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Servicemaster franchise inspires others to franchise
South East England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
Les & Jo Nobes ServiceMaster Banbury
Josephine and I bought our ServiceMaster Franchise Location in 1985, as we knew an existing successful Franchisee. Prior to this, we had been in the Licensed/Restaurant trade, and prior to this I was in the Police Service and Josephine was a Secretary. By purchasing this Franchise we were able to be earning money from day one, solely because of the reputation of ServiceMaster nationally. The phone rang at 9.10 a.m. on our first day of business and it has never stopped ringing.
The benefits of dealing with a Franchise Organisation are best summed up with the fact that you are never alone. If you have a problem there is always someone in the network who has experienced something similar. The other major benefit is due to the expertise of ServiceMaster, not only nationally but also on a global scale, and most of the time you really feel as if you are part of a family.
The other major benefit of having this Franchise was that we were quite happily able to work from home with a telephone and a typewriter with little or no disruption to family life. Working for ourselves gave us freedom to do what we wanted to do, when we wanted to do it although this generally meant that we would have to work harder before, and after we had time off, to catch up.
Running our own business for the last 22 years has given us freedom, which we would not have had, had we been in paid employment.
We have always had support and encouragement from ServiceMaster when times have been a little harder in terms of turnover. Now with the National Marketing Programme it has meant that we have not had to spend time selling ourselves to Insurance Companies, Loss Adjusters etc., as this is part of the current package.
I would thoroughly recommend someone who is looking to invest in franchises to seriously consider ServiceMaster.
Date Published: Feb 26, 2009 - 9:05 pm
Franchisee Acquires Chertsey Territory
South East England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
Leading greeting card publisher and franchisor, Card Connection, has today announced that its Farnham franchisee– Latif Twigeri has also acquired Card Connection’s Chertsey territory. This has resulted in Mr Twigeri taking over the distribution of Card Connection’s extensive range of quality greeting cards and gifts to more than 100 more stores within his new region.
“I anticipate that there is still significant potential for further development of the Chertsey area,” confirms Twigeri. “I have already hired an additional store merchandiser to help with the extra work load and am looking at taking on further staff in the future however, it is important to balance expenses and income in the initial stages of expanding a business.”
Card Connection itself is one of the UK’s largest card publishers and is the market leader in the franchised distribution of greeting cards. Using a proven system, franchisees place greeting card ranges in retail outlets on a ‘consignment’ basis. The award winning merchandising service provided to retailers by local franchisees is second to none and has established the company’s excellent reputation especially within the convenience sector. Card Connection franchisees also supply the company’s national account network which includes the likes of Netto, Budgens, Londis, Spar and Shell.
“Latif has an intuitive understanding of how to build a profitable business, explains Andrew Cutler, franchise and sales director of Card Connection. “Since joining Card Connection four years ago he has expanded his Farnham franchise significantly, creating opportunities to supply numerous new retail outlets. Therefore, the logical step to continue to increase the size of his operation was to purchase a neighbouring territory when it became available. Some of our most successful franchisees have found running a larger operation in this way has allowed them to take advantage of economies of scale and as a result increase their profit margins substantially.”
Card Connection has limited vacancies for franchisees who are keen to run an expanding business. Successful candidates would ideally have some management experience as, once established, they would be expected to employ a small team, operate a warehouse and have several liveried vans on the road.
Because the franchise networks in the UK and Ireland are complete, the available opportunities now consist of acquiring an already-established territory from an existing franchisee. These vary in price according to their level of development, but start at £20,000 (+ stock) with earnings potential in excess of £50,000 per annum.
Date Published: Feb 26, 2009 - 9:05 pm
Servicemaster franchise owner for over 30 years
South East England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
Andrew Simpson
ResCom - Servicemaster franchise
East Berkshire
I purchased the franchise to work and produce an income to reflect the quantity and quality of my labours – by way of
- Salary
- Return on investment
- Profit
- Growth in equity of the goodwill I created – a saleable business.
I was attractedto this particular franchise for several reasons. Its existing reputation in the UK. ServiceMaster’s existing established integrity of dealing with others.
The expectation of a continuing need in the broad economy for cleaning and restoration service. A security of source of business – generated locally and as result of trading as a national name. Other franchisees act as a further sales force, we have a joint interest in supporting each other and ensuring each other’s success.
The benefits of trading as a brand, this is increasingly important within all world economies as customers to and established and a visible brand gives greater trust.
Comparatively low capital required in contrast to the high return it is possible to generate. A mutual benefit and reliance that is engendered by paying a percentage royalty – my franchisor has a serious interest in my success in order to ensure its own continuing and growing income. Being less reliant on keeping up to date with all legislation. Support to avoid the usual pitfalls of small business – employment law, health and safety etc
I enjoy being a franchiseebecause the structure has enabled me to gain income from locally generated business and the continuity of business through fluctuations in the broader economy via nationally generated work. Indeed during past economic downturns this business has grown most strongly.
I also enjoy the Camaraderie amongst my peers.
I enjoy working for myself again for several reasons.
To run successful small business you are absolutely required to act as a jack-of-all-trades. However there is also opportunity to specialise in particular aspects to the benefit of the individual by way of personal growth and to the general benefit of the business. To earn more than would otherwise have been possible in an employed environment.
Date Published: Mar 01, 2009 - 9:05 pm
Franchise event arrives in Southampton
South East England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
May sees Southampton FC’s St Mary’s Stadium host the South Coast Franchise Show for the first time – an event showcasing over 35 franchise & business opportunities for sale.
Southampton is the latest port of call of a series of franchise roadshows hosted by organisers Job Done. This event follows other successful roadshows in Reading, Leicester, Norwich 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 9th May 10.00am until 4.00pm at St Mary’s Football Stadium. 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
Franchise success with The Local Bookkeeper in 1st year
South East England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
Kelly Derham had been running a bookkeeping business over the past 5 years and decided the time had come for her to expand her business.
Kelly attended our 1 week training course which covered all the skills needed to run the Lcoal Bookkeeping franchise successfully. These areas include leadership, management, human resources, sales and marketing, our processes of bookkeeping, management accounts, payroll and other aspects of our services. After the specialised in-house training Kelly Derham then passed our 'after training assessment' to begin trading as The Local Bookkeeper franchise Horsham.
While Kelly was attending the training course, our marketing department was busy preparing the launch campaign. Upon returning to the office Kelly was welcomed as a franchisee with a selection of hot leads from businesses that required bookkeeping services within her specified franchise area.
"Within 7 weeks of setting up I had over £35,000 worth of new business booked in. I still have over 8 leads to follow up. I have already employed my first bookkeeper to help me with the new business and am searching for another,” enthuses Kelly.
After successfully following up the leads, Kelly is operating way above our targets and is set to make her first year a very successful one.
To visit Kelly Derhams’s The Local Bookkeeper Horsham website, click on: http://horsham.thelocalbookkeeper.co.uk/
Date Published: Apr 06, 2009 - 10:05 pm
South East England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
A part-time job at McDonald's turned into a career for Grant Copper, who dreamed of being master of his own destiny. "I could see the opportunities within the Company when I was doing my A-levels and decided to stay on," said Grant, who is a franchisee of restaurants in the south.
Before he moved into self-employment, Grant held several positions with McDonald's, including running Company-owned restaurants and a two-year stint in Slovenia as a project manager, growing the number of restaurants there from two to nine.
In June 2002 Grant became a McDonald's franchisee. "It felt very different operating my own restaurant - it was stuff like writing your own cheques and making decisions that directly impact your business," said Grant.
Date Published: Apr 06, 2009 - 10:05 pm
My franchise has given me control of my life
South East England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
Before I became a Snack-in-the-box (SITB) franchisee I worked 70 hours a week as a food store manager. I had operated a franchise before and was keen to re-invest in an established business model and regain control over my lifestyle in the hope that I would be able to spend more quality time with my family.
I was attracted to SITB because it has a professional brand image, is associated with well-known confectionary brand Cadbury and has been in operation for over 17 years. Unlike the other sales and distribution franchises on the market, SITB is not gimmicky - I could see that the concept of providing branded snacks to the workplace has great potential. The fact I would be able to operate the franchise from the comfort of my own home was also appealing, as my overheads would be minimal.
I was provided with a five day training course which taught me everything I was required to know in order to run the business effectively, from dealing with customers to ordering and packing boxes and sorting out the company finances. On the fifth day I was sent to Birmingham to shadow an existing franchisee and get a feel for what it was like operating a SITB franchise, which was very beneficial.
I launched my East Kent franchise in June last year and have not looked back. At the moment I have 140 sites in my territory, which combined generate £2,000 per week. My longterm aim is to build up the business to 160 sites and a weekly turnover of £2,800.
I love the fact I only work a 40 hour week and have regained control of my life. Now I am able to take my sons to school in the morning and am home in time to enjoy an evening meal with my family.
Date Published: Apr 08, 2009 - 10:05 pm
Ollie and his dad fix hoodies for school leavers at Recognition Express
South East England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
Enterprising Ollie Slack is not head boy of Greenacre School for nothing. He picked up a leaflet offering hoodies for school leavers, and asked his businessman dad if he could come up with a better deal.
The result: 48 students leaving this summer have just taken delivery of a bespoke hoodie, badged with the name of all their mates, and printed by Recognition Express.
Recognition Express Kent is run by Paul Slack and Steve Randerson at the Medway Enterprise Centre in Rochester. They badge anything from t-shirts to mugs with logos and designs.
At Ollie and his mates’ request, Paul and the team designed the hoodies with the word ‘09’ printed on them, putting all of the 48 names inside the numbers with the pupils individual nick name above.
Paul said: “Some wanted nicknames instead – like Fred, Borgy, Emo#1, Hobzy14, Lacy.fam and Yeti. So every hoodie was different.”
“We did a prototype. Ollie put it on and said ‘brilliant’.”
“What the teenagers got was a unique piece of clothing in any colour, with any names they liked. It’s a good souvenir of their school days.”
Ollie breathed a sigh of relief when it all worked out. “I’m going to be helping my dad out at Recognition Express during my summer break. They are good at their job.”
Date Published: Apr 23, 2009 - 10:05 pm
Buying a Maid2Clean franchise was the best thing we ever did
South East England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
We had decided after very careful thought to go into business for ourselves, Dave had previously had his own business but always said if he went into business again it would be a franchise.
So we began the long task of looking at what was available. Having sought advice and read a lot that domestic cleaning was the thing to get into. Then it was a matter of deciding on which one…!
We looked at Molly Maids, My Home, Merry Maids…etc etc..! and stumbled upon Maid2Clean at a franchise exhibition. We drove home from that exhibition thinking how easy and relaxed Maid2clean seemed to be and thought maybe it was too good to be true, as we had rejected the others for being too rigid and formal.
After a couple of weeks careful thought we decided to look more closely at Maid2Clean and rang Mike to make an appointment.
We arrived at the arranged meeting full of doubt and apprehension about what we may be getting into as £10,000 is a lot of money for us. We were made to feel very welcome at Mike and Elaine’s home and felt very comfortable, also we got the impression that Mike and Elaine had nothing hidden from us and were very open and honest. (and the bacon sandwiches went down very well).
On the drive on the way home we made the decision to buy into Maid2Clean. However, we didn’t want to appear too keen so waited a few days before calling Mike.
We started the business with Carole still working part time for her employer, and it became apparent quicker than we had anticipated that Carole needed to be in the ‘’office’’ at home more and more and now really enjoys working full time (well almost)…. for triple the income she had previously.
We are now coming up to our second anniversary of trading and all we can think of saying is why didn’t we do it sooner..!!
Our growth has been very steady, on the up every month without very much effort due to the Maid2clean system being very foolproof.
Mike and Elaine are always very helpful and full of enthusiasm for us to succeed. Also help and advice from fellow franchisees on the forum is always available and because of this we have not had any real problems or worries.
As for the question ‘’would we do it again’’….Answer….without any doubt or hesitation. Best thing we ever did.
Date Published: Apr 28, 2009 - 10:05 pm
Off to a flying start with Cartridge World franchise
South East England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
Mike Cooper
Cartridge World Milton Keynes
Background
Mike Cooper came into Cartridge World with 10 years’ experience of running a petrol station franchise, and was looking for a new challenge.
What introduced him to Cartridge World
It was through a friend who is a Cartridge World franchisee that Mike learnt about the company and its offer. He immediately recognised the potential of selling high quality products that are constantly in demand, represent good value for money and are environmentally friendly. Mike opened his store in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, in May 2008.
Progress to date
Mike’s business got off to a flying start, with sales jumping by a massive 75 per cent between the second and eighth months of trading. Even before Mike could celebrate the store’s first anniversary, business growth was averaging 12 per cent a month.
The business-to-business market in particular represents a source of great potential which Mike is working hard to develop. His aim is to build up the store’s reputation in the local area so that it becomes the outlet of choice for printer cartridges, putting up a genuine challenge to the big chain stores.
As preparation for opening his store, Mike undertook an intensive training programme at Cartridge World’s UK headquarters in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, as well as spending a week training in an established Cartridge World outlet. With in-store support from a Cartridge World technician and the Business Development Manager assigned to his franchise, Mike then got the business up and running.
As well as receiving ongoing advice and support from Cartridge World head office, Mike also benefits from resources such as the company’s proven business model, product research and development and national marketing and advertising campaigns.
In addition, his Business Development Manager is on call whenever the need arises, and makes regular visits to the store.
Mike also finds that regular contact with fellow franchisees provides an invaluable source of ideas and advice.
Mike says...“To me, it’s obvious that Cartridge World is the way forward. I’m not surprised how well the business is performing in these lean times – the combination of offering a high quality, essential product which is good value for money is a winner, especially in a time of recession. Businesses are much more open to the idea of refilling now, and enquiries are increasing.
“My customers also appreciate receiving service that is more personal than that offered by a large, anonymous chain store.”
Date Published: Jun 14, 2009 - 10:05 pm
Lighterlife franchise helps fight recession battle
South East England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
Gina Bate is bucking the trend when it comes to financial success. The number of people unemployed in the UK has reached around 2.22 million, and Deloitte have recently reported that companies going into administration has risen by 30%. It’s a bleak picture but not for Gina who set up as a LighterLife Counsellor five years ago.
Previously a driving instructor, Gina’s LighterLife franchise has really taken off, so much so that she is now opening her second location. She has a team of three ladies working with her in Fareham, and she can now turn her attention to her other franchise which will be in Chichester. “I am very much looking forward eventually to being able to grow that one to a similar level as my existing franchise”.
Despite the financial gloom, Gina feels incredibly secure in her career, achieving an increase in turnover of £3000 a month compared to the previous year. Her success has come from the passion she has, as well as a good business model that really works. “The support that our central office gives to us is amazing. Whether it be training, advertising, business questions, etc. I can also talk from personal experience of needing support from our central office and I couldn’t ask for a better team to help me.”
The main thing Gina has found from her LighterLife franchise is job satisfaction. She says she is much happier now than when she was running her driving school, and has flexibility during the day to spend time as she wishes such as walking her dog. “I really love my work and feel so privileged to be trusted by so many people in what is such a personal and individual journey. I actually enjoy going to work!”
Date Published: Jun 25, 2009 - 10:05 pm
The Rosemary Conley franchise name is synonymous with quality and success
South East England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
Penny Schouten, 49, one of the Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs franchisees in West Sussex, took up the opportunity in 1995, after leaving her job as an International Purchasing Manager for a fashion accessories company.
“The great thing about being a Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs franchisee is, there is no typical day and no two days are alike. The work is extremely rewarding and there’s also a great ‘social’ side to my job. “I left behind my well-paid job because I wanted to get more out of life and I wanted to be independent. I decided I wanted something that would better suit my newly married life.
My husband, Jorgen, and I were also starting to think about having a family therefore I needed a business that would be flexible. “The franchise offered me the opportunity of combining two of my long standing interests - health and fitness. After qualifying to become an Exercise to Music instructor, I began running classes in April 1995.
“I still love every moment of it. Most importantly, running the business fits in with my lifestyle and my family. My twin daughters, Eloise and Darcey, were born nine years ago and yet I still run the business as successfully as I did when I started. I’ve now expanded my territory and, together with my four employees, I run 20 classes each week.
Date Published: Jul 30, 2009 - 10:05 pm
Getting paid to do what I love with Rosemary Conley franchise
South East England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
Sedge Gooding was formerly a dancer. 12 years ago she became a Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs franchisee in the Reading area.
"When I had to leave an established career as a dancer it was a huge decision and I thought long and hard about what I wanted to do."
"I approached Rosemary Conley about running a franchise at the age of 24, as I knew I wanted to do something physical. I thought that running diet classes combined with exercise would help to ensure that members keep coming regularly, and I was right! In fact, many of my members have been coming for the last ten years – since the first day I started the franchise! I now have over 500 members in the classes my employees and I run each week."
"Now, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I love what I do and every day that I teach, I have a real laugh with my members. If I wasn’t teaching, I’d be going to Aerobics classes myself, so I might as well exercise to the music of my choice and do the exercises I want to do - and get paid at the same time!"
"I get to see my children, Emile, Remi and Joel, much more that I ever would if I worked in a 9-5 job!"
Date Published: Aug 03, 2009 - 10:05 pm
Monkey Music franchise is absolutely inspiring to Val
South East England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
Name: Val Stephenson
Location: Newbury, Hungerford and Henley
Family: Husband and three children age 15, 13 and 10.
What is your career background?
I originally trained as a physiotherapist after leaving school but all during this time I was heavily involved in singing through numerous Opera companies, Theatre groups and all my spare time I was involved in music. After working for two years at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary I decided I wanted to further my singing in a more serious way and was accepted at the Royal College of Music in London where I studied for three years on an advanced Study Course in singing. During my time there I was lucky enough to be involved in the Earls Court production of the Opera Carmen which toured to Japan – what an experience this was!! After leaving college where I was awarded an Exhibition Scholarship I worked for almost three years in France with Opera de Lyon and toured with them to many exciting locations as well as being involved in numerous recordings and radio broadcasts with the Ambrosian Opera Chorus. I also play the piano but my first love has always been singing – I sang everywhere according to my Mum!!!
How did you first hear about Monkey Music and the franchise Opportunities?
Monkey really found me! An acquaintance who taught Monkey Music and knew I was a singer asked if I would be interested in covering maternity leave for another teacher. The owner of the Franchise at the time got in touch and it took off from there. The moment I started getting involved I knew I had found something really special. By now I had three children so obviously my singing career had quietened down as I brought them up and with a husband who is also a singer and away quite a lot I had been looking for something where I could use my singing experience, my love of children and that fitted around a very busy family life. Monkey Music does all this and more. It is a fantastic job and incredibly rewarding. So much so that when the Franchise came up for sale I had no hesitation in purchasing it!
How often do you work?
At the moment I work three and a half days a week and the other one and a half is spent in my office on administration and on preparation time for my classes, learning any new songs, making props, speaking to my other teacher, ordering new instruments, merchandise etc… I am going to be employing an additional teacher in the next few months to take over some of my teaching. This will free up some time for me to hopefully open a new venue. There are busy periods of the year namely at the end of a term and the beginning of the next when it sometimes feels a bit manic but it all quietens down once everyone is booked in to their classes. I like to keep very much on top of the administration side and this can sometimes mean working in the evening or at weekends when it is busy but now that my children are a bit older this is never a problem. I do try to have one day a week when I don’t do any Monkey Music. (Not always easy).
How does the job fit around your family life?
I do enjoy the fact that it is term time only - when my kids are on holiday, I am too, and can give them my full attention. The best thing is that it is your franchise and therefore you decide what is right for you. Not a bad job!! I think another thing is that the class times will not suit everyone. What is right for one customer will not be right for another so you have to be strong and make decisions that are right for you.
Do you get support/training?
The training days we have are absolutely invaluable. I pick up so many tips and there are so many ideas that float around. It is amazing how many different ways the same song can be presented! When I first took over the franchise I had a mentor to help me and we spoke many times in those early days. She came to visit me at my home/office and was always there if I needed her. I can call HQ at any time to ask for help (sometimes difficult to find the time when you are running the business and teaching as well). I had a visit only recently from Angie which I found extremely useful and she was very positive which was greatly encouraging.
How do you source Venues to run your classes in?
Most of the venues were already up and running when I took over so my main objective was to increase the numbers and the classes that were there already which I have done. Now I feel that I am ready to tackle a new venue as I mentioned before and I will be visiting the village and exploring the area on a sunny day in the half term with my kids (with an ice cream to follow!!!!) At present I run classes in church halls, community centres, village halls and a health centre.
How many classes do you run?
I run 31 classes and another 5 split between two nursery schools.
How much do you earn (roughly)?
My turnover for the last financial year was just over £54,000
Do you advertise?
I advertise in a number of local newspapers and magazines and I advertise in the local NCT publications as well as doing lots of other promotional activities throughout the year.
What is the best thing about Monkey Music?
To see my little Monkeys develop and grow in confidence not only in their musical ability but socially too is absolutely inspiring. To watch them suddenly be able to play an instrument for themselves, to see their faces when Monkey pops out the box week after week, to see a smile when their favourite prop appears, to witness that first clap. The list is endless. For me, to feel that Monkey Music may shape their lives in the future and to know that you have been a part of that is a privilege. I am also fortunate to have some fantastic Mums (and Dads) who love it just as much as they do. It is a happy job and for me personally fulfils me as a performer.
Would you recommend this Franchise opportunity to other Mums?
I would have no hesitation – it is inspiring, rewarding, fun and every day is different!
It is a busy job and sometimes I feel like it is taking over but remember that it is your business and you are in charge to make it work for you.
Date Published: Aug 10, 2009 - 10:05 pm
Recognition Express Southern key rings take a slow boat to St Helena
South East England Franchise Oppotunties at WhichFranchise.com
The owners of Recognition Express Southern pride themselves on their reputation, but when they got an order from the remote island of St Helena, they were flummoxed.
The French sent Napoleon Bonaparte to the isle in the Atlantic Ocean because, even now, it takes two weeks to get there, and there’s no means of a quick getaway.
But the island’s tourism department contacted Recognition Express Southern, based in
Horndean, Portsmouth, and asked them to produce 500 branded pens and 500 keyrings.
Caroline Dinenage, who owns Recognition Express Southern with her mum Beverley, got to the bottom of the mystery order.
“It turns out that the Director of Tourism in St Helena went to the Isle of Wight Walking Festival four years ago and took home a badge that Recognition Express Southern produced. So when she wanted promotional products, we were her first port of call.”
The pens and keyrings carry the island’s Proud of St Helena (PoSH) logo.
Spokeswoman for St Helena Tourism Gemma George said: “PoSH is a local awareness campaign to enable our local residents to pass on a positive message to our visitors and the pride they feel for their island.
“We could produce promotional material ourselves but there are no companies here who provide such a professional range of corporate merchandise.
“Recognition Express were very good to work with – customer service was good and emails were answered promptly, and the art work was done effectively.”
Said Caroline: “It goes to show that you never know where the next order might come from – and that every order matters.
“The difference with this order is that it’s going to take two weeks for the merchandise to get there because there’s no airport in St Helena and the only way to deliver is by boat. No wonder Napoleon got stuck there.”
FACTS ABOUT ST HELENA
- The island is one of the remotest inhabited islands in the world, 1,200 miles from the nearest land mass (Angola), and 1,800 miles from Brazil.
- The only way to get there is by boat, a five-day trip from Capetown, or 14 days from the UK.
- It measures 10.5 by 6.5 miles.
- Jamestown (pop 884) is the only town.
- The population is 5,000.
- English is the island’s language.
- The main crop is coffee.
- Pumpkin pudding is a local delicacy.
- Napoleon died there in 1821 after six years in exile.
- There are two hotels.
Date Published: Aug 12, 2009 - 10:05 pm
