Posted:13-January-2021
Interview with Chris Wyle, Pitman Training Franchise Partner in Birmingham
Name: Chris Wyle
Location: Birmingham
Franchise: Pitman Training
Why did you go down the franchise route? And why did you choose a Pitman Training franchise?
I went into franchising as I was looking for a great brand to be a part of. I have always enjoyed working in Training and supporting people with their own development to achieve their goals is a huge driver for me. Pitman offer great products, have a flawless reputation and stand out from the crowd in the sector I was keen to be a part of. Working with an existing brand was certainly a better option all round than starting from scratch.
What did you do before taking up a Pitman Training franchise?
Before Pitman I worked mainly in financial services leading branch based teams. Outside of the full time job I had always kept my hand in with regards to training by supporting other trainers on a Freelance basis.
How did you raise the finance?
I was able to finance my franchise business with support from Family and guidance from the Franchisor
What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?
In order to become established, there was a 2 day induction held at Pitman’s head office where we learnt more about how the business works, this is complemented by onsite support by their team of Field Development Managers and ad-hoc support is always available via their internal Customer Support Team.
What is a typical day for you as a Pitman franchisee?
A large part of my time is taken up focusing on sales. Either proactively seeking out new opportunities, responding to enquiries or meeting with prospective clients. I do spend time with existing students too, helping them if they get stuck or offering some advice and guidance on CV building or job hunting.
What challenges have you faced?
Like any small business balancing ones times and efforts are a challenge, unlike in a large enterprise where you may be a department head with a singular area of expertise and focus. Running your own business requires you be a Master, not just a Jack of all trades.
Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?
Franchising has changed my life and I believe it has positively. I am in control of my own destiny completely. I love what I do and get up in the morning invigorated and keen to grow my business. I really feel as though I am part of something special and can clearly see how I can grow my own business to achieve more success.
What marketing/promotional tools do you use to grow your Pitman Training franchise?
In order to grow my franchise we use a range of tools from E-mail campaigns, telesales, text messages, pay-per-click advertising on-line, we send letters and flyers and hand out leaflets locally where appropriate. We offer free taster sessions and engage with potential customers across a range of Social Media platforms.
What differentiates your franchise from the competition?
Strength of the brand and quality of our training, I always tell customers that if we were selling cars they’d be Mercedes.
In your opinion, what makes a successful franchisee?
A successful franchisee is someone who is dedicated and hardworking, optimistic and passionate about what they do. They need to be keen to grow and develop, take the feedback and ideas of others and utilise them in their business. Be a great leader and team player, in the world of business no man is an island and the total is always greater than the sum of its parts.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of buying their first franchise?
Do your homework, speak to existing Franchisees, go work for free in the business if you can to get a feel and understanding of what it’s really like. When you are happy make sure you have a plan of how to grow your business, get excited and go for it.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future is to grow my business via the acquisition or setting up of more Pitman Training centres.
Would you do it again?
Yes! Absolutely!
