Agency Express Bradford & Wakefield on their journey into franchising

Neil and Julie Wallace-Elsey’s franchise story is a powerful example of how shared strengths, long-standing connection and a united vision can build a thriving multi-territory franchise.

Their journey began long before they ever imagined going into business together. Growing up in the same village, attending the same classes and sharing the same friendship group, they formed a bond early in life. Neil often jokes that he has “loved Julie since he was 8 years old,” but life took them in different directions. Neil moved away, Julie moved abroad, and their paths didn’t cross again until many years later, when a simple message on social media reconnected them. Friendship grew into a relationship, they moved in together in 2018, and in 2024 Neil proposed at the Trevi Fountain in Rome before marrying later that year.

While their personal story is one of reconnection, their journey in to franchising reflects steady growth and teamwork. Neil first joined Agency Express in 2013 after searching online for opportunities. Although he explored other franchises he didn’t find the right fit until he met with Agency Express.

Other franchises didn’t feel right at all, but Agency Express stood out immediately.

He launched the Bradford territory as a sole trader and steadily built its reputation. All the while, he kept his eye on Wakefield, a territory he hoped one day to acquire. Over the years, he became well-known to the Agency Express network and asked the existing franchisees to contact him if they ever chose to sell. In 2021, he finally received the call he had been waiting for. This time, the decision was shared, Julie was now part of both his life and they had shared ambitions.

Julie’s professional background added a new dimension to the business. After years as a Senior Manager at an educational software company, overseeing HR, information security and operations, she brought organisational expertise and polished communication skills that complemented Neil’s practical knowledge. Together, they launched Wakefield as a limited company, running both territories side by side until 2025, when they merged Bradford and Wakefield into a unified multi-territory franchise.

Their roles evolved naturally. Neil continues to handle board installations across Bradford and takes pride in keeping equipment in top condition, often spending weekends “giving posts a spruce up.” Julie now manages instructions, stock and daily agent communication, having left her previous office role to focus fully on the franchise. They describe their working style as playing to their strengths.

Julie says: If it’s about where or how a board can be installed, that’s Neil. If it’s about an address, a query or a call to an agent or vendor, that’s me. Together, they’ve built strong relationships with their agents and embraced innovations such as bespoke slips, AgencyQR, KeySafes and Made Snappy, helping them stand out in their local market.

We truly consider ourselves to be a leader in our sector and are proud of how our business has evolved.

One of their greatest achievements is creating a positive workplace for their employee, who told them it’s “the best job he’s ever had” a comment they describe as one of their biggest rewards.

Challenges have arisen but working as a team has made every obstacle manageable. They credit the Agency Express support network, both head office and fellow franchisees with playing a vital role.

We’re surrounded by a great bunch of people, who we now call our friends. Each has a wealth of knowledge and skills that we can tap into.

Running a franchise as a couple has created a lifestyle they value, allowing them to spend more time together while building something meaningful. It isn’t without its challenges. Finding balance between work and personal life remains an ongoing effort, but they’ve learned to prioritise what matters.

Looking ahead, Neil and Julie see exciting growth opportunities. They hope to add another van and employee, expand their client base and maximise the potential within their existing territories. They’ve considered acquiring additional areas but believe their current territories still have plenty of room to grow, especially with ongoing developments in SignMaster and the rising interest in complementary products and servies . As they put it:

We’d imagine that with the developments and additional products Agency Express are launching, agents will be banging on our door.

To couples or family members considering franchising together, their advice is clear:

If we could offer one piece of advice to others considering a franchise, it would be to know your strengths, do your homework, and make time for yourself. We wouldn’t change a thing about our journey and we’re excited for what’s next.

Reflecting on their journey, they wouldn’t change a thing. They summarise their experience simply and sincerely:

Together, we’ve built something that reflects both our strengths, a business we’re genuinely proud of.

Their story shows just how far commitment, partnership and shared ambition can take a family-run franchise, and why multi-territory ownership can be such a rewarding path for couples stepping into business together.