Posted:13-January-2021
Interview with Ian Goddard, VIP Bin Cleaning, Cambridge
Name: Ian Goddard
Location: Cambridge, Red Lodge, Newmarket
Franchise: VIP Bin Cleaning
Why did you go down the franchise route? And why did you choose VIP Bin Cleaning franchise?
Having spent 12 years within the waste management industry I was made redundant.
As I was aware of VIP Bin Cleaning, I called the VIP head office for a chat which led onto a discovery day.
What did you do before taking up your VIP Bin Cleaning franchise?
As the East of England training manager, I was responsible for two hundred drivers, training LGV, health and safety, manual handling and cpc qualifications. I knew I wanted to own my own business.
How did you raise the finance?
I funded the franchise through personal investment and a small business loan.
What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?
VIP’s USP is that they not only offer a fantastic service to the end user but are there with the answers or documents I need at a moment’s notice; from presentations, H&S documents, risk assessments and they even have their own chemist to produce their environmentally friendly cleaning products. In essence, all areas within the business model were covered. I received a comprehensive training package and support throughout my launch.
What is a typical day for you as a franchisee?
A typical day consists of covering my work already in place as well as marketing for new clients. My customer base is growing steadily as VIP said it would, and I have the confidence in the fact my investment is growing.
What challenges have you faced?
I do not face specific challenges as everything I do impacts my business and inventively helps my income.
Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?
I was nervous about investing in a franchise but VIP has made the journey enjoyable and I am excited to see what the future holds.
What marketing/promotional tools do you use to grow your franchise?
Direct marketing as well as leads from the VIP head office.
What differentiates your franchise from the competition?
Having everything to hand, whatever I am faced with the answers are at the end of a call. I think this is the strongest part of joining a successful franchise company. You are not learning from day one, you have years of knowledge to draw from.
In your opinion, what makes a successful franchisee?
I believe hard work and an understanding that you are in business for yourself and not by yourself helps make a successful franchisee.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of buying their first franchise?
Good research, know what you want to do and go for a discovery day. You only learn so much on the phone.
What are your plans for the future?
To grow my VIP franchise to a stage where my family and I are comfortable. Then to protect my investment until I wish to sell in the distant future.
Would you do it again?
Yes, I only wish I looked into VIP years ago when I first heard about the company.
