Exclusive Interview: "The franchise model established us as market leaders"
Name: Jason Treadwell
Location: Stamford & Oakham
Franchise: Newton Fallowell Estate Agents
Jason Treadwell is the managing director of Newton Fallowell Estate Agents in Stamford and Oakham. Jason opened Stamford in March 2014 and his success here led to the opening of Oakham in 2016, which helped Jason secure the award for Franchisee of the year award 2016 at the Newton Fallowell Conference.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying a franchise business?
I worked in estate agency throughout Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland for the majority of my working life and I also ran two large independent agencies before joining Newton Fallowell. I actually joined Newton Fallowell at their Grantham branch before I become a franchisee and opened Stamford and Oakham.
2. Why did you go down the franchise route? And why did you choose your Newton Fallowell franchise?
I previously worked at the Grantham branch as a negotiator and progressed to managing the branch, however did decide to leave. A couple of years after my time at Grantham I was then approached by Managing Director Mark Newton with the proposal to become a franchisee and to open the Stamford branch with their support.
"Although I didn’t chose Newton Fallowell in the traditional way many chose their franchise it was an honour to be approached and supported the way I was and to be part of the family run business."
3. How did you raise the finance?
I was fortunate enough to be supported financially by Newton Fallowell, thanks to my proven track record within the company, with a view to see what I could do from a cold start in 12 months.
I made a profit in my first year which meant I was able to pay back the money I was lent. I was then able to open my second branch in Oakham due to the success of Stamford.
4. What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?
Although I didn’t need any specific ‘Estate Agency’ training, as I already knew what the job entailed, I did receive a lot of training regarding running a business which was new to me.
"I still receive ongoing support from Head Office with regards to running the business with annual business reviews and business plans and they are always there to help moving forward and to continue progressing."
5. What is a typical day for you as a Newton Fallowell franchisee?
Every day is different and every day proposes new challenges but first and foremost I make sure that both of my teams are happy as they are the back bone of the business. I like to review all aspects of the business to make sure my team are set to be as successful as we can be.
6. What challenges have you faced?
The biggest challenge was probably that it was a cold start in a town where nobody knew myself or the brand. It was hard to get the name and brand out there when there was already a huge selection of other agents available. We had to demonstrate that we are different to the rest and have more passion and are more motivated. Although this was a challenge the hard work certainly paid off as we were named market leaders in 2015 and 2016.
7. Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?
Yes it has completely changed my life. It has allowed me more independence and flexibility in terms of being able to spend more time at home with my four children and although I like to lead by example it also allows me to a certain extent choose the hours that I work.
It has also given me the freedom to be able to hand pick my team and train them exactly how I want to run my business, and I’m also thankful that it means I can now give others opportunities.
8. What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to buy their first franchise?
It’s imperative to have a detailed understanding of the franchisor and how they work and that their model will fit you. I would also say to look at their track record and see how they have demonstrated success in the past.
"Also make sure that the support is there from a head office level and the network in general. A good franchisor should help support you in the area where you may be lacking meaning that you can forget the worry and excel in your area of expertise."
9. What are your plans for the future?
I would love to continue expanding in the future and I am looking into expanding into Lettings for both branches later this year, and I’m keen to help the Newton Fallowell Group grow.
10. Would you do it again?
Yes, I would do it 10 times over. It’s something that I wanted for a long time before it happened and I was delighted and honoured to be given the opportunity and receiving the Franchisee of the year award last year was one of the highlights of my career so far.
Should you like to find out more about Newton Fallowell, why not request their FREE and non-obligatory franchise prospectus here.
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Exclusive Interview: "We maintain the values of a family business"
Interviewee's name: David Spackman
Name of franchise: Newton Fallowell Estate Agents
Tell us about how/when the business was started and the motivation behind establishing the company.
Following a successful 20 year career in estate agency, Mark Newton made the decision in 1999 to go it alone and set up his own estate agency business alongside his wife. He took over an existing estate agent in his hometown of Grantham where his family had close ties, including an ancestral link to Isaac Newton.
When and why did you decide to go down the franchise route?
We had begun to open various additional offices in the area and wanted to ensure our branch managers were as committed as possible to building the brand. We believed the best way to achieve this was to empower them to perform by making it their business to run. Our first franchise opened in Bingham in 2004 and from this point, we made it our mission to operate the entire business as a franchise model.
What have been the company’s biggest achievements/successes to date so far?
"We were proud to win the Bronze medal for Best Estate Agency Franchise in the UK at the Estate Agency of the Year Awards 2013, despite stiff competition. However, our biggest success has been expanding from just three employees in 1999 to 200+ today."
As well as expanding our geographical coverage across the East Midlands through the addition of 26 new franchises, we are particularly proud of how many franchisees are choosing to renew their licences and even take on additional offices. We also had a particularly big win this year when we merged with Hartleys estate agents, solidifying our East Midlands stronghold.
What challenges have you had to overcome?
We struggled through the recent double dip recession by working together to become stronger and smarter and to cut costs wherever we could. Not not only did we retain our network during this difficult period, we also took on new franchises despite the odds.
What marketing/promotional tools do you use to grow your franchise?
We use a range of tools across the marketing mix and we have recently taken on an external PR and Marketing firm to assist our internal marketers in achieving our longer term marketing strategy and ensure we shout about the brand in the right way and in the right places. We also work closely with our existing franchisees to ensure they are happy and are acting as brand ambassadors.
What differentiates Newton Fallowell from the competition?
Although we are arguably too big now to be described as a family business in the traditional sense, we have maintained those values. We endeavour to help both our current and potential franchisees based on their own unique circumstances and lend support when they need it.
For us, it is a two way thing – if you believe in the Newton Fallowell brand, we believe in you and I think that is really important and one of the things that makes us robust as a franchise.
In your opinion, what makes a successful Newton Fallowell franchisee?
"When we take on a new franchisee, we try to understand what motivates their drive and passion. Running a franchise requires a very different mindset from being an employee and we like to make sure that our franchisees are ready for that transition and possess the initiative and determination to make their business work."
What changes have you seen in your industry over recent years? And how have you adapted to them?
Online agents continue to come and go but we find that customers are still choosing to opt for a face to face experience and want to see their property featured in the local paper and shop window, as well as online.
We have a strong online presence and have traffic directed to us from all the main players such as Zoopla and Rightmove, but we believe our professional, personal approach to customer service allows us to maintain our share in the market.
We have also adapted by building strong relationships with third parties to ensure we can offer customers a diverse range of services such as mortgages and conveyancing.
What does the future hold for Newton Fallowell?
We intend to continue to grow and to strengthen our reputation as the East Midlands agency of choice. We are also committed to enhancing the franchisee experience and ensuring the start-up process is as seamless and effective as possible, with tailored training and 24/7 support. We have recently taken on additional support staff at our head office in Grantham to help support this growth as we move into 2015 and beyond.
What expansion plans have you got nationally and internationally?
Rather than adopt a scattergun approach to building our franchise network, we have made an informed decision to grow exclusively within the East Midlands where the Newton Fallowell brand is strongest.
We like to think of Grantham, our head office, as a stone that has been dropped in water and we continue to follow the ripples until there are no longer any gaps in our regional coverage. That said, we would never rule out a strategic move into a nearby region when the time is right – never say never!
What advice would you give to someone considering franchising their business?
"Think carefully about how you want to grow your brand. It can be exciting to be approached by potential franchisees when you are looking to expand your business, but take your time to find the right people."
The BFA is a great place to start for advice on how to set up a franchise and becoming a member, as we have, is a great way of ensuring you have the right processes in place and demonstrates to potential franchisees you adhere to the highest standards.
If you had to do it all again, what would you do differently?
Nothing in particular, apart from perhaps adopting a franchise model sooner. I am sure we have made various mistakes along the way but as a business we try to focus on the future and look ahead to see how we can improve and grow.
To find out more about the Newton Fallowell franchise opportunity, click here to request their FREE franchise prospectus.
Our franchisees establish an office-based business and manage a dynamic team who provide high-quality residential sales and lettings services to clients. Experience in this industry is not required as full training and support is given at every stage of your franchise journey.
Historically our focus has been on the Midlands but due to the very strong brand awareness we have there now, and having established a very successful franchise network backed by an experienced support team, we are now in a strong position to expand our brand nationally. 
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