Ashley Smith
Cartridge World Rotherham
Background
Ashley had worked for many years in the construction industry, visiting various construction sites responsible for testing the strength of building foundations. His decision to make a career change was ‘spur of the moment’ but once he’d decided he was committed. He was determined to do something different - something for himself.
What introduced him to Cartridge World
It was a chance visit to a Cartridge World store in Scarborough which planted the seed of the idea. Ashley was impressed and intrigued with the store and its products so enquired from the owner about the franchise, how much it had cost and how he could find out more. The website www.cartridgeworld.co.uk was his next port of call.
Success to date
Ashley launched his franchise in June, 2003, in his home town of Rotherham. At that time he was working full-time, employing one part-time staff member. Within a week, an additional member of staff joined. Both of these employees remain with Cartridge World Rotherham, which has since expanded to employ a total of seven people.
The store has grown steadily in the intervening years and in 2007 Cartridge World Rotherham reported a year-on-year increase in turnover of more than 10 per cent. This, combined with Ashley’s active participation in a number of Cartridge World franchisee steering groups and his support of new franchisees, earned Ashley the title of Franchisee of the Year 2008.
Ashley says ...
“I attribute the award in part to a healthy but friendly rivalry with another Cartridge World franchisee who until recently owned a store in Hereford. We talked almost daily sharing our experiences on everything from the technicalities of refilling to marketing a business.
“In truth, there was a ‘mini’ championship each month as we competed to claim the higher position on the monthly franchise league table.
“The benefit of owning a Cartridge World franchise is that assistance is available whenever it is needed. Technical support is always there at the end of the phone to provide any help needed, and it is really reassuring to know that you’re not isolated in the business.
“Customers value having a genuinely cost-effective alternative to the manufacturer’s replacement cartridges, and they also know that there is no compromise whatsoever in print quality. Increasingly however, customers tell us they refill cartridges because they’re aware of the environmental impact of sending empty printer cartridges to landfill.”
