As the number of its sign and graphics centres in the United Kingdom expands, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. has named Andy Simpson, the long-time co-owner of the Leeds FASTSIGNS® centre, as U.K. franchise business consultant. Mr. Simpson, who will be based in Leeds, will support FASTSIGNS® centres in the United Kingdom. FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is a worldwide sign and graphics franchisor.

Mr. Simpson and his father, Chris, opened the Leeds FASTSIGNS® centre in October 1995, with Andy working first as the graphics designer and since then in all roles at the centre. In 2004, the Leeds centre became the first United Kingdom FASTSIGNS® to have annual sales ranking in the top five percent of all FASTSIGNS® centres worldwide. In reaching that sales level, the Simpsons’ centre became the first U.K. FASTSIGNS® to receive the Pacesetter designation from FASTSIGNS International, Inc.

“Andy’s knowledge of the sign and graphics business comes from working in every facet of the industry over the last 10 years, and he is ideal to become our new U.K. franchise business consultant,” said Trent Lensch, FASTSIGNS International’s director of franchise services. “He knows the ins and outs of running a successful sign and graphics centre incredibly well, and will be able to provide valuable support and insight to both our long-time and new centre owners.”

In the last four months, new FASTSIGNS® centres have opened in the Hammersmith area of west London and in Sale near Manchester. A new centre is expected to open in Huddersfield in Spring 2005. Other U.K. FASTSIGNS® centres are in Bath, Birmingham, Cardiff, Chelmsford, Crawley, Enfield, Guildford, Hove, Kingston Upon Thames, Leeds, Sheffield/Chesterfield, Stoke-on-Trent and Watford.

As a franchise business consultant, Andy will work closely with owners on matters ranging from finances and operations to marketing and production. Chris Simpson will continue to operate the Leeds centre.

Before the Simpsons opened their centre, Andy worked for a local engineering company, setting up and maintaining the company’s computer systems. After finishing University, he traveled extensively throughout New Zealand and Australia.

“I am delighted to have this opportunity to work for FASTSIGNS International at the corporate level,” said Andy Simpson. “This is the ideal position for me because I can continue working in a FASTSIGNS® centres and with owners, but on a more consultative basis.”

The younger Simpson’s appointment comes when FASTSIGNS® has also expanded its franchise development efforts in the United Kingdom. Garth Allison, a long-time centre owner, joined FASTSIGNS International in 2004 as its U.K. franchise sales director. Allison, whose family still operates the Sheffield/Chesterfield centre, concentrates on attracting new franchisees to the FASTSIGNS® network.