Posted:19-March-2024
Running a Hire A Hubby franchise alongside an existing business
- Name: Keith Holdsworth
- Location: Maidstone
- Franchise: Hire A Hubby Bearsted, Kent
- Date launched the franchise: February 2018
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying your Hire A Hubby franchise?
Before becoming a Hire A Hubby franchisee, I was running my own electrical business. I still currently run this business alongside my Hire a Hubby franchise; they both complement each other.
Can you tell us about Hire A Hubby?
Hire A Hubby is a property maintenance and handyman franchise business with 22 franchisees in the UK and over 250 in Australia. Our Hubbies can do everything from small house repairs to full renovations.
What made you choose the property maintenance industry? And why Hire A Hubby?
My electrical business was needing my attention slightly less at the time, so I thought, why not put my skills to the test and try something new. And something that would work alongside my current business. I’ve always been good with my hands and quite practical so started to look in that area and when I came across Hire A Hubby, I knew it was perfect for me.
I chose Bearsted as my franchise area as this is probably the most affluent area near where I live and I also didn’t want to work too far from home.
How did you raise the finance?
Loan from the bank.
What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?
1 x week at head office to run through the systems and 1 x week in Coventry going through the practical side of things.
How would you describe your day-to-day role as a franchisee?
I now manage the business and organise the jobs for the tradespeople that work for me.
How do you achieve a work-life balance?
I work hard during the week so that I can take the weekends off.
If you are a multi-unit franchisee, can you tell us why your franchise is ideal for those looking for a scalable opportunity?
To go from a single to a multi-unit operation can be done in a few ways. You could continue working hands-on but employ more people to help or you could manage the business and recruit tradespeople to do the handyman work for you.
If you have staff, how do you retain your best staff and keep morale high and productive; how do you incentivise your staff and recognise success?
I believe that I pass on the work life balance to anybody that works for me. I don’t make people work long hours and I don’t put pressure on them to complete jobs quickly. Our aim is to retain customers, which means we never rush any of our jobs.
What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to buy their first franchise?
Get a decent accountant! Don’t try and do everything yourself, spread the load.
In your opinion, what makes a successful franchisee?
Getting a reliable team behind you, listening to advice, learn from your mistakes and stay positive.
What are your plans for the future?
- To have a steady flow of work that will accommodate 3 vans
- To get involved with the local authority
- To target estate agents
Interested and want to know more about Hire A Hubby?
The Hire A Hubby profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.
