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From strength to strength with Home Instead franchise
North West England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
Chris and Sue Broadbent purchased the Home Instead Senior Care Chester franchise in January 2008. The Chester franchise was originally established in early 2007 and was Home Instead Senior Care’s first UK territory.
In February 2007 the UK’s first franchise office of Home Instead Senior Care was set up in Chester. This is already a well established, successful, and still growing business supporting 60 clients with care in their own homes.
When Chris and Sue purchased the Chester franchise Chris had 30 years in corporate sales (telecommunications) under his belt, and Sue had worked in healthcare as a qualified nurse. This gave them a great blend of experience for running their own franchise operation.
Chris was made redundant three years ago by which time he had had enough of ‘corporate life’. The couple, who have four children, saw the redundancy as an opportunity to take control of their lives and steer it in the direction they wanted it to go. Commenting, Chris said: “Looking back now, being made redundant was a great thing! With my redundancy package I had options. It really made me think – I want to work for the next 10 -15 years, what do I want to do with the rest of my working life?”
Chris and Sue had heard about the new Home Instead Senior Care operation and liked what they heard. Sue said: “We both agreed that this was a really worthwhile thing to do. With my background in nursing and Chris’ business experience I knew that we were well placed to make this a success and we haven’t looked back.”
With his background in sales Chris looks after the networking and marketing side of the business whilst Sue runs the office and looks after their CareGivers. They both enjoy keeping in touch with their clients and make regular care visits themselves.
They are never without support and Chris says: “We really feel like we are part of a network and there is always someone to call if we need advice. The franchises are split into bands depending on turnover and Sue and I meet with our peers on a monthly basis for training and to share best practice. The support we receive is second to none and although we are very much the masters of our own destiny, we never feel alone.”
The Chester franchise currently delivers 3,000 hours of care per month making a real difference to their clients’ lives.
Date Published: Feb 10, 2009 - 9:05 pm
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Mark Lynch from Lasertech Tallaght and Naas is Lasertech’s Youngest Ever Franchisee at just 21 years old. He visited the Lasertech stand at the 2007 Irish Franchise Exhibition and never looked back. His first full time job was as an Insurance Agent, and soon learnt that selling was one of his strengths, with the backing and support from his family Mark became a Lasertech Franchisee in March 2008. Mark’s Business got off to a flying start and the success is down to Mark’s enthusiasm and hard work. He now supplies many businesses and Schools in Tallaght and Naas with Printer Cartridges and Office Products and his van (pictured below on his Launch day back in March 2008) is well recognised in his territory.
Just 10 months into his Lasertech Franchise Mark won a contract to supply the office of Public Works in Co. Meath with £20K’s worth of Printers. Mark had registered with a Government online e-tender site and was keeping his eye out for tenders that would be suitable. Mark liaised with Lasertech Head Office purchasing department and support staff to complete the tender and won it! Mark next move is too win the contract to supply Public Works with all the consumables for their new printers. This shouldn’t be too difficult as the Lasertech Brand cartridges are up to 50% cheaper than brands such as HP, Canon Etc but manufactured to the same high quality standards. They also come with a 12 month Guarantee for peace of mind.
Date Published: Feb 10, 2009 - 9:05 pm
Musical Minis franchise fun on Merseyside
North West England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
Cathie Flynn had worked in the finance sector, been a teaching assistant and involved with a community art and drama project before heading up the franchise for Musical Minis in Merseyside.
She explains: “The best thing about Musical Minis is that it’s fun. I’d become quite stressed in my previous job and wanted something to fit in around my family life. The idea of running my own business was very appealing.”
Cathie had read articles about franchising and felt comfortable in the knowledge that everything she needed to get her business up and running was included in the set up costs. After investigating a number of different opportunities and comparing them, Cathie was especially impressed by Musical Minis and the opportunity it presented.
She also liked Karen Sherr, founder of Musical Minis franchise, who was extremely friendly when Cathie approached her for more detailed information about becoming a franchisee. She said: “Other organisations that I contacted seemed very money- orientated but Musical Minis is all about people. I had taken my twin daughters to a number of sessions before I’d even considered franchising. This meant that I was familiar with the format and witnessed first hand as a parent my children having fun.”
The investment ensured that Cathie received all the equipment she needed to start the business, as well as thorough training and a licence to operate exclusively in her area for five years. “The on-going support from head office is great and Karen is always willing to help with any problems which happen to arise,” continued Cathie. “There is always a genuine interest in my well being as well as that of the business,” she added.
Since starting her Merseyside Musical Minis franchise in September 2001, Cathie’s business has grown and she now leads several sessions throughout a five-day week. “I also do a few hours a week of admin including banking, preparation of wages, answering phone calls and paperwork,” said Cathie. “Admin fits in around my family life. I am able to take my daughters to school, pick them up and I am usually off in the school holidays.”
Looking back Cathie acknowledges that it was the best career move she has ever made. She explains: “Musical Minis franchise is very enjoyable and also rewarding. I am a much happier person since I have been doing this. The people I work with are brilliant and I have formed some good friendships. The hours that I work are great, meaning I have time to be with my children and to run around sorting out family matters.
“I would recommend this franchise opportunity to other mums, without hesitation. It’s ideal for those who would like to build a business of their own but with the comfort of knowing that experienced people are available to offer back-up support. You already have a tried and tested formula in Musical Minis’ brand. The best part, though, is that you meet some lovely families and have fun with them!”
Date Published: Apr 01, 2009 - 10:05 pm
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In the three years since we took over the Liverpool Snack-In-The-Box (SITB) franchise we have almost doubled the weekly turnover from £1,400 to £2,600. We work really well together because we bring different skills to the business and share the same goal of making it a success.
John acts as the face of the business and is out on the road Monday to Friday meeting clients, re-stocking vending machines and making sales, while Judith juggles the bookkeeping and other paperwork with her job as a personal assistant for the NHS. Between us we are able to ensure the business runs efficiently.
Before SITB we owned a greetings card franchise and were looking for a new challenge when a friend of ours put his SITB franchise on the market. We liked the SITB concept of snack vending machines and also the fact the franchise is associated with Cadbury which makes canvassing the territory easier as people are more inclined to listen if you have the backing of a big brand name.
Our friend organised a meeting for us with SITB at their head office in Portsmouth and the team made a great first impression. They were professional and friendly and answered all of our questions. When we left the meeting, we knew our future was with SITB.
The training and support has been excellent. The initial training covered how to install, use and maintain the vending machines, route planning and canvassing. Since we took over we have had ongoing meetings with our SITB Business Development Manager to discuss ways in which we can improve the business. The company regularly holds franchise forums where we can all get together and brainstorm ideas.
We are now reaping the rewards of running our franchise. Judith has been able to buy her dream car - a Mini Cooper S, while John is looking forward to celebrating his 60th birthday in Las Vegas later this year!
Date Published: Apr 08, 2009 - 10:05 pm
Managing his own destiny with Venture franchise
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Ian Webb is the franchise owner of Venture Portraits in Liverpool. Though Ian’s background is in consultancy he has had always had an interest in photography. So when he came across Venture whilst looking for a new challenge, Ian knew it was the right franchise him.
Venture Portrait franchise allows Ian to combine his passion for photography with a terrific business opportunity. Ian purchased his Venture franchise as a re-sale and in only a few short months he had already made a tremendous impact on the studio by significantly improving both the turnover and profitability.
“I've been a franchise studio owner with Venture UK for five months. When I was looking for a franchise opportunity, I was keen to ensure that the business model was mature, there was support from the centre during the early months and that there was strong growth potential.
Venture UK satisfies all of the criteria. As a Venture franchise owner there is never a dull moment, whether it is planning for the future of the business, managing resources, meeting customers or making the sales! Every day is different.
Venture is a very professional and well-run franchise business that allows the business owners to fully manage their own destiny."
Date Published: May 07, 2009 - 10:05 pm
Cartridge World franchise invests in talented young locals
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Business owners Darren and Nyreen Turner, who operate a printer cartridge refilling and remanufacturing franchise, Cartridge World, in Rawtenstall, Lancashire, have teamed up with training specialists Training 2000 to provide learning and future employment opportunities for young people resident in Rossendale.
Training 2000, which has an office in Rawtenstall, runs a scheme which helps young people who have struggled to find local employment to gain further skills and qualifications.
Training 2000 works with companies and organisations in the local area to set up workplace training for young people three days a week, for up to six months, allowing the trainee to gain valuable workplace skills and the company to assess the trainee as a potential employee.
Due to the success of their first trainee Adam Rowe, aged 18, of Bacup, Cartridge World Rawtenstall has taken on a second young person and intends to bring in a third in the near future.
Nyreen Turner says: “Initially, when Adam came to work with us, he was very shy. But after he had gained a bit of experience, with the full support of everyone at Cartridge World, Adam progressed well, and we were pleased to offer him full-time employment in January this year.”
Darren Turner went on to say: “This positive first experience has encouraged us to work more closely with Training 2000. We believe they can help us source young local people with untapped potential and give them a real chance at success.
“We have just taken on trainee Danny Fletcher, who is 16 and from Haslingden, and have high hopes that he will follow in Adam’s footsteps and make a success of his opportunity.”
Rita Walsh, Placement Liaison Officer at Training 2000, said: “Training 2000 is proud to work with companies like Cartridge World, who are keen to offer employment opportunities to young people in the local area.
“By combining Cartridge World’s own training programme with participation in the basic skills courses offered at our Rawtenstall centre, trainees are assured of the best possible introduction to the world of work.”
Cartridge World is the market-leading retailer of refilled and remanufactured printer cartridges. Using specifically formulated inks or toners, the Cartridge World stores can refill all major brands of ink and laser cartridges. The end result is a high quality product offering the customer substantial savings on the cost of an original and an environmentally-friendly alternative to throwing the cartridge into landfill.
Training 2000, established over 40 years ago, is a charitable trust set up by a consortium of Lancashire businesses. It has built up a wide portfolio of clients throughout the UK and internationally by creating high quality solutions through the application of training. More information can be found at www.training2000.co.uk.
Date Published: May 13, 2009 - 10:05 pm
The recession is a golden opportunity for Cartridge World franchisees
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David Kenton and Adam Dobson – Cartridge World Preston
Background
David Kenton and Adam Dobson were two Cartridge World employees who grasped the opportunity to become business owners when their Preston store came up for sale in 2006.
What introduced them to Cartridge World
With a background in retail management and training, David was taken on at Cartridge World Preston as a manager. Adam, who had been working in a warehouse, came in to support David, rapidly rising to the role of Assistant Manager. The pair formed a strong working relationship and quickly came to recognise the benefits of the business: a high quality product – matching the standard of the manufacturer’s original or even exceeding it – excellent customer service and substantial savings for customers. When Cartridge World Preston came up for sale, the pair didn’t think twice about taking the plunge.
Progress to date
Business is currently growing by up to 35 per cent a month, with the store turning over around £14.5K per month. Stuart and Adam are confident that they can soon bring this up to the £20K level of the store during its heyday under the previous management. Projected turnover for the current financial year is over £170K. The business partners hope to open a second satellite store locally in the next couple of years.
As well as receiving support from the Cartridge World head office, which runs advertising campaigns and provides technical support and research and development among other things, the business partners believe that their success is due in no small part to the Business Development Manager assigned to their store who has helped provide a strategic overview of the business.
David says...
“Adam Davison, our Business Development Manager, has been fantastic and helped us no end. He’s really showed us how to run our store as a business, rather than just a franchise, and provided an endless stream of useful suggestions, which come from his own experience of running a business.
“Adam and I also genuinely believe in the product we sell and the service we provide, and that comes across to current and potential customers.
“The recession is a golden opportunity for Cartridge World franchisees – this business is probably as close to ‘recession-proof’ as you can get. We’re still seeing increases in sales and getting up to 30 enquiries a day about our products.
“So long as we continue to manage the business carefully, our customer base will keep increasing.
“An added benefit is the ‘green’ side of what we do. Customers see it as a big bonus, and we follow it through by recycling behind the scenes as well. The environment is increasingly making headlines, which can only help us.”
Date Published: Jun 23, 2009 - 10:05 pm
Tom Boardman takes the express lane with the help of Signs Express franchise
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Signs Express (Lancaster) sponsors World Touring Car Championship driver Tom Boardman as he races into winning position at Brands Hatch.
Independent driver Tom Boardman called on the expertise of Signs Express to provide vehicle graphics for both his SEAT race car and his support truck for his entry in this year’s competition. The British rounds at Brands Hatch saw Tom finish an impressive 3rd position in the first race and followed by a closely fought win in the second race.
Despite being up against some of the leading drivers, Tom has become the fifth winner in the championships so far. Tom said: “I am so pleased that Signs Express (Lancaster) was able to supply and fit the vehicle graphics for the whole of the championships. The team’s expertise in design and print has perfectly transformed my car and race transporter. When I joined WTCC I expected it to be easier. It has been a tough season but we have been learning and finally everything is in place. I am so relieved I can fight with the leaders!”
Signs Express (Lancaster) owner Thomas Somers commented on the race: “Tom who lives locally to the centre contacted us to see what we could do in way of sponsorship graphics for the WTCC events. Vehicle graphics are a fast and effective promotional tool so we were only too happy to help. We’ve sponsored Tom all season but this was Tom’s first WTCC Independents’ Trophy win, so it was exciting to both be involved in sponsoring him and also to be at Brands Hatch watching him racing.“
The championship tour which started in Mexico has now concluded for the summer but will resume in six week for rounds 17 and 18 being held on 6th September in Oschersleben, Germany. This will be followed by Italy on 20th September, Japan on 1st November and finishing in Macau, China on 22nd November.
As part of the UK and Ireland’s leading signs and graphics company, Signs Express (Lancaster) provides a complete design, manufacture and installation service for all forms of signage including interior/exterior signs, vehicle graphics, exhibition and display products, window graphics and health and safety signage for businesses in Lancaster and surrounding areas. Customers include McDonald’s, Mercedes-Benz, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and Dyno Rod to name but a few.
Date Published: Jul 29, 2009 - 10:05 pm
Finding the fun in franchising with Rosemary Conley
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Trudy Taylor, the Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs franchisee in Oldham and Tameside, used to be a manager at the RAC Insurance call centre, where she worked for ten years.
Trudy had held a number of office-based jobs before joining the RAC, where she met her husband, Paul. The couple now have two children, six-year old Matthew and four-year old Hannah, and, after having the children, Trudy worked part time for the RAC and combined this with being a mother.
It was at this time that Trudy discovered her weight had increased to 13 stone so she joined a local Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Class and within a year she had succeeded in losing almost 5 stone.
Trudy’s franchisee was so impressed with her that she asked Trudy to qualify as an Exercise to Music instructor to help her run classes, which she did. Trudy then started teaching Rosemary Conley classes one night a week for the local franchisee.
In early 2005, Trudy attended a Presentation Day at Quorn House, the Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs’ headquarters, with a view to becoming a franchisee herself. She was convinced it was for her and launched her business in September 2005.
Trudy has never looked back and she feels very proud that she now runs her own business and is in control of her life.
She says: “This is a full time job and you definitely need the support of your family, especially if you have young children to look after, like I do!”
Trudy’s husband, Paul, has been a big support with the children and Paul’s parents, Kath and Dave, have also been supportive.
In fact, Dave does Trudy’s bookkeeping for her. Trudy says her members are a real joy and teaching them is fantastic: “It is really good fun and you are held in high esteem as the leader and instructor,” says Trudy.
“The back-up from the support team at Rosemary Conley is excellent and the on-going training events are the highlight of the year for me.”
Through being organised and disciplined, Trudy is able to find time to spend with her family and, unlike in her previous role, she never has to work at weekends. When asked about the last few years, Trudy’s final words are: “It’s been brilliant!”
Date Published: Jul 29, 2009 - 10:05 pm
Running the Rosemary Conley franchise gives Christine freedom
North West England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
Christine grew up in Bolton and on leaving school she was uncertain about what career to follow. Christine chose a career in travel and spent time working in the South of France.
After returning to the UK, Christine married Ian, a policeman, and they had their two children, Ryan and Saul. Christine continued to work in travel and worked part time in the travel shop of the Wigan and Leigh College. It was during this time that Christine put on weight and she felt she must do something about it.
Having started to exercise regularly to help with her weight loss, Christine discovered she had a real love of exercise and she qualified as an Exercise to Music instructor. Christine’s qualifications were put to good use when she became a Rosemary Conley franchisee in September 2002.
Christine continued to build her business progressively until January 2006 when she significantly increased her marketing spend. As a result, her business has grown strongly ever since.
Running the business has given Christine enormous confidence and she now runs the aerobic warm up for around 2,000 women at her local Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life event.
However, Christine says she derives the most satisfaction from helping her members and seeing their successes. Running the franchise gives her freedom and time with her family which has worked extremely well as her children have been growing up.
For her, Christine says it is important to have a supportive partner who is willing to help out at home and be a part time cashier!
She says: “Ian is great and has even been known to do the washing and ironing!”
Christine’s advice to anyone looking at running a Rosemary Conley franchise is:
“It’s a brilliant opportunity to ‘be your own boss’ and it’s very, very rewarding. However, you do need to make sure you are disciplined and spend enough ‘me time’ and time with your family. But, if you get the balance right, there’s nothing better!”
Date Published: Jul 30, 2009 - 10:05 pm
The appeal of a good success rate with Chemex franchising
North West England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
With his business generating an annual turnover of £400,000 and an extensive client base built on repeat business, seasoned Chemex franchisee Charles Williams’ Cheshire-based business continues to beat the recession.
A former farmer, Charles joined the Chemex network in 1989 when profit margins in the agricultural industry nosedived and he was unable to maintain a comfortable lifestyle for his family. Eager to re-train and to continue working for himself, Charles decided to explore franchising.
“Franchising appealed because I knew it had a good success rate compared to standalone business owners,” recalls Charles. “I also liked the fact that as a franchise owner I would have access to a tried and tested business model and an ongoing training and support package, which would help to make the transition from the farming industry to a new one smoother.
Business-to-business cleaning and hygiene supplies franchise Chemex caught my eye because its business model, which involves selling essential cleaning products to companies from different industry sectors, was relatively recession proof.”
Every Chemex franchisee is put on a comprehensive initial training course where they are taught about the products, how to operate the franchise and different sales techniques. While the support is ongoing, franchisees can contact head office for advice or speak to their Franchise Support Manager.
Charles continues: “The support has been brilliant. Over the years I have needed it less, although it is nice to know that if you have a query there is someone on the other end of the phone to help you out. I try to keep in touch with my Franchise Support Manager on a regular basis to let him know how the business is doing.
“Since becoming a franchise owner my work/life balance has dramatically improved. As a farmer, I had too many responsibilities to even consider going away on holiday. Now my family and I try to go away at least twice a year for a break.
“Joining Chemex is the best decision I ever made. My salary is better, the work is varied and I really enjoy being out on the road, meeting new people and building relationships. Over the years my social life has improved dramatically – with some of my loyal customers becoming good friends of mine. I won’t lie, running your own business is not easy especially since the credit crunch took hold of the UK. However, it can be very rewarding.”
At the moment Charles has two vans on the road in his territory and one employee who delivers the products. In the near future, Charles hopes to purchase another van. Long term, his aim is to continue building up the business until he retires.
Business-to-business cleaning and hygiene supplies franchise Chemex caught my eye because its business model, which involves selling essential cleaning products to companies from different industry sectors, was relatively recession proof.”
Every Chemex franchisee is put on a comprehensive initial training course where they are taught about the products, how to operate the franchise and different sales techniques. While the support is ongoing, franchisees can contact head office for advice or speak to their Franchise Support Manager.
Charles continues: “The support has been brilliant. Over the years I have needed it less, although it is nice to know that if you have a query there is someone on the other end of the phone to help you out. I try to keep in touch with my Franchise Support Manager on a regular basis to let him know how the business is doing.
“Since becoming a franchise owner my work/life balance has dramatically improved. As a farmer, I had too many responsibilities to even consider going away on holiday. Now my family and I try to go away at least twice a year for a break.
“Joining Chemex is the best decision I ever made. My salary is better, the work is varied and I really enjoy being out on the road, meeting new people and building relationships. Over the years my social life has improved dramatically – with some of my loyal customers becoming good friends of mine. I won’t lie, running your own business is not easy especially since the credit crunch took hold of the UK. However, it can be very rewarding.”
At the moment Charles has two vans on the road in his territory and one employee who delivers the products. In the near future, Charles hopes to purchase another van. Long term, his aim is to continue building up the business until he retires.
Date Published: Aug 06, 2009 - 10:05 pm
Setting a record for Belvoir franchising
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Belvoir Annual Record Breaker
Office: Belvoir Manchester Central
Owner: Harry Dhaliwal
Launched: December 2004.
Background:
Harry’s background was in retail but he had always been interested in property and when he sold his retail business decided to focus on property as a career. Harry knew from experience how long it took to establish a brand and decided to buy a franchise from a large national company with a recognized brand name.
Why Belvoir?
Harry responded to an advertisement by Belvoir and on meeting the team and doing his research, was very impressed by the company and the training course.
Success to date:
Harry has large and impressive offices in the heart of Manchester, and employs a team of 15 staff to help him maintain structured growth. “I encourage the team to go on training courses and see working for me as a career path rather than just a job,” says Harry.
In 2007 Harry recorded an annual turnover of £517,216 and won the award for Belvoir Annual Record Breaker. Harry has also made his TV debut, appearing on the Tonight Show using his expertise to advise landlords and developers on how to avoid the pitfalls of negative equity and over-supply in some city centres.
Vision for the future:
The race is on to become the first Belvoir franchise to record an annual turnover in excess of a million pounds and Harry would love to achieve this. He also intends to expand his business, and open two or three new Belvoir franchises.
Date Published: Aug 06, 2009 - 10:05 pm
A Countrywide Signs franchise business built up through word of mouth
North West England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
Even though Countrywide Signs franchisees James and Jane Bickerstaff started their business eight years ago, they still find that every day is different and interesting
“I enjoy the fact that it is a challenging business and every day is different, you really don’t know what you’re going to come across the next day.”
While many franchisees may find their efforts and funds are mostly spent on promoting and advertising their business, Countrywide Signs franchisees James and Jane Bickerstaff have found most of their business comes to them. “Since launching our franchise back in 2000 we have not done much advertising but have built our business up through word of mouth,” reveals Jane. “When we started we only had one van and it was just my husband and I - we now have five vans on the road.”
Based in Preston, Lancashire the Bickerstaffs offer a complete sign board service for Estate Agents. This includes providing the signs and, using state-of-the-art technology such as Global Positioning Satellite (GPS), distributing them in the correct locations.
Before becoming Countrywide Signs franchisees Jane worked in production planning and James was a HGV driver. The couple wanted to start their own business so they decided to look into franchising. Jane remembers: “We chose to join a franchise as although it offers the flexibility of working for yourself you have still got a network and framework in the background to support you. We found out about the Countrywide Signs franchise while reading The Franchise Magazine. This franchise appealed to us because it had a relatively low start-up investment and we thought it looked like something that we would be able to grow and build into a successful business.”
Although the couple have been running their franchise for many years they still find that the
work is varied and interesting. Jane comments: “I enjoy the fact that it is a challenging business and every day is different - you really don’t know what you’re going to come across the next day. One of the main benefits of Countrywide Signs is that it is run by down to earth people who have lots of hands-on experience and have practical knowledge of what running a business is like.”
The couple is on target to meet their estimated turnover and are planning to build on their success. Jane says: “We want to grow our business. We are aiming to get more customers onboard in our territory so that we eventually have total coverage in the area.”
Jane advises those looking at the Countrywide Signs franchise: “This franchise would suit someone who likes to be busy and enjoys a challenge. This isn’t a nine-to-five job, however what you put in you do get out at the end, which has enabled us to achieve the success our hard work deserves.”
Date Published: Aug 12, 2009 - 10:05 pm
Find life after redundancy with Petpals
North West England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
Sarah Richardson,
Petpals franchisee
Stockport
What I did before taking on a franchise business
I worked for a leading mail order company for 18 years, mostly as a business analysis manager. However in early 2002/03 I could see the writing on the wall with the traditional mail order business generally going down the pan, so I took voluntary redundancy.
Why I chose franchising
I knew I didn’t want to do the same thing that I have been doing previously and saw this as an opportunity to do something different. My financial adviser suggested I looked on the British Franchising Association website. That’s where I found Petpals and, as I had always loved animals, I was thrilled to see there was a franchise opportunity to do with looking after animals.
How I raised the finance
I was fortunate, my redundancy package covered the cost of buying the Petpals franchise and the van.
The training and support
I find the network of other franchisees extremely useful when it comes to asking people what they do in certain circumstances, as well as being able to bounce ideas off the other franchisees who are often in the same situation as yourself. The Petpals’ Annual General Meeting is another excellent avenue for support. It gives us the opportunity to shape the business by voting on important decisions as well as sharing knowledge with other franchisees face to face.
Challenges
To be successful you really do have to work 365 days a year to start with - there’s no getting away from it. You need to work out a strategy to deal with it, like employing staff. You come out the other side and eventually end up with a fantastic team. There are peaks and troughs but when it boils down to it, I love it!
Advice for someone thinking of buying a franchise
Petpals is a full member of the British Franchising Association (BFA) and is therefore fully vetted and monitored, so it’s worth checking that any other franchises under consideration are also members of the BFA. Franchises in general, and Petpals in particular, provide a network of support which can provide invaluable to people starting up in business.
Plans for the future
Stockport has an interesting demographic mix which, while attracting a lot of competition from similar businesses, reflects a healthy market. I want to continue to provide a consistent, reliable service to existing clients as well as steadily expanding to offer friendly and professional pet services to even more pet lovers.
Date Published: Aug 18, 2009 - 10:05 pm
15 years franchising with Driver Hire and loving every minute
North West England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
Iain Westman purchased his first Driver Hire franchise back in 1994. This makes him one of our longest standing franchisees and also one of our most successful. His first purchase was Blackburn, adding Bolton and then Stockport and Crewe. Under Iain’s ownership, the latter two offices were successfully transformed from underperformers to profitable businesses and were subsequently re-sold.
Iain’s early career was in catering and hotel management followed by a spell in financial services. His introduction to Driver Hire came about through social networking. A chance meeting with one of Driver Hire’s owners led to Iain purchasing his first Driver Hire franchise. “I was 26,” Iain recalls. “My father and I had a look at what the Driver Hire package offered and saw the potential straightaway.”
He now employs 11 people at his two offices and and was Driver Hire’s ‘Franchisee of the Year’ in 2003. Iain believes that the company’s operating system, its training and its focus on legislative compliance are the cornerstones of its success and give Driver Hire a massive advantage in a competitive market. Says Iain, “It has been hard work but I continue to enjoy the challenge. That’s why I bought the additional franchises. Driver Hire has given me the opportunity to enjoy a lifestyle and financial security that I wouldn’t have thought possible when I bought my first franchise back in 1994.”
Date Published: Sep 17, 2009 - 10:05 pm
