Why Optic-Kleer franchise stands out from the competition
Name: Mike Cruz Location: Lincolnshire Franchise: Optic-Kleer Date launched the franchise:
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying your Optic-Kleer franchise business? I have been running my Optic-Kleer franchise since 2012. I previously worked for another autoglass repair company.
Can you also tell us about the franchise you have bought? Optic-Kleer specialises in repairing windscreens. The way the Optic-Kleer franchise works is that we turn up at a supermarket and set up our equipment. Having a canopy, signs and a vehicle draws in the customers, so there is no cold calling or leaflet drops. You just wait for the customer to come to you. We also have the Optic-Kleer website, which lets customers know where we are working.
Why did you go down the franchise route? What made you choose the auto repair industry? And why did you choose an Optic-Kleer franchise? I knew of Optic-Kleer as I had been working for another windscreen repair company. Optic-Kleer was one of our competitors! When David approached me with an opportunity to start as a franchisee, I jumped at the chance to join a better company and become my own boss.
What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing? The training lasted 5 days. It covered not only how to carry out a professional repair but also how to run a successful business with all the support needed. I was taken through step by step from setting up my registered limited company to VAT registration.
One of the biggest advantages with Optic-Kleer, compared to the previous company I worked for, is the fantastic support I received initially and still receive now. Head Office is always on the end of phone, including the franchisor. David is very helpful and always has time for you. We have a fully staffed office who are there to support us, which is a minimal cost but very beneficial.
How would you describe your role as a franchisee? The way I run my franchise, it is quite varied. Not only do I see customers at supermarket car parks, I work for farmers and commercial sectors. I work on fleets of lorries, which makes the business different. I also do house calls, as well as going to a fixed site. I set up all my equipment in a supermarket car park and just wait for the customers to arrive. My day is very diverse, you can have two or three customers in one go or they can be more spread out. No day is ever the same.
What are the key USPs of an Optic-Kleer franchise? With Optic-Kleer we have very low overheads, which is great when you are self-employed. The management fees are also very low and the software we use to order our solutions is straightforward.
The stock we hold, consumables, canopy and signs, is minimal.
Do you feel satisfied in your work? Providing excellent customer service is essential in this industry. I like to be professional and treat people how I would like to be treated. You are representing Optic-Kleer as well as your own business. I feel very satisfied in my work as people are very nice and it is rewarding to be appreciated after completing a successful repair.
In your opinion, what makes a successful franchisee? I don't believe you really need any experience as Optic-Kleer will provide you with thorough training. However, I think it's useful to have good face-to-face communication skills. Self-motivation is also important as you are running your own business.
Are you excited about the future with Optic-Kleer? I have been with Optic-Kleer since early 2012 and it has gone very quickly. I am looking forward to the future and with all the new developments coming along digitally, I think it can only get better.
Papa John's Mansfield Opening Exceeds Expectations
Leading pizza franchise, Papa John’s, has announced its newest store located in Mansfield, Nottingham has exceeded expectations! The store which opened at the end of July is centrally located in St Crispin's Court, Stockwell Gate and run by franchisee Abdul Kasana, who also manages four other Papa John’s in the region.
“We have recruited ten new part-time, plus ten more full-time local staff to manage the Mansfield store,” confirms Abdul Kasana. “The opening was attended by the local press and meant we were incredibly busy from day one! Local residents were keen to find out what was on the menu and to try our top-quality Papa John’s pizza, known for its fresh dough and ingredients and we were delighted to deliver!
Abdul who previously worked as an education consultant in London prior to joining Papa John’s as a franchisee continues: “To help us launch the Mansfield store we were able to take advantage of a special franchisee incentive scheme run by Papa John’s. This gave us deals on equipment, assistance with marketing and reduced royalty fees which is a real helping hand when setting up a new business. It has meant we have tasted success quickly with the new opening!
Anthony Round, business development manager, Papa John’s explains: “Papa John’s is expanding rapidly in the UK and we now have well over 350 stores across the country. We are proactively recruiting for new franchisees to help bring more Papa John’s top quality pizza to the people! Franchisees don’t need any direct industry experience as we provide full training. However, individuals do need to be motivated, enthusiastic, hardworking, business minded and want to be part of a growing team.
“In return, we support franchisees through the entire process of setting up a franchised Papa John’s, including training, help with location selection and full turnkey solution to opening the store,” explains Round. “Through our latest incentive deal, we are looking forward to working with more new franchisees all hungry to become part of our success story by opening-up more Papa John’s stores throughout the UK.”
Belvoir Lincoln celebrates 20 successful years franchising
Paul and Sharon Collins of Belvoir Lincoln have ended 2016 on a high – celebrating 20 years in business with the UK’s largest High Street-based property franchise company.
Paul and Sharon, who are both keen horse riders, were delighted when Paralympic Gold medallist, Sophie Wells MBE, accepted the couple’s invitation to be a guest of honour at their 20th anniversary celebrations, accepting a donation from the company for her Riding for the Disabled Group.
Over the years Belvoir Lincoln has won countless industry awards and was named Belvoir’s ‘Best East Midlands agency’ in 2016. Today Belvoir Lincoln is one of the city’s largest property specialists and a top performer in Belvoir’s network of 300 offices.
Paul initially launched his business in 1996 following retirement from a 22-year military career.
“Leaving the security of a career in the armed forces and building a business from scratch into the size of business we have today is our proudest achievement,” says Paul.
“After meeting with the company’s founder – former RAF Wing Commander, Mike Goddard, I became one of Belvoir’s earliest franchise owners. From the outset it has been a mutually beneficial relationship. We have learned from each other and grown together. Along with the rest of the 300 plus franchisees in the Belvoir Group, we have never been alone and have always had somewhere to go to for advice if we need it.
“There have been many challenges and changes along the way and many of our long standing landlord and tenant clients have been the keystone to growth by spreading the word about our service through personal recommendations.
“They have supported us through thick and thin and we would like to take this opportunity to thank them from the bottom of our hearts. In fact, many tenants have gone on to become our landlords - which in itself is a fantastic endorsement.
“Despite the many continuing challenges and changes that affect our business we view the future with optimism. There is the potential for a medical teaching hospital linked to Lincoln’s University that will bring more people to the area, and as more changes in legislation are imposed on landlords, we believe that many who currently self-manage their properties will perhaps start to consider passing the increasing responsibility to professional agents such as ourselves.
“With a general housing shortage, an increasing UK population and on-going difficulties in getting onto the property ladder, we believe that more and more people will choose to rent, rather than buy, as they do on the continent.”
Dorian Gonsalves, Belvoir’s Chief Operating Officer, says: “Paul and Sharon have been fabulous representatives of brand Belvoir and over the years have led the way in researching and launching many new initiatives that have benefitted the entire franchise network. I regard Paul as a living legend within our network and am deeply proud that we have such immensely skilled, experienced and passionate individuals like Paul in our network.
”I attended their anniversary celebration to present them with a commemorative plaque and was amused when Sharon was asked if they were planning to do another 20 years, but she joked that Paul would be 80 by that point, so it is very unlikely! Joking aside, this is a shame as we would be delighted if Paul and Sharon committed to another 20 years, although I appreciate that this may not be physically possible!
“Belvoir Lincoln has a fabulous team and I wish them all the best for their 20 year celebrations.”
Belvoir Lincoln is the second office to celebrate 20 years in business during 2016, with Andy Campbell of Belvoir Moray celebrating two decades with the company in July.
StumpBusters franchise for sale as owner set to retire
Name: Kevin Chilton & Jan Forsyth
Location: East Midlands
Franchise: StumpBusters
Date launched the franchise: 1st March 2007
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying your StumpBusters franchise?
I had been involved in various businesses and at the time of purchasing StumpBusters (East Midlands) I was running an estate agency franchise.
Why did you go down the franchise route? What made you choose a landscaping franchise, and why decide on the StumpBusters franchise?
We initially got into franchising as we liked the idea of support from within a franchise family.
As I mentioned, I was running an estate agency franchise but as it was a turbulent and stressful time for the housing market, an active outdoor franchise seemed to be the perfect answer. As it turned out, it was! We set up the business together and have never looked back.
When we looked at StumpBusters we found they were so very helpful. We talked to many of their franchisees prior to joining, and they all appeared to be happy and making money. It turned out to be one of the best decisions we have ever made!
Why have you decided to sell your business?
It’s time to retire!!!
What are the key selling points of your business?
An excellent outdoor business enjoying an outstanding reputation that provides a healthy client base of returning customers. A business with an income from day1.
What support should the new franchisee expect to receive?
A wealth of on-going support both from the franchisor and franchisees within the StumpBuster family. There is always someone to talk to.
What are the other benefits of buying a resale?
If the business has been worked properly, an up and running profitable business from day 1 with a healthy client base.
What is a typical day for you as a StumpBuster franchisee?
Up early, drive to first job, which could be one of a number of smaller domestic jobs that day, or a full days work at the same location. This could be a day on a golf course, or a mixture of contract and domestic work.
Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?
It has certainly given financial stability, which was more than welcome. That and job satisfaction leaving many clients very happy with the work carried out.
What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to buy their first franchise?
Due diligence!! Look very closely at the franchisor and what he/she has to offer. Ensure the reward to work structure is in your favour. Some franchisors are clearly in it for themselves meaning, you do the hard work and they take the profits. StumpBusters is heavily weighted in your favour from day 1. I don’t believe you will find a fairer franchisor!
In your opinion, what makes a successful franchisee?
1/ Professionalism – always be on time and take care with your clients, and,
2/ Protect the brand.
One should compliment the other in any case, but we have always cared for our clients in as much as we presented ourselves, worked and were as polite as we would have liked to experience ourselves if we were the clients. This has left many happy customers and has built us an enviable reputation.
Exclusive Interview: "Home Instead changed our lives and the lives of many"
Name: Richard & Jo Aram
Location: East Notts. and Melton Mowbray
Franchise: Home Instead Senior Care
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying a franchise business?
My wife, Jo, and I are parents to 7 year old twins and have been married for 12 years. Jo runs a commercial property business and I used to be Cabin Crew on the World Wide Fleet for British Airways based at Heathrow.
Why did you go down the franchise route? And why did you choose the Home Instead franchise?
"Starting your own business from scratch can be daunting so the franchise route with a proven track record and a growing brand presence makes that “leap into the unknown” much easier to take."
Ultimately, we liked Home Instead’s ethos and what the brand is trying to achieve.
How did you raise the finance?
Personal savings and the bank.
What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?
Comprehensive Franchisee Owner training is provided at National office in Warrington with regular follow up training with fellow Franchisee Owners with whom you did the initial training. Thereafter you are assigned a Manager who provides advice and guidance as you grow the business.
What is a typical day for you as a Home Instead franchisee?
There is no such thing as a typical day as a home care provider! Each day brings different challenges and rewards as you help members of your community maintain their independence at home.
"The fact that you are doing something worthwhile in your community leads you to meet and work with some amazing people and organisations."
What challenges have you faced?
Jo and I are not from a sales background so in the beginning we were nervous about how we would be able to make people aware of the service we wanted to provide.
Once people understand and experience the difference Home Instead care can make that whole process becomes much easier.
Has becoming a Home Instead franchisee changed your life, if so how?
Being a Home Instead franchise owner means you can have a positive affect on peoples’ lives and also means you are building a local business that benefits local people.
There is a huge amount of satisfaction to be derived from that.
What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to buy their first franchise?
My Grandad told me “If you take care of the business in the first year; it will start to look after itself in the second year and by the third year it will be looking after you”. That is sound advice.
"I would also surround yourself with staff who “buy into” what you are trying to achieve and understand why Home Instead do make a difference."
What are your plans for the future?
Jo and I want to continue to grow the business and try to improve on the “outstanding” rating that CQC has awarded us!
Would you do it again?
Yes, there is a lot of hard work in the beginning but having the support from National Office definitely helps you become a successful Home Instead franchise owner.
To receive Home Instead's FREE franchise prospectus, click here.
EWIF Success in the Midlands
Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF) held their first Midlands Regional meeting this week and it was a huge success!
Fiona Boswell from Fraser Brown Solicitors hosted the meeting and was thrilled with the number of people who attended. The first Midlands guest speaker was Pam Featherstone from ActionCOACH who inspired attendees with a presentation on how to work ON your business and not IN it with lots of practical tips for the business women in attendance to take away and implement.
EWIF Regional Meetings are held across the UK, throughout the year, to give women from every walk of life the opportunity to attend and gather advice, information and network with like-minded business owners. The Midlands meetings mean that EWIF now has an even wider remit and business women in the area have a forum of support that they can call on when facing challenges with their businesses.“I was so pleased that we had such a good turn out to the first meeting in the Midlands. There’s been a huge gap in the Midlands for EWIF so it’s great to be able to provide their services for even more local business women. I hope that the meetings will become more and more popular as we continue and that the business women who attend are inspired and supported by the meetings. The Midlands is such a diverse region with so many business women and I think it’s important for them to have such a great organisation to turn to,” explains Fiona.
EWIF’s primary focus is to support women who are looking for a route into the franchise industry. Our remit is threefold; to encourage women to consider buying a franchise, to encourage business women to franchise their existing operations and to help franchisors attract more women to their networks. We are a not-for-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers, providing advice and guidance to anyone looking at trying to break into the franchise industry.
“It’s great to see so many in attendance at our first Midlands regional meeting. I hope that it spells success for the future in the region. I couldn’t think of anyone better to be hosting the meetings than Fiona. Her passion and knowledge for the franchise industry and the EWIF cause really shines through and she works tirelessly to create opportunities for more women and to support them in their new business ventures whether they’re franchisees or franchisors,” explains Clive Sawyer, CEO of EWIF.
Interview with Chris McGee, Oscar Pet Foods, Mansfield
Name: Chris McGee
Location: Mansfield, North Nottinghamshire
Franchise you bought: Oscar Pet Foods
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying a franchise business?
I’m married with 2 children. We have a short haired German Pointer – Willow, 2 years old and a ginger tom cat - Betty blue, 1 year old.
I previously worked in sales for electrical retail; holding sales manager and store manager positions.
Why did you initially decide to go down the franchise route? And what made you choose a franchise resale over starting a new franchise business?
I’ve always wanted to work for myself and prior to me starting my franchise, my parents owned a successful Oscar franchise for approx10 years albeit in a different territory. I decided on a resale as I wanted to buy a business that was profitable from the off.
How does the decision making process for buying a resale differ from buying a new franchise?
I believe it depends if you have funds in the bank to be able to set up from scratch with no income for a period of time or whether you prefer a readymade business.
What made you decide on the franchise you bought?
As mentioned earlier, my parents ran a successful Oscar business previously.
What have been the main benefits to you buying a resale business?
Existing customer base that recognise the brand already thus word of mouth travels quicker to new customers.
Where there any challenges you had to overcome?
No not really, just balancing the time available to develop my Oscar business and other part time work.
Was it easier to raise finance because you were looking at a resale opportunity?
Not applicable.
What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing from your franchisor?
Initially we received a full weeks training on all aspects of the Oscar franchise and also a field trainer came out in the initial weeks.
What is a typical day for you as a franchisee?
As a franchisee you find you are working all the time although this can be decided by yourself as to when and where. I tend to do calls text etc on a Mon /Tues evening and all my deliveries are done on a Thursday, this allows me time to do other work.
Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?
I wouldn’t say changed my life as such but I definitely feel better than when I was employed, the main thing is I can be more flexible and do things I want, when I want.
What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to buy their first franchise? And would you recommend a franchise resale?
Know what you are buying and speak to as many franchisees as possible to get a good understanding of what the business entails.
Yes I would recommend a resale.
What are your plans for the future?
To continue to develop my Oscar franchise.
Would you do it again?
Yes, I would do it again.
Belvoir Bingham franchise is now open
Belvoir are pleased to announce the launch of the latest addition to the Belvoir network, Belvoir Bingham.
Opening its doors for the first time this month, Belvoir Bingham is a second office for successful franchise owner Charlotte Baker and will complement her existing Belvoir business in Melton Mowbray which has been operating since 1998.
“The driving factor for opening a new office was to help grow the business while building on the success we’ve already had at our existing office in Melton Mowbray,” says Charlotte.
“Because we already have an experienced team in place, plus a number of successful tried and tested systems for managing rental property, it seemed a logical next step to expand our business by opening an additional office in a nearby town.
“We decided to launch in Bingham because it borders on our territory and it has got a really buoyant property market – in fact, last year it was cited in the media as one of the top ten places to live. It’s got a good comprehensive school, property is affordable, and it’s got a market town atmosphere even though it’s close to Nottingham with good commuter links. There’s an awful lot of new building happening in Bingham and the surrounding villages too so there will be plenty of opportunities for the new office moving forward.”
As part of Charlotte’s expansion, two of her long-term staff members have become franchise owners.
“In order to manage both offices effectively, two members of staff, Graham Croft and Katie Archer, have joined me as franchise owners,” continues Charlotte.
“Katie has been with me since 2005 and Graham joined Belvoir Melton Mowbray in 2006 so both will bring considerable experience to the new office.
“Having them on board will enable the business to grow further and faster and, ideally, we’d like to add an additional 100 managed properties to our portfolio.
“We currently have over 300 managed properties at the office in Melton Mowbray and we’re hoping that the office in Bingham will provide the opportunity to expand our managed portfolio further.”
Charlotte is Belvoir’s latest franchise owner to expand her business by opening a second office. Launching additional offices in new territories gives franchise owners like Charlotte the opportunity to increase their property portfolio, and proves that the Belvoir business model can provide long-term opportunities for franchise owners and their staff.
Belvoir recruits franchise owners of all ages and from a variety of backgrounds. If you’re considering a career in property management, please contact the recruitment team for an informal chat to find out more about the Belvoir opportunity.
Enjoying the stability of a Signs Express franchise
This week sees the brand new opening of leading national sign franchise Signs Express in Nottingham. Husband and wife team, Adam and Jane Bailey are both looking forward to working with businesses in the Nottingham area.
Signs Express is the UK and Ireland’s leading sign company serving over 75 areas across the country.
Adam and Jane will be opening their doors to the public the week commencing 26th September. The centre is a 2000 sq. ft custom designed unit, with state of the art equipment and specialised work areas for the highest quality results. Adam brings with him a wide range of sign making skills, having worked as a sign maker himself for the past 25 years, with Jane working as the Marketing Director. Signs Express (Nottingham) also has its own drive-in vehicle livery bay which provides the perfect climate controlled environment for graphics application.
Jane commented on their decision on franchising and joining Signs Express; “We came to the conclusion that we wanted to have a business together and decided that with Adam’s vast experience, staying in the sign industry was the best decision. After much research and visiting other Signs Express centres it really helped us to confirm that we were making the right decision, you can’t fail to be impressed with the business model. The team has been great and we’ve been made to feel so welcome that we already feel we have been part of Signs Express for years.”
In today’s economy, starting a business could be considered as a gamble, however, by careful planning and diligence on behalf of the franchisor, the Signs Express business model in continuing to provide a stable package for new and already established centres.
As part of the UK and Ireland’s leading signs and graphics company, Signs Express (Nottingham) provides a complete design, manufacture and installation service for all forms of signage including interior/exterior signs, vehicle graphics, exhibition and display products, window graphics and health and safety signage for businesses in Nottingham and the surrounding areas.
Automotive ambition with Mac Tools franchise
Signs Express franchise recruits in Leicester
Signs Express franchise recruits in Nottingham
Be profitable with a Platinum Property Partners franchise
The property investment sector has had a turbulent couple of years and many landlords and investors have been forced out of the market by a lack of cashflow and capital. Leading the field of those still flourishing is the Platinum Property Partners property investment franchise, founded in mid-2007, which has recruited 45 high net worth Franchise Partners to date, with more waiting to join. By following PPP’s proven business models and with the support of their expert team of over 33 professional advisors, Franchise Partners are expanding their portfolios and increasing profits through the recession.
The beauty of property as a wealth creation vehicle is not only are you investing in tangible assets which will appreciate over time, but you can also refurbish and let the properties out in such a way that the rental income covers the mortgage, utility bills and maintenance costs, and also gives a significant positive cashflow. PPP’s Franchise Partners are seeing average returns of £1,000+ pre-tax profit per month, per property, even allowing for void periods.
This kind of investing starts with the principle that an investment property is simply a money-making box. How much profit you make in the short and long term depends on what you do with the box: what & how you buy, how you divide up the space inside and how you tenant and manage that space. Anyone can buy a property and wait for its value to go up in line with the market; the skill is in 'beating' the market and bettering those returns.
One Leicester-based Franchise Partner bought a property in Spring 2008 for £225,000. He spent £60,000 refurbishing it to the PPP model, and it now delivers over £4,000 a month in rental income, with over £2,500 pre-tax profit. The property has recently been re-valued at £335,000 - that’s an increase in asset value of £110,000 during a national market slump!
Maximising profit and establishing a good stream of passive income from property is a simple concept to understand, but not an easy strategy to implement. However, for smart property investors who surround themselves with the right experts and professionals, 2010 is going to be another superb year!
Delighting in the challenge of franchising with Chemex
John, 41, has invested in a franchise with Chemex International covering South Nottinghamshire, including Nottingham city centre, Southwell, Grantham, Long Eaton, Bingham and Radcliffe-on-Trent.
“I graduated from Nottingham University with a degree in agriculture and worked for 16 years in agricultural farm management. I ended up managing a large, intensive arable, vegetable and root crop farm in North Nottinghamshire,” said John who lives at Oxton.
Franchising appealed to John because he had dealt with franchised businesses in the organic produce industry and knew how it worked.
Now he is franchising for Chemex, not only selling a wide range of cleaning and hygiene products but also offering advice and training for the healthcare, catering and hospitality industries.
John, who is a former captain of Nottingham & Union Rowing Club and Henley Royal Regatta oarsman is now putting his back into building a successful business supplying cleaning and hygiene products.
As a competitive rower, who trained daily, rowing on the River Trent and reached the quarter-finals at Henley, John said: “With my competitive nature and business experience a Chemex franchise provides an opportunity to build a substantial business”.
“We supply a wide range of businesses, including care homes, restaurants, pubs, hotels, offices, schools and colleges - hygiene is major issue in all these businesses.
“Where we differ, though, is we also offer training and advice on use of our cleaning products, as well as safety and hygiene control programmes.”
Controlling destiny with Servicemaster franchise
I bought my first franchise in 1986, following a career in the Insurance Industry.
Franchise Roadshow returns to Leicester…
Supporting all the way
Strengthening Fastsigns franchise future
David Callister, from Spalding, has joined the UK operations team of FASTSIGNS International, Inc., as franchise business consultant. FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is the franchisor of 20 FASTSIGNS® sign and graphics centres in the UK, and over 500 centres worldwide. As one of two UK franchise business consultants, David will be responsible for providing support to UK centres to help owners improve efficiency and grow sales profitability. David brings nearly 11 years experience in franchise sales, operations and marketing to FASTSIGNS. Prior to his appointment, David served as the national accounts manager for Drain Doctor, Ltd., for which he created a new image and sales and marketing plan. David was also the business development manager and eventually the senior business development manager for the German franchise Eismann, which specialises in delivering frozen foods to the home. With Eismann, he won the Business Development Manager of the Year award. When asked why he wanted to join the FASTSIGNS network, David said: “After many years in sales and business development, I felt I had lost touch with the franchisees themselves and wanted to get back to working with the people who run their businesses. I look forward to being more involved with the owners and aim to help the centres develop their business and ultimately be successful.” “David’s experience will strengthen the support team and I expect to see sales and profits continue to grow for our centres,” added Garth Allison, managing director of UK operations for FASTSIGNS International, Inc.
Outstanding customer care award for Belvoir franchise
Following the Belvoir system and maintaining meticulously high standards in their business has paid off for Carol and Warren Wadeson, Belvoir Lettings’ Rugby franchisees. In recognition of their exemplary customer care, Carol and Warren have received Belvoir’s award for the most Outstanding Customer Care, chosen from the national network that now has 97 outlets. Announcing their achievement, Belvoir co-founder and CEO, Mike Goddard, said: “Their hard work and support for Belvoir has been fantastic, especially in helping others through our regional franchise groups. Carol has also spoken at bfa-run seminars, giving an invaluable insight with her personal account of what it’s like to be a franchisee.” Carol and Warren Wadeson had wanted to set up their own business for some time and considered various options before deciding that franchising offered the best way for them to achieve their ambition. As a Business Relationship Manager for a high street bank Carol knew that franchising had a far higher success rate than comparable stand-alone new businesses. She also recognised the value of the training and on-going support that ethical franchisors provide. Warren was an operations manager for a large contract services company and spending much of his working day travelling around his large patch. He felt that his sedentary lifestyle behind the wheel and at a desk was unhealthy so he resolved to find a different and new challenge. Carol and Warren thought about the type of business they would like to have. Although they first met at catering college while they were both training to be chefs and bakers, neither was keen on working in the food or catering sector. They began some serious research and, once they were set on buying a franchise, went to several franchise exhibitions with completely open minds to see what was on offer. “The choice is huge and we were amazed to see so many different types of franchise at the show”, Carol said. “Afterwards we carefully considered the companies we liked the most, narrowing down our choice to a shortlist. Belvoir was right at the top. We liked the concept of property management and were confident that we could make it work,” she added. Initially, Carol and Warren set up their franchise in a home office in summer 2002 but soon discovered that they could only achieve the growth they needed by operating from a shop. Five months later they took premises in the town centre and the business really took off. In the last year, their fourth, they have achieved 100 per cent growth. They have discovered that they are a very effective team and work together extremely well. Warren says: “We actually enjoy being together all the time and we get a real buzz out of being our own boss.”
Taxing Issues solved with TaxAssist franchise
Motivated with Drain Doctor
Chris Morewood
Being part of a national group gives you professional support and better market recognition.
I was an IT project manager for the Cadbury-Schweppes group for 19 years.
Commercial loan.
Full training in business management, marketing and technical skills was provided at Drain Doctor Plumbing’s head office in Peterborough. On-going technical and operational support is available from the head office team.
I was impressed by Drain Doctor Plumbing’s high customer service standards and the potential to build a multi-van business rather than just being a one-man operation.
Starting a new business requires strong motivation. You cannot just wait for the telephone to ring. You have to market yourself and your business. You have to be resourceful to tackle anything that comes along.
Investigate how much on-going support will be available from the franchisor. Is there a viable business system that will help you build and manage a successful operation or will you simply be a one-man-and-his-van operation that pays a fee to the franchisor? Ask: ‘Is this a recession-proof business?’ What professional support and marketing does the franchisor provide?
To have four vans operating within two years.
A local man providing superb specialist cleaning to homes throughout South Leicester is celebrating his 20th anniversary with Safeclean, becoming the 2nd Safeclean franchisee reach the landmark.
Owning and operating a business takes a lot of hard work, as George quickly discovered when he launched his specialist furnishings cleaning business in South Leicester. “It was a steep learning curve,” George recalls. But despite working hard at developing his business George, who’s now in his sixties, still found time to complete a part-time degree in Humanities graduating in 1997 with a 2:1. “Of course if I’ve needed help with any aspect of the business there’s always been someone on the end of the phone at head office,” he assures.
Following a successful career in the army and two years working in a building society, he decided that he wanted to try something on his own. A franchise was the ideal opportunity for George, who had no management or specific industry experience. “Safeclean were offering a wide range of cleaning services to carpets, upholstery, rugs, curtains and leather that were in demand. I could see the potential to earn a good living.”
Twelve years ago his son joined the business and George is hoping to the leave his Safeclean franchise to him with the opportunity to either carry on earning a good living or to develop the business further and take on employees.
“I really enjoy meeting people,” George reveals. “I get a lot of satisfaction from doing a good job, receiving thank you letters, referrals and hearing the oohs and ahhs when I transform something that is well soiled into something that looks like new.”
For a free no obligation quotation or further information about the services George and Safeclean provide, call Freephone 0800 092 0660
LEIGHTON & SUZANNE NORRIS Our first year targets were a hard slog initially; I had to continually convince new faces to promote my business instead of one of the other 60-plus established agents in Nottingham City. My first year was a great success and we nearly doubled our targets. In year two we decided to open a second office, and we continued to grow and grow. We were happy with the organic growth and we could see that we had the formula right. We were ahead of all our schedules and the horizon was sunny, so we decided to speculate further by looking to expand by acquisition. After long negotiations with Nottingham’s largest letting agent the business was acquired making Belvoir the major player in Nottingham. The growth of the business has been phenomenal and I sometimes have to pinch myself to believe what we have achieved. However, there have been many leaps of faith during that time, despite our firm conviction in ourselves and that the franchise was a real winner.
Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Drain Doctor Plumbing
Why I chose franchising
What I did before taking up a franchise
How I raised the finance
The training and support I receive from my franchisor
The challenges I have faced
My advice to people thinking of buying their first franchise
My plans for the futureFRANCHISEE JOINS EXCLUSIVE 20 CLUB
Belvoir franchise provides financial freedom
BELVOIR
NOTTINGHAM CENTRALI always had a strong ambition to run my own business and sometimes dared to dream of myself as an entrepreneur. Having discovered Belvoir through a franchise exhibition, Suzanne and I believed we had found our vehicle to achieve our ultimate dream – financial freedom.