchisor; of the 30 international conventions Andy could have visited, he’s only missed two! Heading to convention each year allows Andy to see what technology is coming down the track, learn about new initiatives and plan for ways to develop his business each year. It’s a real opportunity for him to work on the business.
Pillars of the Network
Early in the centre’s lifecycle, Andy spent three years working directly as a Business Consultant for the FASTSIGNS UK Support Team, advising new franchisees on best practices and operational execution.
His deep involvement established him as a core pillar of the UK network. He is often involved in initiatives for the betterment of the wider group. Currently, Andy sits on the Franchise Advisory Council, where he provides constructive feedback to the Franchisor about activities they plan to deliver, from a franchisee point of view.
Over the past 30 years, however, Andy and Chris have contributed to a multitude of network activities, including:
The Central Marketing Fund Board
Served on the CMF board to direct national brand strategy.
Beta Testing Facility
The UK network’s primary testing ground for cutting-edge technology, substrates and software.
Franchisee Mentorship:
Trains incoming franchise owners, offering peer guidance on scaling local operations.
2026 & Beyond: Four Decades of Growth & Lifestyle Balance
Chris and Andy have very recently signed their fourth franchise agreement with FASTSIGNS, they have no intention of slowing down.
With Chris still in the business but enjoying more of the retired life, Andy has built a highly autonomous team to run daily executions. Andy’s key focus is on strategic networking, account growth and community advocacy. The B2B nature of FASTSIGNS allows Andy the flexibility to focus on his passion for cycling and fitness, spending time with his wife, Diane and supporting his family.
“As a brand, FASTSIGNS has an eye on the future. Initially, signs were hand-cut and made from layered vinyl. As time has progressed technology has advanced, and so have our capabilities. FASTSIGNS, as a franchisor, tests equipment, substrates and methodology, then advises us on how to implement them into our business so we stay competitive.”