Feed: UK Franchisee Case Studies on whichfranchise.com - AggScore: 45.4

Roger says goodbye to a corporate career & builds his own business

Roger says goodbye to a corporate career & builds his own business

Information on Franchises for sale in the UK at WhichFranchise.com

Organisational change at Premier Foods in 2007 meant Roger Pemberton lost his senior post as Factory General Manager, and he faced a critical decision. Aged 49, and with 27 years working in the food industry, the last 10 years in extremely senior roles, what should he do next?

“With two teenage kids still at school, I needed to work and couldn’t disrupt family life by moving us to a new location. There weren’t any major food companies on my doorstep looking for someone with my level of experience, so if I worked locally I’d have to take a lower paid job," explains Roger. "If I wanted to continue my career with big food brands, I’d have to be prepared for a long commute.”

Another option was to do something completely different and set up his own business. While this certainly seemed more daunting, Roger felt ready for a change and decided to go for it. He’d been paid a lump sum when he left Premier Foods and used this to buy an ActionCOACH franchise to operate in his local area of Norfolk and North Suffolk.

As he explains, business coaching was a natural business for him to move into: “My management style had always been focused on getting the most out of the teams in my plants, helping people develop. I had strong coaching instincts and lots of solid commercial experience to draw on and share.”

The flexibility also appealed: "It's a business you can set up wherever you are. Coaches can start operating from a home office and remain home-based if they want. Others move to office premises. It's down to you to decide how you want to work."

Although he wasn't specifically looking to buy a franchise, Roger felt the ActionCOACH brand would accelerate his coaching business.

Roger liked the support that ActionCOACH provides and the emphasis it places on each coach's own development:

"You're encouraged to keep learning and training, so you continue adding value to your clients. For someone like me that's really appealing."

Roger won his first client, a tow bar fitting and trailer manufacture business, in his third month. From then he gradually built things up until he had eight clients at the end of the first year.

“By month four I could take money out of the business to pay myself and by month 18 I had a very secure, stable coaching business. I was comfortably earning what I'd been earning at the height of my corporate career, and I was doing it on my terms, with no major commute."

According to Roger, while the financial rewards are fantastic, it's the client work that has delivered the real highs. For instance he has helped a client in IT support grow from £400k turnover to £1 million. The client has new premises and Roger is working with them on plans to hit £2 million in the next 12 months.

So, looking back does Roger think the choice he made four years ago was the right one?

"Absolutely, it's great to be doing my own thing. I'm making a real difference to the businesses I coach, I'm in charge of my own future, I'm free, fulfilled and financially secure - not many people can say that."

Former FD builds a brilliant coaching business

Former FD builds a brilliant coaching business

Information on Franchises for sale in the UK at WhichFranchise.com

Kevin was used to advising companies, and loves doing it. A chartered accountant, with lots of experience in regional practice and industry, he’d had been working as a self-employed freelance FD for 15 years, but in 2006 he was ready for a change.

“I felt I’d taken the role of FD as far as I could. I wanted a fresh challenge. I had more business knowledge to share than the FD role allowed. I read an article about ActionCOACH and liked the idea of coaching as a way of working with businesses in a much broader way.”

Many in Kevin’s position might have just started coaching, after all he had been self employed for some time and he’d recently gained an MBA with distinction, so he had lots of knowledge. Why did he go with ActionCOACH?

“Colleagues and friends told me to save my money and do it on my own, but I felt it would take me five years to amass the tools, techniques and knowledge I’d have from day one with ActionCOACH. I didn’t want to wait five years before I was equipped to get motoring!”

The approach, resources, philosophy and global network of 1,000 coaches all impressed Kevin, who sees ActionCOACH as like a big corporate but without any of the negatives:

Thorough as ever, Kevin did look at all the other options:

“The choice was clear for me. ActionCOACH might have been the highest investment, but was clearly the best value, something we also teach to our clients.”

Obviously the cost mattered to him, but he argues that if you think about it logically it’s not an issue:

“If I wanted to be a partner in a major accountancy firm like PwC I’d be expected to buy in. I felt I was doing the same with ActionCOACH. Looking at it from that perspective, given the strength of the global brand, and the personal growth potential, the return on investment made perfect sense.”

That’s not to say it has all been easy. Kevin says there have been challenges. For instance he had to develop new skills:

“I’m a reserved accountant, I wasn’t used to sales, or being on stage presenting. It was a big shift, but it was a welcome one. I discovered I’m more outgoing than my career to date had allowed, but I needed to be. I had to be out there showing people that an ActionCOACH would really make a difference to them.”

It’s when talking about his clients that Kevin gets incredibly animated. It’s obvious he loves the work.

“My clients are all so different, all shapes and sizes, but that’s what makes it so interesting. Every week I have highs.

“I’m giving people their life back – they’re working for their business and have no work-life balance or no head space to grow their companies.”

Today, Kevin is taking his business to the next level. The firm has taken its own offices, with coaching suites and a training facility. Kevin now has other coaches working with him and aims to bring on more – all working within the firm.

“I just love being a coach. It doesn’t feel like a job. When times are tough I still can’t think of anything I’d rather do.”

Pack & Send franchisee has found unique business

Pack & Send franchisee has found unique business

Information on Franchises for sale in the UK at WhichFranchise.com

Name: Nick Jennings
Location: Southampton
Franchise: Pack & Send

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

I looked at a number of businesses for sale and decided to try a franchise. I looked at approx 7 franchises in marketing, finance and other areas before choosing Pack & Send based on its unique offering within the UK and the transparency and credibility of the UK management team.

The other thing that impressed me was that they never tried to sell the concept to me – whilst they were very happy to provide me with business and market information and let me talk openly with whichever other franchisees I wanted too. They are very confident in the business and it was very much up to me to sell it to myself.

What did you do before taking up a franchise?

I started and ran an electronics company for 18 year before it was successfully sold to one of its American customers.

How did you raise the finance?

From my own funds but involved my bank from the start for an overdraft facility.

What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?

I and my staff attended a 3 week training course provided by the master franchisee in Reading and they provided a month in store support for the first month we were trading. Pack & Send UK have provided regular ongoing support via telephone, email and store visits and this has extended to working in the store to help train new staff and resolve any issues we may have had.

What is a typical day for you as a franchisee?

The days tend to be very variable depending on what jobs come in. It usually involves quoting for jobs received via the internet, phone and walk in’s, picking up items locally, packing them and then organising their dispatch worldwide, which very much depends on what has come in. This can be very variable because we specialise in items that cannot be just thrown in a box and then in the back of a couriers van!

Then there is the marketing and relationship building with local businesses, dealers and suppliers along with the follow up calls to customers for whom we have supplied estimates.

What challenges have you faced?

The Brand is still new which has advantages in that those who get involved early on will do very well but it also means that marketing the service is very important. The concept is aimed at people who care about the items they are sending so it is important people understand the benefits of the service we offer in terms of specialist packing and shipping services. i.e. It’s not worth sending it if its get broken or lost!

Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?

Yes I am now back to work after being semi-retired. It is entirely different to my previous occupation which required a great deal of R&D expenditure before a product was ready to sell. Payment for our services is usually upfront.

It is also great in that whilst I’m very much in control of my own business I have what has been first class support from the team in Reading. It has also been great how they have managed to develop such an immense team spirit amongst the franchisees.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of buying their first franchise?

Do plenty of research about the market, the area you intend to operate and the concept of the product or service. Also check out any competition. One thing that a lot of people seem to ignore is the quality of the management team at the Franchisor – you should make sure they have a high calibre team.

Don’t necessary settle for the first franchise you see.

What are your plans for the future?

To expand the business.

Would you do it again?

Our concept is to create a chain of shops – so yes.  

Flying High with an Auditel Cost Management Franchise!

Flying High with an Auditel Cost Management Franchise!

Information on Franchises for sale in the UK at WhichFranchise.com

Burnley-based David Gray joined the Auditel Cost and Purchase Management Franchise in 2008. Prior to becoming a franchisee, he spent 21 years in the Royal Air Force as an aircrew linguist, flying on board the Nimrod R1 reconnaissance aircraft in support of many operations, mainly in the Balkans and Middle East theatres.

Having left the RAF and seeking a new career, David recalls: “Without doubt I could not have started my own business independently. Whilst the military did endow me with many good qualities and attributes, business acumen was not one of them. I made the decision early to go self employed and for me franchising was the only sensible option.”

He visited the British Franchise Exhibition at G-MEX in Manchester in 2007. “I found this exhibition very helpful. Having a full range of franchises under one roof was extremely beneficial. I came across Auditel and was immediately impressed with their business model and how well it suited the current economic situation.

“Since joining Auditel, I have found my experience to be challenging and hard work, but ultimately very rewarding. While a franchise model offers some sort of proven framework for business, there are no shortcuts to success. I know this is an oft repeated cliché but it is true. Coming from a military background, where you are pretty much told what to do and where to go most of the time, transforming to self-employment where nobody is telling you what to do, can come as a bit of a shock to the system! However, the majority of ex-military personnel should have the right qualities for franchising, namely honesty, integrity, motivation and a ‘can do’ attitude. Back this up with the right franchise for you, quality training and systems and you could find a very rewarding career as your own boss.”

He confirms that Auditel’s head office back-up is very good and only a phone call away. In the early stages, there are regular reviews to help keep your vision on track. The tools and systems that help to run the business are constantly being updated to keep the brand competitive. The network of Auditel Affiliates is also a great support tool. Everyone is willing to help each other with advice or practical knowledge whenever possible.

David adds:” I am approaching the end of my fourth year. I have enjoyed the challenges and the rewards of self employment and cannot imagine going back to work for anyone else now. I have no regrets and really enjoy running my Auditel business. With experience comes confidence. Things have improved year on year and I am set for my best year yet in 2012!”

*****************************

Established in 1994, Auditel is the UK’s largest and fastest-growing cost and purchase management franchise opportunity with a network of over 200 highly-skilled specialists. Auditel manages a broad range of business expenditure which includes costs as diverse as communications, energy, water, office supplies, freight, contract cleaning, merchant cards and general waste. Their client base of over 3,400 in the UK ranges from small businesses to global brands such as Pizza Express, YMCA and Oxford University.

Photo caption: David Gray

Expense Reduction Analysts franchise - set apart from the rest

Expense Reduction Analysts franchise - set apart from the rest

Information on Franchises for sale in the UK at WhichFranchise.com

“There are others that say to do what we do, but it is my belief that we are still the best.”

With over 10 years of achieving staggering savings and delighting clients, Gerry Pentleton believes it is the strength of Expense Reduction Analysts’ network that sets them apart from other cost reduction companies.

Gerry joined Expense Reduction Analysts to become a fully trained procurement consultant in 1999 following a career of over 30 years in Engineering, Sales and Senior Management within UK and International organisations. He has a passion for sailing and motorbikes, a pastime this is also shared by his wife, Sara – which culminated in them taking six months off in 2011 to go sailing, whilst the business still generated significant income.

Read Gerry’s account of:
• The lifestyle benefits to managing your own procurement franchise.
• How he has worked on global projects to achieve savings for his clients.
• How he can fit his work around his love of sailing and motorbikes.
• How being his own boss has allowed him to take the six month trip of a lifetime.
• A business that has won him two awards and earned him more income than he ever could have imagined.

What made you decide to buy a franchise?

Back in 1999 I was looking for a career change; I had various options for employment but decided to explore the franchise market and kept getting drawn back to Expense Reduction Analysts. The concept of using in-house category expertise to achieve substantial savings without compromising the quality of service seemed to be a perfect match to my own skills and enthusiasm of providing delectation for my clients.

Why did you choose to join Expense Reduction Analysts?

It seemed ideal for me as it’s a ‘white collar’ business that allowed me to utilise my skills. My background includes over 30 years experience in Sales and Senior Management, which I felt could be a strong asset in managing my own consultancy franchise. It also requires a strong work ethic and a determination to ensure all clients are pleased with the service they receive - both of these I have. It was a practical choice too, as this franchise doesn’t require premises, staff or specialist equipment.

The other added attraction was that this is a B2B environment and as such there are no ‘cash’ transactions, therefore any concerns over till issues that could be expected in a retail environment.

In all honesty, one of the real deciding factors was the then Managing Director, John Allison, who had really exciting plans for the future of Expense Reduction Analysts. At the time, I thought he was either a very good salesman or a very genuine human being, as I later found out he was both. The culture of Expense Reduction Analysts is still the same over ten years on, and it is still such an exciting organisation to be part of, which at its heart is still a family run business with those beliefs and values.

What challenges did you face in your early days?

Personally, I didn’t really have any real challenges as due to my previous roles, I was already accustomed to this type of work. It helped that I had the experience and self discipline required of working from home – where actually, I find I can achieve more without the usual distractions of an office environment.
What do you enjoy the most about being an Expense Reduction Analyst consultant?

For me, one word sums it up: ‘Freedom’.

In managing my own Expense Reduction Analysts franchise, I am part of a major Cost, Purchase and Supplier Management business, but I am freed from all the normal distractions associated within the corporate world. I can simply focus on ensuring that I am able to build the business through my lifelong passion of ensuring that my clients are delighted with the service I provide them.

I can’t say I haven’t enjoyed the earnings; my annual income has completely exceeded my expectations, as has the total amount I have been able to bill for my franchise. It’s an incredibly satisfying reward for all my hard work and efforts.

How has being your own boss changed your life?

It has changed my life in both the professional and personal aspects. I have had a lot of fun building my business and enjoyed working with the excellent team of specialists from within the network. They have proved their value to my clients and have worked through some very interesting, sometimes challenging projects and delivered some really significant improvements that were very well received.
It allows me to plan my work around the things I enjoy doing such as sailing and spending time with my family, a luxury I didn’t get from my career in the corporate world.

What are the highlights of your career since joining Expense Reduction Analysts?

There have been many highlights during my time with Expense Reduction Analysts; I have won awards such as the highly sought after ‘Consultant of the Year’ as well as the ‘Special Merit Awards’ which recognises the hard work and effort that I have put into my franchise.

A real achievement over the last ten years has been working with major blue chip companies as well as developing alliances with major financial institutions, where we have been implemented as part of their Value Improvement Programme to their own clients. This demonstrates the benefit of our work, when another company want to incorporate us in providing to value to their clients. What’s more, as Expense Reduction Analysts is a well respected and admired brand name for what we do, major organisations trust us before we even walk in the door. Not many other companies can say that!

I have had lots of successful projects over the past ten years, but one that really stands out is a major PLC I worked with where some of the categories we reviewed for this client ran out globally. This particular project entailed bringing together the resources of our Expense Reduction Analysts franchise partners in Australia and Canada, along with pulling together a strong team of consultants from the UK network to work across a whole host of categories. The client was delighted with the results and generated some interesting fees for both myself and my colleagues who were involved too.

A personal triumph of mine, being a strong believer in rewarding effort and results, was that I had always promised myself that we’d build the business to the point where we could take a sabbatical after ten years. This, we managed in 2011 as we sailed the boat out of Largs (Scotland), turned left and headed south for six months. I reflected deeply on this and it made all the efforts over the years all the more rewarding.

A lifelong ambition of mine, it was a great personal reward and we had a fantastic journey. I would not have been able to do this without Expense Reduction Analysts.

What made you decide to renew your Franchise agreement after 10 years?

I renewed because I still really enjoy working within the group, and whilst it has grown in the number of associates since I joined, the team at Group Office have never stood still, they are always working hard to find new ways of improving our offering to the market place. There are many others that purport to do what we do, but from my perspective, we are still the best by some considerable margin.

What are the future plans for your business?

To continue to develop the business, carry on uncovering great savings, adding real value and overall, thrilling our clients. I’d like to see the business’s success go on, with the goal of eventually selling my share to my business partner and sailing off into the sunset.

What strengths do Expense Reduction Analysts have that differentiates them from other cost reduction companies?

I have never come across another company that focuses on working so hard to ensure that every client is delighted with our service. I believe that our biggest strength lies within our network of trained consultants as we continually drive forward with innovative initiatives that bring real added value to our clients.

Find out how you can benefit from a better work life balance and incredible earning potential by becoming an Expense Reduction Analyst Consultant, visit our entry to request a FREE prospectus or book on a FREE Discovery Day.

Image: Gerry Pentleton, Expense Reduction Analysts franchise owners
 

Select Appointments employee to franchisee

Select Appointments employee to franchisee

Information on Franchises for sale in the UK at WhichFranchise.com

Becky Harker
Swindon

Becky Harker loved the company she worked for so much, she bought a part of it!

With a progressive career in recruitment and four promotions under her belt at Select Appointments alone, she returned to work full-time in January 2008 as a new mother and a business owner.

After eight years working through the ranks from Consultant to Business Manager of Select’s Swindon office, she was offered the opportunity to acquire the franchise and jumped at the chance.

In her words “I had managed the team in Swindon for many years and knew the industry and market-place well. This has been the best decision I have ever made. The whole ownership, responsibility and knowing I can make it happen is a challenge and one I am enjoying every day.”

Her background spans industrial, commercial and accountancy recruitment and she chose Select over the competitors as they “had a reputation second to none and a brand that was clear and precise”.

Becky is a shining example of a successful woman in business. Her trophy cabinet bulges at the seams. In the company’s 2006 annual conference she took to the stage to collect the Chief Executive’s Special Award for Excellence, as well as the Most Improved Office Award. She has also coached and managed the Top Temporaries Consultant of the year.

While Becky had a progressive career in recruitment she admits that she is still learning about running her own business and this is where she calls on the expertise and infrastructure of Select as an established franchisor. Prompt answers to a range of operational questions, day-to-day training and development support, together with financial and property advice have all been invaluable resources.

Becky is as passionate about her business, her team, her candidates and her clients today as she was when she walked through the door eight years ago and felt she had found her home. Her passion is contagious and her results speak for themselves.

2009 saw Becky expand her business by purchasing the Parkhouse brand, this enabled her to service her clients increased requirements within the Industrial sector.
 

Business Doctors franchise opens in Welwyn & St Albans

Business Doctors franchise opens in Welwyn & St Albans

Information on Franchises for sale in the UK at WhichFranchise.com

Being a product of the product!

Being a product of the product!

Information on Franchises for sale in the UK at WhichFranchise.com

Name: Nick Howes
Location: Coventry
Franchise: Leadership Management UK (LMI UK)

What did you do before taking up your LMI franchise? And why did you go down the franchise route and choose LMI franchise?
I was not particularly planning to go into business before opting to join LMI UK. I was working with a charity, running a leadership development internship programme and was looking to develop my own skills in leadership and personal development training. I came across LMI UK via a business opportunity presentation that an existing franchisee of the company (Mark Tonks) was holding over in Birmingham, and thought it would be interesting to go along and maybe learn something useful for my existing role.

I was so impressed with what I heard about LMI, particularly their unique, comprehensive development process which LMI had established globally, that I was hooked, and thus began the process of further meetings to discover more. I subsequently took up the opportunity to become an Associate – a lower-cost way of getting into the business which I initially combined part time along with my role with the charity.

Joining an existing, well-established company where I could learn the ropes quickly and begin to deliver quality training almost immediately was a huge attraction. I most certainly was not in a position to start a business from scratch, and with the fantastic programmes in the LMI toolkit, it would have taken years to develop anything myself that came anywhere close!

After two years as an Associate, I took up the opportunity to purchase my own LMI UK franchise in December 2012. With little previous business experience and none in sales, I had proven that the sales and marketing process works, the process of delivering fantastic leadership and management development programmes works, and my clients were achieving outstanding results. The decision, therefore, to go for my own franchise was extremely simple – this was a business I loved, I could see making me an excellent income, and I plan to be in for a long time.

How did you raise the finance?
I was fortunate to have a good level of equity in my home and raised the finance for the franchise purchase fee by re-mortgaging.

What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?
On joining the business I received 10 days of initial training, spaced roughly over a month, as well as manuals, audio CDs and other materials that helped me to learn the sales process as well as how to facilitate LMI programmes effectively. We also have 6 Business Motivational Workshops each year where members of the LMI-UK team from across the country meet. These are invaluable days together, especially as a new member, to share good practice, hear success stories, and practice the skills required in our business.

On top of all this, LMI-UK is a great team of people and there are always other franchisees, associates, and the franchisor on hand to speak with on the phone or meet up with to get additional help whenever a particular situation arises that it would be good to get some additional wisdom on.

What is a typical day for you as a franchisee?
A typical day often starts with a business networking breakfast, usually from 7am – 9am. I have joined a couple of regular networking groups and found these to be hugely beneficial. I try to arrange a one-to-one meeting with another member of the group straight afterwards. This typically takes around and hour and involves getting to know each other’s business in more depth and sharing ideas and contacts around how we can help each other.

Beyond that, days tend to be extremely varied depending on what programmes I have running at the time, but will include some or all of the following:

• an hour or so on my laptop, either at my office or in a coffee shop somewhere, catching up on general communication,
• Calling prospects and clients to arrange meetings
• Conducting ‘sales interview’ meetings: generally around 45 minutes at a prospects work premises to explore if they have a need for the services we provide
• Facilitating LMI programmes: this can be 90 minutes meeting one-on-one with a client, or more often, in small groups and taking two hours.
• Attending other business-related events in my area as a means to meet people, develop relationships, and raise the profile of my business.
• Generally quite a lot of travel, both driving and on the train between clients and prospects. With LMI programmes all being produced on audio, this is great time for developing my own product knowledge.

What challenges have you faced?
The greatest challenge is, without doubt, marketing! Or more specifically getting to meet with ‘class A’ prospects for our services in a way in which they are open to both me and what we do. This is an area where I have benefitted hugely from the wisdom and experience of other LMI-UK franchisees in how to get into these situations and what to do when I get there.
Another challenge is the self-discipline and self-motivation required to get up and out there every day as a business owner, and doing the activities required to generate business consistently. That’s something every business owner faces. I’m fortunate in that LMI has fantastic motivational material in our programmes, so I’ve always got something on hand I can read or listen to that helps get me into the mindset required.

Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?
Joining LMI-UK, initially as an Associate, and now as a franchisee, has undoubtedly changed my life. As a result of the credibility and quality of the company I’ve joined, I find myself delivering training in the City of London for a known Bank, giving talks to business groups, chairing networking meetings and working with business owners and leaders from all manner of different kinds of organisations. The experience has helped me grow in confidence and maturity, enabling me to set greater goals for the future and expect to succeed.

There have been some difficult times financially, and it has meant for us as a family we’ve had to pull together, and we’ve also learnt to celebrate together when new business comes in. The future looks extremely bright and I’ve no doubt that this business will open up incredibly doors for us as a family to go places, have experiences and help others in ways that have previously been beyond our financial means.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of buying their first franchise?
Very simple – make sure that the business you’re looking to buy is something that you will love working in and that you’ll have confidence to sell to others. Prepare yourself mentally for the challenges of owning a business and seek out one or two trusted advisors who can help you.

What are your plans for the future?
My plans include recruiting a team of Associates to join me in my business. Having gone this route myself, I appreciate it’s a great way to grow.

I have begun to get some inroads and establish credibility in some of the large companies based in and around Coventry and I plan to expand this, deliver great results, and to establish LMI UK at the forefront of leadership and management training in the area.

I have begun and plan to continue taking the fantastic materials we have on goal setting and personal leadership into schools and colleges and other forums, helping young people grow in confidence and fulfil their potential.

Would you do it again?
Yes!
 

Taking control with Pack & Send franchise

Taking control with Pack & Send franchise

Information on Franchises for sale in the UK at WhichFranchise.com

Name: Phil & Katie Diacon
Location: Bristol
Franchise: Pack & Send

Why did you go down the franchise route? And why did you choose Pack & Send franchise?
It was a quick and easy solution to starting a business and would give us a good introduction. We chose Pack & Send because it was new and there were good opportunities to get involved with building brand awareness. We also saw that it had good growth potential in the UK.

The decision to go with Pack & Send was based predominantly on the growth potential - we did not want to invest in a franchised business that was mature and where you had to fit into the gaps that existed rather than being able to take control.

We then began our due diligence which took several months. Pack & Send insisted that we speak with existing franchisees, and allowed us to choose the ones we wanted to speak to. They were quite obviously transparent, and clearly confident about what they were providing.

What did you do before taking up your Pack & Send franchise?
We were in the Military as a pilot and engineer

How did you raise the finance?
Mostly from private funds but some came from the bank.

What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?
Pack & Send have a training programme which teaches you about the freight industry, how to pack the items, and how to run the store. They are always on hand to help sort queries and have been extremely supportive throughout the whole process even helping out in the store throughout the year.

What Pack & Send provides is very positive support - what you get is a proven model that you can apply yourself to and make work. And, importantly, the Pack & Send team is a strong one and if you’re willing to show the same level of commitment and work then they will stand right behind you and give you that support. One of the key elements for us was that we wanted to feel that we could do business with these people - and we can, because they share our own values.

What is a typical day for you as a Pack & Send franchisee?
Our employee opens up at 0830 and we do all the tracking of parcels in the system. We receive calls and enquiries throughout the day which we deal with whilst continuing to pack other items to ensure they leave on time. There are also collections to make and appointments with companies throughout Bristol to discuss their requirements. We finish around 1730 – generally fairly tired!

What challenges have you faced?
We have to look quite far ahead to plan for the busy periods. Employing people has had the most challenges though. Dealing with several HR issues as well as the other aspects of business has been quite a juggling act.

Has becoming a Pack & Send franchisee changed your life, if so how?
We have more flexibility in our life and aren’t under constant threat of visiting a sandy place which puts out mind at ease. It is still in the early stages at the moment so we are busy growing.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of buying their first franchise?
Do your research into the franchise, the market, and the franchisor and use the opportunities to meet them as a job interview for them as much as you. You have to be able to work with them to make it successful. Also, be careful about your financial planning figures and always have a conservative estimate that still works before you commit.

What are your plans for the future?
To grow to a steady state and have another employee which we allow us even more flexibility and the ability to work on growing it further. Maybe even another store too.

Would you do it again?
Yes

EnviroVent franchisee improves quality of life and work

EnviroVent franchisee improves quality of life and work

Information on Franchises for sale in the UK at WhichFranchise.com

Name: Grant Saggers
Location: Haslingden, Lancashire
Franchise: EnviroVent

Why did you go down the franchise route? And why did you choose EnviroVent franchise?
A business friend already had the franchise for a different area with positive feedback and results. Franchises are vastly more successful than standard business start ups.

The EnviroVent franchise fitted within my area of knowledge and expertise.

What did you do before taking up your EnviroVent franchise?
I was a Building Services Sales Consultant, selling and designing air conditioning systems for large commercial offices, hotels, hospitals etc.

How did you raise the finance?
I raised income from sale of a property.

What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?
Induction training was one week training at head office covering all aspects of sales, products and computer support systems. There is now a further 5 days field based training too. We also receive on-going training on new products and regular franchisee meetings.

What is a typical day for you as a franchisee?
Organising house surveys, quoting customers, lots of telephone interface with potential customers and cold calling new customers.

What challenges have you faced?
Generating leads and in turn income and sales to pay the bills. Unlike employment a wage is not guaranteed at the end of the month! It’s down to you to keep busy and keep the enquiries coming in.

Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?
Slightly; it allows a large degree of personal freedom to make decisions that directly affect your business and success, your time off and when you work.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of buying their first franchise?
Pick the right one for you! Make sure you understand the market that you are entering. Thoroughly investigate the company and their products because it is their efficiency, competence and expertise that will have a large bearing on your success or failure.

What are your plans for the future?
To steadily increase sales year by year reaching the first target of £100pa in another year, to the goal of reaching £200pa in another 3 years.

Would you do it again?
Oh yes!
 

Controlling his own future with EnergyMyWay franchise

Controlling his own future with EnergyMyWay franchise

Information on Franchises for sale in the UK at WhichFranchise.com

Richard Jones
EnergyMyWay
Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire

What attracted you to your own renewable energy franchise?
With my background as a chartered surveyor, I had developed a keen interest in renewable energy and was looking for a change of direction where I could work exclusively with renewables. Going the franchise route offered me a way to get up and trading quickly and to take advantage of the growing market.

Did you consider other franchise companies as well as EnergyMyWay?
Yes, I spoke to two other renewable bnergy franchise companies and after a fair amount of research I decided that EnergyMyWay most closely matched my needs and my business values. I didn’t want to simply be a salesman working on commission; I wanted to have more control over my business.

Why specifically did you choose EnergyMyWay franchise?
From our very first meeting, I felt the people at EnergyMyWay were the kind of people I could work with. They did not have all the rigidities of other franchise models. I felt it was the perfect balance of being in control of my own future but with all the support and backup from a marketing, technical and training point of view.

What do you think are the benefits of joining the franchise group at this early stage?
This is an exciting industry, which is young and rapidly moving. Being involved from the start has meant I have had some input and contribution to how the business is going to grow and operate. We are all sharing ideas and building something as a group.

What experience, if any, did you have already in the renewables business?
I had no technical expertise although I did have a basic understanding of some of the products and had seen them in use. My knowledge of how buildings are put together has certainly been useful.

Had you ever run your own business before?
Yes, I have run my own surveying practice so I had some knowledge of what it takes to run your own business. Franchising is a great option though for someone who has never had their own company as you are supported through the process and trained on what to expect.

How have you found the training and support?
I feel that I have been well equipped by the team to be able to be professional in front of customers and associates and have learnt a tremendous amount in a short period of time. Within 3 months I am up and trading – this simply would not have been possible had the original company not been through the process over a much longer period of time themselves. They have made starting this business an enjoyable and fun one whilst being realistic about the level of hard work needed – they have been supportive every step of the way.

How much has your confidence grown in your ability to be an expert in this subject?
Enormously. I feel very confident. Not long after the training I was at a customers property and she told me I was far more knowledgeable than two competitors she had seen before me. It was hard to believe I had only been operating for a few months.

How long did it take you from completing your training to winning your first customer?
Only about a month. Although it’s important to mention that I didn’t have to complete the training before being able to do my first survey. I was visiting customers a month into the training which was really good experience so early on.

Are you confident that the marketing support and materials will deliver leads to your business?
The marketing materials are working well. I am very impressed with the quality of the printed materials, they are certainly helping me to get leads. I have also been supported when requesting different materials for specific activity, such as a banner for a stand I had at a local networking event.

What have been your overall impressions of the business?
I have been extremely impressed and am very excited about being part of such an energetic and professional group.

What are you looking forward to as your EnergyMyWay business grows?
I’m looking forward to reflecting back on a great first year. I’ve been focusing on the domestic market so far and am really looking forward to getting into some bigger commercial projects when the time is right.

What is the scale of the opportunity for your franchise territory?
Because EnergyMyWay covers a broad range of renewable products and crosses several markets, there are so many opportunities to grow within my territory. With new products emerging all the time there will be even more opportunity in the future.

What would you say to someone considering an EnergyMyWay franchise now?
I would say ‘go for it’. You need to be realistic about what it takes to build up and run your own business but if its something you want to do, do it now, the Renewable Heat Incentive is around the corner so it’s a great time to be in this industry.

EnergyMyWay franchise is first choice for ex-property developer

EnergyMyWay franchise is first choice for ex-property developer

Information on Franchises for sale in the UK at WhichFranchise.com

David Stevenson
EnergyMyWay
Devon

What attracted you to your own renewable energy franchise?
I had a background as a property developer and there were two things pointing me towards renewable energy. Firstly the property market was crashing and I knew I needed to do something else, and secondly I was finding more and more of the properties I worked on had some element of renewable energy included. I was excited about the new technologies and the possibilities so I decided to explore a career in renewables.

Did you consider other franchise companies as well as EnergyMyWay?
I did do some research into other companies but the people at EnergyMyWay really seemed to speak my language.

Why specifically did you chose EnergyMyWay?
I really liked their ‘whole of building’ approach as I enjoy helping people to find a solution that fits them, not just a ‘one fits all’. They are a very progressive company, interested in sharing ideas and knowledge and being leading experts in the field. Their approach to franchising is one where everyone feels involved in this process.

What do you think are the benefits of joining the franchise group at this early stage?
Mostly I want to look back and say “I was in it from the start and look where we are now”. The future is looking very bright and I want to be involved from the outset.

What experience, if any, did you have already in the renewable business?
To be honest, none. I just found myself enthusing about different renewable ideas when I came across them on building projects, and really wanted to know more. I had the passion for the subject but I needed help to learn the technical side.

Had you ever run your own business before?
Yes I had my own property business and also a boat surveying business on the south coast. I have had lots of experience of being ‘out on my own’ and so I’ve really enjoyed being part of a franchise group, with backup, expertise, marketing and training support.

How have you found the training and support?
It has been excellent. I cannot believe how much I have learned in such a short period of time. Our training sessions have been packed with useful support, everything from how an inverter works to how to articulate the benefits to the customer. The people in the company have all the skills for the business to be very successful.

How much has your confidence grown in your ability to be an expert in this subject?
I hardly recognise myself from how much I knew before. This is the bit I really enjoy, being able to talk with confidence to the customers and know I am right. The great thing is that if you don’t know the answer, there are experts in the group who you can call on and our customers benefit from that too.

How long did it take you from completing your training to winning your first customer?
Just a few weeks. I started building up my network of potential customers before the training started. There is so much interest in renewables at the moment, people are very interested to hear about it. EnergyMyWay’s experience and training has meant I have been able to get the business going much sooner than I thought.

Are you confident that the marketing support and materials will deliver leads to your business?
Yes. The marketing support is great. With the training and the materials I am confident I can get the customers, so to a degree I am able to relax about that and enjoy doing the job I am most interested in.

What have been your overall impressions of the business?
My overall impressions were good at the start and have got better with time. This is a great opportunity and I doing it with the backing of EnergyMyWay means my business will benefit from the national buying power of the company as well as the skills and expertise of the team behind it.

What are you looking forward to as your EnergyMyWay business grows?
I’m looking forward to seeing how the renewables market changes and grows with time and to responding to the changes. There are so many factors influencing a rapid market growth for renewables and I feel like I am certainly in the right place at the right time with EnergyMyWay.

What is the scale of the opportunity for your franchise territory?
I have only seen the tip of the iceberg. The business is not limited by one particular product or one type of customer so there is huge potential.

What would you say to someone considering an EnergyMyWay franchise now?
I would say that there is no doubt that the time is right, just make sure you do your research and know what you are getting in to. This is an industry where you could build something really successful over the next few years. In my experience, EnergyMyWay are the people who will help you to do that.
 

Enjoying the significant growth in sector with Mr Electric franchise

Enjoying the significant growth in sector with Mr Electric franchise

Information on Franchises for sale in the UK at WhichFranchise.com

OSCAR franchise: Working from home - at last

OSCAR franchise: Working from home - at last

Information on Franchises for sale in the UK at WhichFranchise.com

More security and family time with a Riverford Organic franchise

More security and family time with a Riverford Organic franchise

Information on Franchises for sale in the UK at WhichFranchise.com