Stuart Brook – Cartridge World Derby, Doncaster and Grimsby
Background
Before joining Cartridge World in 2002, Stuart Brook had gained management experience in a very different setting, working as a ski resort manager, as well as overseeing sales for the family business.
What introduced him to Cartridge World
When Stuart and his father visited a franchise exhibition, the Cartridge World product offer stood out to them as representing a logical alternative to the highly priced manufacturers’ own products, and the potential profit margins of 60 per cent were attractive. They also found the Cartridge World team to be friendly and approachable.
Progress to date
The father and son team opened their first franchise in Grimsby in 2002. It was soon evident that the store was going to be a success, so they opened a second one in Derby in late 2003, shortly followed by a third in Doncaster in early 2004. Stuart in now mostly based in the Derby store, but makes regular visits to the other two.
With the business going from strength to strength, after three years the combined turnover of the stores has reached £600,000. Stuart believes there is scope to increase this further, and aims to bring each store up to a turnover of at least £25,000 a month, as well as eventually opening two more outlets.
Each existing store employs three staff full-time and one part-time, all of whom Stuart believes have been crucial to the success of the business. With a manager already in place in each franchise, Stuart’s ultimate aim is to step into the role of area manager, freeing up more of his time.
Throughout his time as a Cartridge World franchisee, Stuart has benefited from the support offered by the franchise support team, a service which he feels is going from strength to strength. He has found the regular franchisee meetings helpful, as well as receiving a lot of advice and support from fellow franchisees, especially through visiting some of the UK’s top-performing stores. In addition, Stuart has access to a dedicated Business Development Manager who is always on hand for support.
Stuart says ...
“Cartridge World struck me as providing a common sense alternative to a product that many people feel is overpriced. It offers a great combination of savings and quality. The environmental benefit to what we do is also something of a unique selling point.
"I truly believe that the current economic climate presents an exciting opportunity for Cartridge World, given the substantial product savings available to businesses. With decision-makers now far more open to money-saving ideas, I’m focussing strongly on B2B sales, pushing the dual message of saving money whilst benefiting from a high quality product.
“So long as the two crucial elements are in place – dedicated staff and a high quality product – Cartridge World offers a winning formula.”
