Feed: North West England Franchisee Case Studies on whichfranchise.com - AggScore: 45.4
Summary: North West England Franchisee Case Studies on whichfranchise.com
Case studies about people in North West England starting a Franchise
From strength to strength with Home Instead franchise
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
Musical Minis franchise fun on Merseyside
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
We have doubled our turnover!
North West England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
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
Cartridge World franchise invests in talented young locals
Cartridge World franchise invests in talented young locals
North West England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
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
The recession is a golden opportunity for Cartridge World franchisees
North West England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
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
Tom Boardman takes the express lane with the help of Signs Express franchise
North West England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
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
Running the Rosemary Conley franchise gives Christine freedom
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
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
Setting a record for Belvoir franchising
North West England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
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
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
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
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
Auditel franchisee tackles The Pennine Way for the 'Wonder Years' charity
Auditel franchisee tackles The Pennine Way for the 'Wonder Years' charity
North West England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
Chris Gordon and walking partner George Campbell have just
recorded one of the fastest ever completion times of ‘The Pennine
Way’. This epic walk was in aid of a charity in The Gambia
called ‘Wonder Years’ which aims to improve education for
children and help to provide a sustainable economy for the
community.
After 272 miles from Edale in the Peak District and 40,000 feet
of ascent, Chris and George arrived at Kirk Yeltholm in Scotland
at the northern end of the Pennine Way. As Chris explains: “‘The
Pennine Way’ is generally regarded as the toughest and most
challenging long-distance walk in Britain. I’ve done the Three
Peaks Challenge - Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours
- a couple of times. Growing up in The Lake District I’ve always
loved hiking, but I knew this would be far harder than anything
I’d done before. The primary reason is the sheer distance, but
also because we planned to do it in less than 12 days. The
standard completion time for anybody daft enough to do it in ‘one
go’ is about 3 weeks!”
The duo actually completed the walk in less than 12 days, as
planned. Walking from dawn till dusk with a maximum 10-minute
break for lunch, the pair had to contend with some of the worst
seasonal weather the area has seen for years – driving rain and
70 mph winds. Thick fog confronted them every day. Rivers were in
full flood and all the bogs were saturated making walking a more
tiring and sometimes treacherous experience. Chris said:
“The fact that the sun came out on the last day was a supreme
irony. We suffered quite badly with blisters as our boots were
constantly waterlogged and I still have some mild nerve damage to
my feet. I thought our tent was going to be blown away most
nights, so we didn’t get much sleep either. It was great to get
back to a comfy bed!”
Chris and George have already raised nearly £3,000 including
Gift-Aid. They have had very positive responses from Trust Funds,
that hopefully will match-fund in order to reach the £10,000
target that they had set themselves. Chris says: “This kind of
money will go an awfully long way in The Gambia to form a
community that can stand on its own. Every penny raised will
make a massive difference to the people’s lives. Although we are
both still sore and very tired, we are really pleased with what
we have achieved and the money we have raised so far.”
This year, there will be great support for charities by the
Auditel consultants. Here we have Chris and Gordon’s story. Alan
Ford completed the Ironman Triathlon for Cancer Research in
August, Daryn Dodge ran in the Bupa Great North Run in September
for Diabetes UK. Jack Pokoj will take part in the New York
Marathon for Breast Cancer Care in November.
Date Published: Oct 15, 2009 - 10:05 pm
Switching career for a Platinum Property Partners franchise
Switching career for a Platinum Property Partners franchise
North West England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
Platinum Property Partners (PPP), the UK’s fastest growing buy to
let property investment franchise has reported its busiest first
quarter since the company launched in July 2007. Figures for
enquiries show a 500% increase between March ‘08 and March ‘09
and a 70% growth in attendance at PPP franchise workshops. This
trend reflects that reported in the 2008 NatWest/bfa survey,
published at the start of this year, which showed franchising
economic contribution to growth at nearly five times that of the
national GDP growth (15% economic growth in franchising against a
3.1% GDP growth).
Further investigation by PPP into the backgrounds, lifestyles and
aspirations of enquirers shows just how hard the recession is
impacting on career professionals. The majority come from
corporate backgrounds and while some have been made redundant,
others have simply become disillusioned with the level of future
security and opportunities open to them if they remain on their
current career path, or have made the decision to step away from
high-profile positions in order to improve their quality of
life.
This reflects the backgrounds of those already in the franchise,
which is made up of a broad spectrum of high-calibre
individuals. Current Franchise Partners (PPP’s term for
Franchisees) include the former worldwide Finance Director for
the Norwich Union group, a physiotherapist, a Harley Street
psychiatrist, a solicitor, a former estate agent, and the former
European Central Services Director for Coca Cola Enterprises,
Neil Mansell (30) was working in a dead-end job as a business
development manager in the City three years ago. He launched his
own property investment franchise with PPP and now earns over
£130,000 a year gross profit from twelve buy to let properties.
“On the one hand I can’t believe how far I’ve come in such a
relatively short space of time, but, then again, you definitely
get out what you put in, and I have put in a lot of time and
effort to make my business work,” says Neil, who is about
to complete on his thirteenth property purchase.
Opting to run your own business following redundancy or for
lifestyle reasons carries significant risks, especially during an
economic recession. However, franchising traditionally flourishes
in difficult times as people decide to buy into a proven business
model and business support from the franchisor. Platinum Property
Partners founders, Steve Bolton and Nick Carlile, use their
considerable experience and passion for training and mentoring to
guide investors like Neil Mansell in what can be a complex market
sector.
“We are advising a growing number of people who have cash
reserves and some business experience but major questions about
where to invest those reserves,” says Steve Bolton. “They need an
annual income but also want to retain the value of their
investment. We have worked hard, and applied our expertise to
make sure the PPP franchise provides a robust core property
investment model, unaffected even by falls in capital values. I
think this accounts in part for the busy year we are having.”
PPP run regular events for Franchise Partners as well as the
Platinum Wealth Workshops which tackle the major issues around UK
and overseas property investing.
Date Published: Nov 10, 2009 - 9:05 pm
Family ties with NIC franchise
Family ties with NIC franchise
North West England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
For 24-year-old Ben Hooper operating an NIC franchise with his
father Donald is bringing him closer to his goal of early
retirement. “I am determined to retire at 40,” enthuses Ben. “The
way I see it is if I make the sacrifices now I should be able to
earn enough money to relax and enjoy life later!”
Before becoming an NIC franchise owner Ben worked in customer
service and sales on a commission basis. “I disliked working on a
commission basis because I knew I was working hard for a small
chunk of the profit,” explains Ben. “I wanted to make sales
knowing all of the money I made was mine and realised the only
way I could make this happen was to become self-employed and run
my own business. I mentioned my thoughts to my father who was
keen to become involved in the venture.
“After a lot of research we came to an agreement that investing
in a franchise was the best step forward, especially considering
I did not have any previous experience of running a business.
This is because franchising increases your chances of success as
you have access to a tried and tested business model, established
brand name and support package.
“Commercial cleaning franchise NIC appealed because it operates
in a relatively recession-proof industry, has a guaranteed
turnover package* and comprehensive support and training. The
fact that it was a management investment opportunity whereby we
would manage the contracts and the cleaners instead of doing the
cleaning ourselves was also attractive. When we met the NIC head
office team in person they were very friendly, helpful and
answered all of our questions.”
Ben and Donald launched their Manchester based franchise in
December 2008 and initially invested £100,000. Under the
guaranteed turnover scheme, NIC will find Ben and Donald £250,000
worth of business within their first year of trading. At present,
they have 24 cleaners on the books and operate the business from
two offices within their territory. Ben takes the role of
operations director meeting clients and assessing the quality of
the cleaning, while Donald takes care of the administration side
of the business.
“We were put on a training course which covered everything, from
how to manage the business to cleaning itself and chemical usage.
The rest was on-the-job training. The support has been brilliant.
The NIC finance department at head office takes care of invoicing
the customers, chasing payments and paying the cleaners. This
enables me to focus on building up the business.
Our aim is to increase business by 20 per cent year on year. “The
best thing about being your own boss is being able to make your
own schedule - so if I want to work later one day and then take a
day off mid-week I can. Running the business does take up a lot
of my time but being able to work flexible hours means I am still
able to see my friends and family on a regular basis.”
Date Published: Dec 08, 2009 - 9:05 pm
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