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Controlling destiny with Servicemaster franchise
East Midlands Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
John Flye
ServiceMaster Disaster restoration franchise
Nottingham
I bought my first franchise in 1986, following a career in the Insurance Industry.
The franchise appealed to me because of my desire to be my own Boss, and control my own destiny.
In my dealings with Servicemaster whilst I was considering my options, I was impressed with the general set up and the people I met and decided to buy the franchise.
Twenty-one years later, the business has developed almost beyond recognition, both for me personally, and for the business generally. Both Franchisees and Servicemaster Ltd have faced major challenges in recent years, and have met these challenges admirably. We are moving forward as a team, franchisee and franchisor together, and are set to enjoy continued growth in the coming years.
It is interesting to think that over the last 21 years, Jacqueline and myself have relied solely on our business for income, and have built up a sizable equity within the business. Our youngest son has been involved in the business for some six years, and will at some point take over the running of the operation.
To summarise, although running any business has its challenges, I feel that the Franchise has and continues to fulfil our hopes and ambitions, and we are proud to be associated with Servicemaster.
Date Published: Mar 01, 2009 - 9:05 pm
Franchise event returns to Leicester
East Midlands Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
June sees Leicester Racecourse Conference Centre host the East Midlands Franchise Show for the third consecutive year – an event showcasing over 35 franchise & business opportunities for sale.
Leicester is the latest port of call of a series of franchise roadshows hosted by show organisers Job Done. This event follows other successful roadshows in Reading, Norwich, Doncaster, Southampton and Leeds over the last eight months.
In addition to 35 different business ideas on show, visitors can pick the brains of franchise consultants, find out funding advice from high street banks and tap into local enterprise initiatives too.
There are free drop in seminars and advice clinics. Topics include:
- “Mums Mean Business” – hosted by BBC TV’s The Apprentice candidate Jen Celerier (herself a self employed mum)
- “White Collar Franchising” – impartial advice for making the jump from office desk to MD
- “Post Credit Crunch” franchise finance advice – with Natwest Bank’s Franchise team
- “Motor Franchise Theatre” – business ideas for mobile franchises
Mark Monument of Job Done explains more
“Our shows are a “bite sized” version of larger, national exhibitions and give those considering franchising a regular chance to visit a one-stop-shop of franchising info – and, better still, at a local venue
There’s a slice of every conceivable franchise industry sector on show with ideas suitable for all career backgrounds – for “petrol heads”, for skilled tradesmen, for white collar careers, education, retail, catering, IT.”
The show takes place on Saturday 20th June from 9.30am until 4.00pm at Leicester Racecourse in Oadby – around 4 miles south of Leicester City Centre. There is no admission charge, no tickets required, there’s plenty of free car parking though it is advisable to register a place for the seminars and advisory clinics. Details available on:
Date Published: Mar 22, 2009 - 10:05 pm
Juggling family and Musical Minis franchise
East Midlands Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
After the arrival of child number six, Michelle Reeson decided that it was time to find a career that suited her busy family life. A few months later she took the reins of her own business when she became the franchisee for Musical Minis in East Midlands (West).
Before this change of career direction Michelle’s focus was in the financial sector working as a cashier for a high street bank. She also tutored family and friends on the piano in her spare time, something that she continues today.
Whilst on maternity leave Michelle started to assess her work/ home balance and explored the possibility of becoming her own boss. “Financially I needed to return to work after having the baby as my husband and I have a large family to support, but it was equally important to find something which gave me flexibility,” said Michelle. “Being there for my family was a high priority and running my own business seemed like the ideal solution.”
Over the next few months Michelle spent time researching opportunities on the internet. She soon realised that with existing business models and an established brand, franchising ticked all the boxes. “My first port of call on the internet was NetMums who publish lots of information for mums wanting to work from home,” continued Michelle. “I homed in on music and children, then came across Musical Minis, a full bfa member. I requested an information pack but in the interim I also visited the East Midlands franchise show at Leicester racecourse.”
Armed with a selection of franchises to consider, it was Musical Minis that became the frontrunner. Michelle attended a Musical Minis session and was very impressed by what she saw, so she duly completed the application form to become a franchisee. She said: “I like the philosophy behind Musical Minis and Karen Sherr’s (founder) approach to the business. The fact that Karen is a trained child play therapist gave me the confidence to invest. This franchise is all about making sure both the customer and the franchisee are happy.” With training complete and her range of musical equipment received, Michelle organised her first session in September 2008.
“There is some competition in preschool activities within the area but I’m pleased to say that the number of children attending my classes is increasing week on week,” said Michelle. “It’s all about finding out what works.”
With a home and six children to organise, Michelle and her husband Jamie are certainly kept busy. “Jamie is a fantastic support behind the scenes and the whole family get involved with leaflet distribution. I’m enjoying Musical Minis so much that it almost feels like a hobby!,” Michelle enthused.
Date Published: Mar 26, 2009 - 10:05 pm
New research by Kall Kwik franchise
East Midlands Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
Despite the rapidly rising popularity of the internet for email and social networking, new research has uncovered that only one in 10 businesses prefer electronic communications to more traditional printed mediums when it comes to corresponding with consumers.
The study, commissioned by Kall Kwik, revealed that 93 per cent of businesses still choose to use printed mailings ahead of electronic communications, and only 14 per cent of companies would consider using text messages – despite there being more than 90 million mobile phones in circulation across the UK.
The ease with which consumers can hit the ‘delete’ button was the key reason for rejecting electronic marketing, with consumers reading only two in every10 corporate text messages and four in 10 marketing emails. By contrast, consumers read six of every 10 pieces of printed marketing collateral they received - a figure which further increases when the mail is personalised.
Laurence Knott, head of marketing at Kall Kwik, comments: “While advances in technology have made it easier for companies to communicate with consumers, the most advanced ways of reaching a target audience are clearly not always the most effective.
“Our research shows that consumers are quick to discard communications they see as intrusive or irrelevant, and with methods such as email and text this process becomes almost instantaneous – with messages often being deleted before the subject has even been digested.
“Companies are right to be wary of investing heavily in this type of marketing – consumers are more likely to read and act upon material they receive in printed form, while finding text communications in particular more irritating than interesting.
“Further advances in ‘spam blocking’ also mean many mass email and text campaigns are never even seen by the intended recipient, instead going straight in the electronic bin. Print allows businesses to communicate with their customers in a way which is simply not possible electronically. Consumers appreciate the physical contact print brings - and it also allows firms a whole host of options to make their material look and feel more appealing. “
Kall Kwik provides high quality print, direct mail and design services to businesses throughout the UK using the latest digital printing equipment, graphics design software and fully trained network of more than 150 franchisees.
Date Published: Apr 23, 2009 - 10:05 pm
Family success for Cartridge World franchisee
East Midlands Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
Stuart Brook – Cartridge World Derby, Doncaster and Grimsby
Background
Before joining Cartridge World in 2002, Stuart Brook had gained management experience in a very different setting, working as a ski resort manager, as well as overseeing sales for the family business.
What introduced him to Cartridge World
When Stuart and his father visited a franchise exhibition, the Cartridge World product offer stood out to them as representing a logical alternative to the highly priced manufacturers’ own products, and the potential profit margins of 60 per cent were attractive. They also found the Cartridge World team to be friendly and approachable.
Progress to date
The father and son team opened their first franchise in Grimsby in 2002. It was soon evident that the store was going to be a success, so they opened a second one in Derby in late 2003, shortly followed by a third in Doncaster in early 2004. Stuart in now mostly based in the Derby store, but makes regular visits to the other two.
With the business going from strength to strength, after three years the combined turnover of the stores has reached £600,000. Stuart believes there is scope to increase this further, and aims to bring each store up to a turnover of at least £25,000 a month, as well as eventually opening two more outlets.
Each existing store employs three staff full-time and one part-time, all of whom Stuart believes have been crucial to the success of the business. With a manager already in place in each franchise, Stuart’s ultimate aim is to step into the role of area manager, freeing up more of his time.
Throughout his time as a Cartridge World franchisee, Stuart has benefited from the support offered by the franchise support team, a service which he feels is going from strength to strength. He has found the regular franchisee meetings helpful, as well as receiving a lot of advice and support from fellow franchisees, especially through visiting some of the UK’s top-performing stores. In addition, Stuart has access to a dedicated Business Development Manager who is always on hand for support.
Stuart says ...
“Cartridge World struck me as providing a common sense alternative to a product that many people feel is overpriced. It offers a great combination of savings and quality. The environmental benefit to what we do is also something of a unique selling point.
"I truly believe that the current economic climate presents an exciting opportunity for Cartridge World, given the substantial product savings available to businesses. With decision-makers now far more open to money-saving ideas, I’m focussing strongly on B2B sales, pushing the dual message of saving money whilst benefiting from a high quality product.
“So long as the two crucial elements are in place – dedicated staff and a high quality product – Cartridge World offers a winning formula.”
Date Published: Jun 23, 2009 - 10:05 pm
Change of lifestyle with The Camping and Caravanning Club
East Midlands Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
Jayne and Chris Woods,
Teversal, Nottinghamshire
Booking a family camping holiday turned out to be the first step on the path to a very welcome and complete change of lifestyle for Jayne and Chris Woods, franchisees at the Teversal, Nottinghamshire campsite of The Camping and Caravanning Club.
For some time, the couple had wanted to do something different and had been exploring ideas for a new direction. Jayne had many years’ experience working with children, first as an occupational therapist before becoming a foster carer. Chris had been a sales director with an electronics company, working long hours and hardly seeing his family.
They both felt they needed a change, to be more in control of their lives and to reap the rewards of their own efforts. They knew they wanted to run their own business, to work together and, ideally, to work outdoors but they had not been able to identify the right business for them.
However, they discovered exactly what they were looking for when they were choosing a site for a camping holiday with their little boy. Jayne explained: “We were looking at sites on the Club’s website. As we read it, we saw some information about the Club’s franchise opportunity. It looked really interesting and the more we read, the more we could see that this met all our criteria, although we didn’t fully understand the franchising concept at the time,” she continued.
They researched the franchise sector thoroughly and discovered the many benefits and advantages it offered over starting a new business from scratch. “We recognised the value of being part of a national organisation, especially such a well-known one, with its proactive
marketing. We could learn the Club’s tried and tested systems that have been refined over many years, as well as benefit from their training and on-going support,” Jayne added.
Convinced that franchising was the way forward, Jayne and Chris completed the various stages of the application process and began looking for a suitable site. Finally, they chose Teversal, then a privately-owned park which, the previous year, had won the accolade awarded by English Tourist Board of “Caravan Park of the Year”. (2005)
Jayne said: “We moved from Hertfordshire in March 2006, just four weeks after first viewing the site, and had doubled the occupancy by the following summer,” Jayne said. “We were very pleased with our achievements in the first year but felt there was still more we could do. We listened to customers’ comments to help us refine our plans for the future.
“We are a 5-star site and have the AA’s highest rating. We aim to provide the best facilities block in the Club’s network and we have invested heavily to give our customers a luxury experience of outdoor holidays. We have also improved the infrastructure of the site and introduced some great eco-friendly innovations.
“We now have 10 individual bathrooms, a big family bathroom with a range of baby-changing aids, laundry room with ironing station and also improved facilities for disabled people. We are harvesting rain water to use for flushing the loos and have installed energy-saving light tubes in the roof for more efficient use of electricity.”
Jayne, Chris and son Samuel live on the site, which is open all year. “Running our own business is very rewarding and we really enjoy it,” Jayne said. “We work hard, especially during the summer, but we wouldn’t change it and have no regrets at all. In fact, we are keen to have another Club site in the future.
“We could never have done this on our own or achieved so much,” Jayne summed up.
Date Published: Jun 30, 2009 - 10:05 pm
Delighting in the challenge of franchising with Chemex
East Midlands Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
After a successful career in farm management, John Bennett has just made a complete, mid-life switch.
John, 41, has invested in a franchise with Chemex International covering South Nottinghamshire, including Nottingham city centre, Southwell, Grantham, Long Eaton, Bingham and Radcliffe-on-Trent.
John, 41, has invested in a franchise with Chemex International covering South Nottinghamshire, including Nottingham city centre, Southwell, Grantham, Long Eaton, Bingham and Radcliffe-on-Trent.
Chemex is Europe’s leading supplier of cleaning and hygiene products and provides businesses with cleaning products and free advice and training on health & safety and hygiene matters.
“I graduated from Nottingham University with a degree in agriculture and worked for 16 years in agricultural farm management. I ended up managing a large, intensive arable, vegetable and root crop farm in North Nottinghamshire,” said John who lives at Oxton.
“I graduated from Nottingham University with a degree in agriculture and worked for 16 years in agricultural farm management. I ended up managing a large, intensive arable, vegetable and root crop farm in North Nottinghamshire,” said John who lives at Oxton.
“But I needed a new challenge and was delighted when the opportunity to build a business with Chemex came along.”
Franchising appealed to John because he had dealt with franchised businesses in the organic produce industry and knew how it worked.
Now he is franchising for Chemex, not only selling a wide range of cleaning and hygiene products but also offering advice and training for the healthcare, catering and hospitality industries.
John, who is a former captain of Nottingham & Union Rowing Club and Henley Royal Regatta oarsman is now putting his back into building a successful business supplying cleaning and hygiene products.
As a competitive rower, who trained daily, rowing on the River Trent and reached the quarter-finals at Henley, John said: “With my competitive nature and business experience a Chemex franchise provides an opportunity to build a substantial business”.
“We supply a wide range of businesses, including care homes, restaurants, pubs, hotels, offices, schools and colleges - hygiene is major issue in all these businesses.
“Where we differ, though, is we also offer training and advice on use of our cleaning products, as well as safety and hygiene control programmes.”
Franchising appealed to John because he had dealt with franchised businesses in the organic produce industry and knew how it worked.
Now he is franchising for Chemex, not only selling a wide range of cleaning and hygiene products but also offering advice and training for the healthcare, catering and hospitality industries.
John, who is a former captain of Nottingham & Union Rowing Club and Henley Royal Regatta oarsman is now putting his back into building a successful business supplying cleaning and hygiene products.
As a competitive rower, who trained daily, rowing on the River Trent and reached the quarter-finals at Henley, John said: “With my competitive nature and business experience a Chemex franchise provides an opportunity to build a substantial business”.
“We supply a wide range of businesses, including care homes, restaurants, pubs, hotels, offices, schools and colleges - hygiene is major issue in all these businesses.
“Where we differ, though, is we also offer training and advice on use of our cleaning products, as well as safety and hygiene control programmes.”
Date Published: Aug 06, 2009 - 10:05 pm
More friendship than a business arrangement with Countrywide Signs franchise
East Midlands Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
“It’s more like a friendship than a business arrangement”
Four years into the ownership of Countrywide Signs Leicester, Tyler Smith reflects on the special relationship developed with the Franchisor, and his plans for the expansion of his business.
For me, the Countrywide Signs franchise has provided an opportunity to work in a business where I am out and about working with people, rather than chained to a desk. For my father, the prospect of building a substantial business through marketing and providing a professional service was the key
attraction. We are both achieving our goals with our franchise and we are a perfect team!
We first began looking at franchises four years ago because we wanted to work for ourselves, but
without the risk of starting up on our own. Countrywide Signs offers a very professional service, but also develops personal relationships with franchisees. It is more like developing a friendship than a business arrangement, and we were so impressed that we invested in the Leicester territory in 2003 when it became available for re-sale.
Because it was an already established business we hit the ground running with work to do from
day one of taking over. The business was performing well, but we could see a lot of potential there to improve it. Every aspect of the business had been covered in the training provided by Countrywide Signs, but there is a very fast learning curve so the reassurance of having support and backup from head office when required is invaluable.
The marketing experience that my father has brought to the business has enabled us to build it quite aggressively and the work has snowballed quickly. We took on our first employee after our first year, a second soon after that, and have capitalised upon the word of mouth we’ve generated to reach an annual turnover of £120,000.
You need to appreciate the art of erecting for sale boards, and at Countrywide Signs we compete on quality rather than price. We are able to market ourselves as the best by putting boards up quickly and professionally in the best place to maximise interest in a property. This quality of with Countrywide Signs’ professional website which enables agents to track how many boards they have up and where they are at any time, makes us the first choice for estate and lettings agents.
We have won over the agents and get regular repeat business from them, but there’s a lot of potential in Leicestershire that we haven’t touched yet. We want to expand the business and are aiming to have a fleet of vans out there servicing our accounts.
Date Published: Aug 10, 2009 - 10:05 pm
Invest in a profitable box with Platinum Property Partners franchise
East Midlands Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
The property investment sector has had a turbulent couple of years and many landlords and investors have been forced out of the market by a lack of cashflow and capital. Leading the field of those still flourishing is the Platinum Property Partners property investment franchise, founded in mid-2007, which has recruited 45 high net worth Franchise Partners to date, with more waiting to join. By following PPP’s proven business models and with the support of their expert team of over 33 professional advisors, Franchise Partners are expanding their portfolios and increasing profits through the recession.
The beauty of property as a wealth creation vehicle is not only are you investing in tangible assets which will appreciate over time, but you can also refurbish and let the properties out in such a way that the rental income covers the mortgage, utility bills and maintenance costs, and also gives a significant positive cashflow. PPP’s Franchise Partners are seeing average returns of £1,000+ pre-tax profit per month, per property, even allowing for void periods.
This kind of investing starts with the principle that an investment property is simply a money-making box. How much profit you make in the short and long term depends on what you do with the box: what & how you buy, how you divide up the space inside and how you tenant and manage that space. Anyone can buy a property and wait for its value to go up in line with the market; the skill is in 'beating' the market and bettering those returns.
One Leicester-based Franchise Partner bought a property in Spring 2008 for £225,000. He spent £60,000 refurbishing it to the PPP model, and it now delivers over £4,000 a month in rental income, with over £2,500 pre-tax profit. The property has recently been re-valued at £335,000 - that’s an increase in asset value of £110,000 during a national market slump!
Maximising profit and establishing a good stream of passive income from property is a simple concept to understand, but not an easy strategy to implement. However, for smart property investors who surround themselves with the right experts and professionals, 2010 is going to be another superb year!
Date Published: Nov 09, 2009 - 9:05 pm
