Posted:13-January-2021
Seeing CeX franchise as a once in a lifetime opportunity
Name: Martin Hawthorne
Location: Birkenhead
Is this your first CeX?
Yes
Why did you choose franchising?
I wanted to be my own boss, to be financially secure and see my rewards directly linked to my effort.
What did you do before taking up a franchise?
I had worked for CeX as Franchise Manger for three years. Prior to joining CeX, I worked elsewhere as franchise manager for eight years. I have seen and sold a huge variety of franchise models over the years. I realised that CeX was not just any old franchise, it will be the next big thing in franchising and I wanted to be a part of it. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
How did you raise the finance?
I have a bank loan from Nat West and a silent business partner. CeX can provide lots of information about funding options, although my background in franchising mean I had a good grounding in the options.
What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?
Having opened 20 franchise stores for CeX I didn’t need much opening support but when I have needed help it’s been instant. I’ve already had visits from my Franchise Manager, Marketing and Loss Prevention within my opening fortnight. The team are only a phone call or email away if I need them.
What challenges have you faced?
Organising the staff and training them up can be hard work but it’s also fun and I know that I’m building my own business.
We’ve had a queue at our door on our opening day and we’ve been really busy since, but that’s the sort of challenge I had hope for.
Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?
Yes, I feel comfortable about my future and can see the path ahead. I’m more confident that I can enjoy life and I don’t have money worries anymore.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of buying their first franchise?
Go and spend time in the franchise business, experience a day in the life of a franchisee of the business you are considering investing in. If the business doesn’t allow that, consider walking away. What are they trying to hide? Decide what area you want to specialise in and stick to it. Take the long term view, if an offer seems too good to be true it usually is. Nobody makes a million overnight.
What are your plans for the future?
Open more CeX stores. Five more stores over the next five years is my target. I also want to buy a cottage in the countryside.
Would you do it again?
In a heartbeat, CeX is the next big franchise and I see it as a once in a lifetime opportunity. The concept is simple, but execution is everything and CeX has unrivalled systems and experience to manage this process.
