Posted:13-January-2021

Exclusive Interview: "From the Forces to Franchising with Speedy Freight"

Name: Simon Chorlton
Location: Doncaster/Hull
Franchise: Speedy Freight

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying a franchise business?

Before going into franchising, I served in the Royal Air Force Logistics Branch for 27 years and followed this with 2 years working overseas in Saudi Arabia for BAE Systems within their Supply Chain.

Why did you go down the franchise route? And why did you choose Speedy Freight?

Having saved some money working overseas, I decided this was a good opportunity to invest it into a business and become my own boss.

I looked at a few different franchise opportunities but Speedy Freight seemed to dovetail best with my experience and the type of role I wanted for myself.

How did you raise the finance?

I could invest in Speedy Freight with 50% personal savings and 50% bank loan.

What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?

A 2-day head office training period followed by 5 weeks of on-site support to achieve a successful launch followed by regular on-site visits backed up with unlimited telephone and email support.

What is a typical day for you as a Speedy Freight franchisee?

I’m normally in the office for 8am, check my emails then review the booking we have for that day, following this I set about my daily sales calls interspersed with quotes and booking that come in during the day. I then leave the office just after 5pm.

What challenges have you faced?

My biggest challenge has been learning the sales side of the business, but it comes quickly after a little practice.

What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to buy their first franchise?

Do your homework, especially financially, make sure you have the funds in place to get you through the first few months so that you can concentrate on the business rather than worrying about the finances.

Would you do it again?

I’d certainly do it again.

Why not request our free and non-obligatory franchise prospectus to find out more.