Posted:13-January-2021
Trading Under a National Name
Business partners and former Halifax colleagues, Alan Bidmead and Jeffrey Cook, who have Bairstow Eves Countrywide offices in Monmouthshire, Gloucestershire and Gwent:
Why we chose franchising
We chose to invest in a franchise as it provided us with the opportunity to trade under a national and respected brand name. We were also able to take advantage of their provision of tried and tested operating procedures, computer software and training facilities and to benefit from having legal advice readily available.
We have both been in estate agency and financial services for a considerable length of time. I (Jeffrey) have been in the business for something over 40 years and my partner, Alan Bidmead, has in excess of 20 years' experience as branch manager, area manager and director of a number of estate agencies including Halifax Property Services. I was previously the senior partner of Hartnell Taylor Cook and regional managing director of Halifax Property Services for the South West and Wales region.
How we raised the finance
Finance was provided by a combination of personal investment by my partner, Alan, and myself from existing resources and with support from Nat West Bank with whom we had an existing banking connection. They were extremely supportive.
Training and support received from Countrywide Assured Franchising
As we started our business by acquiring three existing offices with experienced staff and in view of our own long involvement in the estate agency business, our training requirements from Countrywide Assured Franchising has not been particularly high. Countrywide has, however, been tremendously supportive when we have asked for additional training for existing staff or new recruits. Their support in respect of other matters, such as compliance or employment issues has also been readily available when required.
What we think of the experience
Alan and I have both thoroughly enjoyed setting up our business under the Countrywide banner. It has been enormously helpful and encouraging to have a large experienced team on hand at Countrywide Assured Franchising as a sounding board for new ideas, business developments and to get feedback on what is happening in the property market nationally.
Our advice for someone thinking of buying his or her own franchise
We would have no hesitation in recommending other people to invest in a franchise.
Our plans for the future
Having now developed our original three branches, which we acquired in April 2001 and with a total of six branches currently in total, it is our intention to continue with this network development at the rate of approximately two new outlets per year until we reach our optimum operating size. We estimate this to be between 12 and 15 branches.
What we did before taking up the franchisee business
