Posted:13-January-2021
Controlling his own future with EnergyMyWay franchise
Richard Jones
EnergyMyWay
Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire
What attracted you to your own renewable energy franchise?
With my background as a chartered surveyor, I had developed a keen interest in renewable energy and was looking for a change of direction where I could work exclusively with renewables. Going the franchise route offered me a way to get up and trading quickly and to take advantage of the growing market.
Did you consider other franchise companies as well as EnergyMyWay?
Yes, I spoke to two other renewable bnergy franchise companies and after a fair amount of research I decided that EnergyMyWay most closely matched my needs and my business values. I didn’t want to simply be a salesman working on commission; I wanted to have more control over my business.
Why specifically did you choose EnergyMyWay franchise?
From our very first meeting, I felt the people at EnergyMyWay were the kind of people I could work with. They did not have all the rigidities of other franchise models. I felt it was the perfect balance of being in control of my own future but with all the support and backup from a marketing, technical and training point of view.
What do you think are the benefits of joining the franchise group at this early stage?
This is an exciting industry, which is young and rapidly moving. Being involved from the start has meant I have had some input and contribution to how the business is going to grow and operate. We are all sharing ideas and building something as a group.
What experience, if any, did you have already in the renewables business?
I had no technical expertise although I did have a basic understanding of some of the products and had seen them in use. My knowledge of how buildings are put together has certainly been useful.
Had you ever run your own business before?
Yes, I have run my own surveying practice so I had some knowledge of what it takes to run your own business. Franchising is a great option though for someone who has never had their own company as you are supported through the process and trained on what to expect.
How have you found the training and support?
I feel that I have been well equipped by the team to be able to be professional in front of customers and associates and have learnt a tremendous amount in a short period of time. Within 3 months I am up and trading – this simply would not have been possible had the original company not been through the process over a much longer period of time themselves. They have made starting this business an enjoyable and fun one whilst being realistic about the level of hard work needed – they have been supportive every step of the way.
How much has your confidence grown in your ability to be an expert in this subject?
Enormously. I feel very confident. Not long after the training I was at a customers property and she told me I was far more knowledgeable than two competitors she had seen before me. It was hard to believe I had only been operating for a few months.
How long did it take you from completing your training to winning your first customer?
Only about a month. Although it’s important to mention that I didn’t have to complete the training before being able to do my first survey. I was visiting customers a month into the training which was really good experience so early on.
Are you confident that the marketing support and materials will deliver leads to your business?
The marketing materials are working well. I am very impressed with the quality of the printed materials, they are certainly helping me to get leads. I have also been supported when requesting different materials for specific activity, such as a banner for a stand I had at a local networking event.
What have been your overall impressions of the business?
I have been extremely impressed and am very excited about being part of such an energetic and professional group.
What are you looking forward to as your EnergyMyWay business grows?
I’m looking forward to reflecting back on a great first year. I’ve been focusing on the domestic market so far and am really looking forward to getting into some bigger commercial projects when the time is right.
What is the scale of the opportunity for your franchise territory?
Because EnergyMyWay covers a broad range of renewable products and crosses several markets, there are so many opportunities to grow within my territory. With new products emerging all the time there will be even more opportunity in the future.
What would you say to someone considering an EnergyMyWay franchise now?
I would say ‘go for it’. You need to be realistic about what it takes to build up and run your own business but if its something you want to do, do it now, the Renewable Heat Incentive is around the corner so it’s a great time to be in this industry.
