Posted:22-November-2023
“I believe renewable energy is the future for sustainability and UK business”
- Name: Rob Shields
- Location: Wales
- Franchise: North Wales
- Date launched the franchise: July 2023
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying your Green Shield Group franchise business? Before purchasing the Green Shield Group franchise, I was working in the renewable energy industry in an engineering role. I also have experience in sales within the energy sector alongside property and project management.
Can you also tell us about the franchise you have bought? I have purchased the Green Shield Group North Wales franchise.
Green Shield Group specialise in delivering carbon reduction strategies for businesses across the UK. The business operates across a multitude of sectors from manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, leisure, education, and local authorities simplifying the transition to sustainable solutions for clients whilst providing operational cost reduction.
Why did you go down the franchise route? What made you choose the renewable energy industry? And why a Green Shield Group franchise? I believe renewable energy is the future for sustainability and UK business. The team at Green Shield Group were great and I really believed in the core business ethos, from day one they demonstrated ideas and methodologies that really stood out from others in my previous experience within the industry. The business model was incredibly strong, and the back-office infrastructure at the head office was already set up to enable smooth and straight-forward progress, I knew it was something I could confidently replicate and implement successfully across North Wales.
How did you raise the finance? I had personal savings which I was able to utilise to purchase the Green Shield Group North Wales franchise. This was something I really wanted to be involved with, so it was a no brainer for me!
What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing? Well, training is currently ongoing however the team have really provided me with the skills needed. I have received extensive sales support, process training alongside training on the core Green Shield Group procedures which I have been able to implement following launch in North Wales.
How would you describe your day-to-day role as a franchisee? Since launching the Green Shield Group franchise, I have spent a large amount of time networking with the aim of building my client base within North Wales. This is a huge part of the growth of the business and something I have invested an extensive amount of time into.
Provide information on challenges overcome as well as your key successes to date. I’d say the main challenge when launching the franchise was growing brand awareness for Green Shield Group within the North Wales territory. I have overcome this with an extensive networking strategy and have since signed deals within the area as well as several exciting projects also currently in the pipeline.
Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how? I would say yes, it provides a better work life balance with the opportunity to grow and become successful within the renewable energy sector.
How do you achieve a work-life balance? I have a home office and work between 8:30-4:30pm which allows me to be flexible with my time.
Can you tell us about any community involvement, including any local partnerships, incentives or charity work you are involved in? Since launching I have sponsored the local children’s football team and registered on the local council framework to ensure I am involved in relevant projects.
What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to buy their first franchise? Staying positive is hugely important and working hard. You need to be realistic with your goals as nothing in life comes easy. Enjoy it!
In your opinion, what makes a successful franchisee? Hard work, determination, and resilience!
What are your plans for the future? Main priorities are to grow the business in Wales. I want to employ a group of Business Development Managers within the territory and be the go-to business for those firms looking to lower their carbon footprint and futureproof.
If you had to do it all again, what would you do differently? Nothing! I have a long way to go but I know I will make the North Wales franchise a success.
Interested and want to know more about Green Shield Group?
The Green Shield Group profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.
