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Posted:17-August-2022

Expanding my Concept business during the height of the pandemic

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It has been over four years since Owen embarked upon his new career specialising in insurance claims management and the project management of property repairs. His positive mental attitude, drive and ambition has resulted in the rapid growth of the business whilst consistently delivering exceptional customer service.  

Owen shares advice and tips for people considering a franchise…

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

By my early thirties, I was at the top of the Accountancy profession. Feeling unfulfilled, I exchanged the corporate ladder for self-employment and became the Owner and Managing Director of a cleaning and hygiene supply business. After 10 years, I was ready for a new challenge and sold the business.

Why did you go down the franchise route? And why did you choose Concept Claims Solution franchise?

Being a company owner previously, I had first-hand experience of the challenges associated with running a business by yourself. Buying a franchise gives you the benefits of being your own boss with the support of a Head Office team and a proven business model.

The Concept franchise ticked a lot of my boxes; it is in a professional recession-proof industry, provides you with the opportunity to earn great money and best of all, you get to step in to help people when they need you most.  

What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?

Overall, the experience has been brilliant!

The training is first class. Before joining, I knew virtually zero about insurance or building works. Concept provided me with the knowledge and tools needed to quickly build my business.

What is a typical day for you as a franchisee?

I love the fact that every day is varied. In essence, the day-to-day role is about helping to make the life of the customer easier, during what can often be an emotional and distressing time.

I get a real buzz from fighting for customers rights, especially if their insurance company is not acting as fairly as they should do. One customer that comes to mind, is an elderly lady who lived alone and was unsure whether she even had a claim. After a lot of liaising and negotiating with the insurance company, I achieved a £36,000 settlement and put her home back exactly how she wanted it. She was delighted with the outcome and even sent me a bottle of champagne.

What challenges have you faced?

A worrying time was the first national lockdown, I had just purchased a second territory and my son, Lewis, had only joined the business on the 1st April 2020.

Thankfully by June 2020, I can honestly say the worse was behind us. This has shown me, beyond doubt, the Concept business model is bulletproof.

Something I feel passionate about is raising awareness that every policyholder has the right to appoint an independent service like Concept to handle their buildings insurance claim. Networking is a great way to achieve this, people are always pleasantly surprised to learn it can also be a free service.

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

The only way to get to where you want to be on the income ladder is to take things into your own hands. If you are willing to put in the time and work hard you will reap the financial rewards from running your own franchise.  

What are your plans for the future?

Three years ago, we were blessed with my youngest son, this has extended my path for retirement.

In the future, I’ll hand over the day to day running to Lewis and continue to help with the administrative tasks from a villa in the Mediterranean.

If you had to do it all again, what would you do differently?

Yes, 100% I would do it again.

When I look back, without a doubt, my biggest regret is procrastinating for six months before finally deciding to buy the Concept franchise. Since starting I haven’t looked back, I feel incredibly optimistic about the future.

Interested and want to know more about Concept Claim Solutions?

The Concept Claim Solutions profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.

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