Stuart Lloyd
Cartridge World Nuneaton
Background
Stuart Lloyd opened his Nuneaton franchise of Cartridge World in May 2006. Prior to this he had built up a number of transferable skills while managing a private health club. His strengths had been looking after the membership, ensuring their satisfaction and therefore encouraging them to sign up again year after year.
A combination of factors encouraged Stuart to look beyond the health club sector, and also to investigate operating his own business. The increased ‘hard-selling’ in the health-club industry and the management structures influenced his decision. Stuart wanted to be accountable for his own decisions, rather than accountable for edicts handed down from a higher tier of management.
Stuart has brought his knowledge in delivery of the best customer services to his Cartridge World franchise.
What introduced them to Cartridge World
It was however the health-club industry which introduced Stuart to Cartridge World. The partner of the health-club’s assistant manager ran Cartridge World Rugby and Stuart had been aware of this business for some time. After leaving the health club, and to gain further insight into the Cartridge World model, he spent two months in the Rugby store learning more about how the business operated. Stuart has very much based his Nuneaton store on experiences taken from the Rugby store.
Success to date
Since its launch, Cartridge World Nuneaton has shown stead month-on-month growth. Stuart readily admits that getting the business off the ground was not easy, with the first 12 months in business being tough.
One area of substantial growth in the last 12 months is B2B customers. In November 2007, Stuart engaged a local telesales company to work with the franchise and build the B2B database. During this time, business customers have gone from 30 to over 100.
This is not to the detriment of B2C customers. Stuart’s figures for September are up almost 50 per cent on the same month a year ago. Consumer business continues to grow steadily – importantly his current customer base remains happy and keeps returning, while more new customers learn about Cartridge World.
Stuart says ...“I definitely recommend that you speak to a few of the Cartridge World franchisees before you launch your own franchise. This will give you a clear overall picture.
“Some people invest in a franchise to develop for a number of years, sell and realise the profit. For me it was important to create a small and friendly operation. I want to remain involved and hands-on day to day. I’m in this for the long term.
“The training at Cartridge World Franchise Support in Harrogate was great – and really enjoyable. Even though I already had some instore experience, it was really beneficial to see the recommended methods of refilling.
“There is so much to take in but the support remains very good. Even after two years trading, we’re in touch with Technical Support regularly. Having access to that knowledge is massively beneficial for the business.”
Cartridge World in the Credit Crunch
The credit crunch is affecting the business in different ways. From a business management point of view, Stuart’s dealings with the bank have certainly been affected by the stagnation in the banking system.
On the shop floor the credit crunch is not necessarily a bad thing. The risk is that B2B customers go into administration while still owing Cartridge World money. However, on the upside, the credit crunch appears to be having a positive effect as consumers and businesses seek cost effective alternatives. Cartridge World Nuneaton is, as a result, receiving increased numbers of enquiries.
Stuart says: “The cost element is key in seeking the alternative to the original manufacturer’s replacement product. With the savings offered at Cartridge World, we are able to say that, to date, the credit crunch has not had a negative effect on sales. Most likely, its influence is the complete opposite and it is helping the steady growth of the business.”
