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Testimonials
Dating and Speed dating Franchise : Nikki and Phil A When the Music Stops success story
Everyone loves a success story, especially a romantic one, and Phil Sewell and Nikki Hance certainly are one. When Phil and Nikki both suddenly found they were single again after many years of marriage and with 5 children between them, they quickly realised meeting compatible people wasnt as simple as it was when they were younger. Until they discovered speed dating.
Phil 46 and Nikki 42 met through national dating company When the Music Stops 2 years ago at a Speed Dating event and have been in love ever since. So quite a success story and one that proves that love is still very much in the air for the over 40's. But it's a love story with a twist as Nikki and Phil recently came back to When the Music Stops to buy the Hertfordshire/Buckinghamshire franchise.
Phil says These events bring people together who would never normally meet either because of geographical differences, domestic issues or a lack of opportunity. I never saw speed dating purely as a way to find a soul mate but as a great way of getting out, having a fun time and meeting new people, but it has worked brilliantly for me.
Partner Nikki added So many of my friends are in a similar position to the one I was in 2 years ago. Because they have children they find it hard to get out regularly but also, when they do go out its difficult to meet the right people. I went to speed dating events with a friend as it was quite nerve wracking at first but I had so much fun and made lots of new friends that I soon felt very comfortable walking into an event on my own. When the Music Stops really did go out of their way to make everyone very welcome
Franchise Partners Phil Sewell and Nikki Hance
Nikki continues The potential for speed dating and other dating events in my area is so great that I approached Mike Parker, the Managing Director of When the Music Stops about opening my own dating franchise and found When The Music Stops to be extremely professional and helpful. I was struck on how they genuinely cared about the customers. They also run events for people who may not find speed dating appealing. These range from dinner parties, singles party nights, walks and other organised events especially for singles but also they offer an elite personal introductions service too, for those looking for a more personalised service and also online dating.
Nikki and Phil purchased the franchise for Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and a large chunk of North West London and they are excited about being able to bring others together too in the same way that they first met. Says Nikki Dating events have worked really well for Phil and myself and now we'd like to help others meet their potential future partner too we're full of enthusiasm and want to provide a whole range of quality meeting opportunities for the people in our surrounding area. Our first events are now on the website and with the singles population being one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy in the UK, we're hoping that this venture is going to be another success story for us but providing a much needed service to the community too. We'd now like to give a helping hand to others in similar circumstances
Phil added We researched the market very carefully, it's already large and it's sad in a way but it's growing at a rapid rate as marriages and longterm partnerships break up. Finding venues is relatively easy and a good event can generate hundreds of pounds a night in profits for us I'd thoroughly recommend it
Click here for more information on When the Music Stops
OSCAR : Helen Coney Narberth, Pembrokeshire
I’ve always been an active outdoor person - from country life on a farm to seventeen years of working for the Royal Mail, filling any spare time with a wealth of testing adventures around the world. My interest in nature and the environment just added to my life-long love of animals. I guess that was my initial attraction to OSCAR. Having already decided that I wanted to work for myself I searched the web for franchise information. OSCAR had all the potential to support my lifestyle and I felt that my strength and local knowledge stood me in good stead to grow a business that offered me security for my family, while providing flexibility to continue enjoying life.
Click here for more information on Oscars Pet Foods
OSCAR : Howard and Janet Lomas Barnoldswick, Lancs
Our ambition was to build a business that would allow us to mould a balance between monetary rewards and quality of life. Finding a non-fashionable, sustainable product that could be easily transferred to our skills was our next challenge. We were attracted to franchising because it offered a proven business opportunity and the only way to do it was through researching the market thoroughly. OSCAR ticked all the boxes, helped by our two pet dogs and two pet rabbits – in need of a good balanced diet.
Click here for more information on Oscars Pet Foods
OSCAR : Adrian Bell and Bernard Traynor Morpeth, Northumberland
As a qualified personal trainer and fitness instructor my ideal was to enjoy a healthy lifestyle that I could balance with my work, while looking for a comfortable and independent income. Franchising clearly pointed me in the direction of security and support with the backing of a proven business system. Of course, my knowledge of health and fitness crosses over when I think of animals, and clearly OSCAR provided me with a very good opportunity – not without checking the competition within the franchise industry. Appreciating that my local area was in great need of a pet food home delivery and advice service I took a deep breath and went for it! All to the added benefit of Bernard, my business partner, Archie and Colin, my dogs and our customers who are enjoying OSCAR products and services.
Click here for more information on Oscars Pet Foods
OSCAR : Joanne Walker Chandlers Ford, Hampshire
I took on my business opportunity appreciating that you only get back exactly what you put in. My attraction to franchising came from existing franchisees and the franchisor, only after attending exhibitions and reading loads of magazines. I had a natural interest in animal feed and OSCAR came out on top for me - taking account of services and budget. Horses were my life and grooming was my job, although my last working experience was in IT for the Inland Revenue, before accepting voluntary severance. It’s a pleasure to be back where I belong, working with animals – advising and helping is a bonus.
Click here for more information on Oscars Pet Foods
Kip McGrath : Andrew Wilde – Stafford Centre
Kip McGrath Tutoring gives teachers an opportunity to enjoy the most rewarding aspects of the profession whilst providing them with the fulfilling challenges of being self-employed. The business model really works; full training and on-going support ensure that a franchisee has every opportunity to be a successful Centre owner.
Raring2Go : Laura - Raring2go! Altrincham
“It is hard work, but I think if you set your goals early on, and aim for these then anything can be achieved. The work/life balance is a real bonus, and you do get to meet some interesting people, there is never a dull day!”
Laura Johnson had always wanted to run her own business. For Laura - who runs the Altrincham Raring2go! - it was just finding something that would fit around her family commitments, allow her to continue to look after her two year old boy, and be a business woman all at the same time!
"I was instantly attracted by the Raring2go! offer," says Laura.
Before becoming a mum, Laura worked for a national charity as a project co-ordinator.
"I loved it, but it meant I had no flexibility, as had set times and days that I had to work. Even though my employer was very understanding about my family commitments, I just didn't have the freedom I needed or wanted."
So Laura started to explore other avenues that would suit her situation more, "I needed to be bringing in a decent income, but wanted to be with my son as much as possible. I then came across Raring2go! and it was a perfect fit."
"What really drew me to the offer, was the fact that it was working in my local area. I love it here in Altrincham, and it's great to be meeting new people everyday. Infact since starting up back in March last year the number of mums and dads I meet through my son's activities and when out locally asking me when my next issue is out is truly over-whelming.
Plus the number of my advertisers who display the magazines are always asking me to bring more copies, as when they run out, people have come in asking for a copy because of the great money saving offers. It's such a great feeling knowing you're making a real difference, as well of course bringing in the money!"
Laura is coming up to her one-year anniversary, and her 4th edition is soon to be available, which will be sent out to a circulation of 10,000. "It's been a terrific year, and I'm so glad I took on the Raring2go challenge."
When The Music Stops : Stephanie Richardson
"The last year has flown and it has been really successful, my biggest speed Dating event attracted 45 people and at 20 per head that is good going. Some of our Dinner Party events now attract up to 36 and at 35 per head again, they can be very profitable for the Franchise Partner.
I have recently booked myself onto a Refresher Training Course with When the Music Stops, which I hope will help me get more of the website provided as part of the franchise. The course spans a Friday and Saturday at a very comfortable and prestigious hotel. Meeting other Franchise Partners gives me a real buzz, its great to exchange ideas.
So no regrets at all, just lots of positives, its a life Id recommend to anybody, who can claim to be a people person and enjoys the freedom of being your own boss and working from home."
Click here for more information on When the Music Stops
Maid2Clean : Jennifer - Maid2Clean Glasgow
Im Jennifer, based in Glasgow, and starting my own Maid2Clean business is the best move I ever made. Now in my third year of trading, the business has been a great success with steady growth each month since day one. The bank reckon I am the best sole trader franchise business in the area, and they deal with literally hundreds of businesses, so I am well chuffed.
Click here for more information on Maid2Clean
Maid2Clean : Ann Lewis - Maid2Clean Cymru
For me discovering Maid2Clean came about by accident.
I was working full time, long hours (including weekends) and travelling in excess of 1000 miles per week back and fore to work. My husband and I were desperate for a cleaner so we could spend more quality time with our family. Having ploughed through the internet, and yellow pages I soon discovered there was a lack of cleaners available in our area, and more importantly the quality of service offered was poor and very expensive ! - hence, I started to look at opportunities to start my own domestic cleaning business without doing the cleaning myself of course! Having met with Mike and Elaine, I decided very quickly to take the leap.
Click here for more information on Maid2Clean
Maid2Clean : Peter Atkins - Maid2Clean Fylde
We met Elaine Hanrahan of Maid2Clean, and very quickly we understood that Elaine had been working her own Maid2Clean agency for over 13years she fully understood the business inside and out, (seldom do you see the franchisor working the exact same business alongside there franchisees)
This proved to me that this was a truly good solid down to earth opportunity. she went on to say that she simply saw franchising his business idea to others as a natural progression and growth of the Maid2Clean brand, she continued with his explanation of her business and how it had supported her and her family further more the business was proving to do just the same for other Maid2Clean franchisees, there was no reason why it should not do the same for us.
Linda began trading in the North Manchester area on the 5th September 05, I quickly followed and purchased Fylde coast territory and began trading October of the same year, Two years on and there can only be one question, would we do it all again today thats easy Yes we would.
Click here for more information on Maid2Clean
Maid2Clean : Paul Daley - Maid2Clean North Staffs
I have just completed my second year in business as a Maid2Clean Franchisee, I have now got 135 regular paying customers and by the end of my third year I expect to have over 200 customers with a turnover of around 45,000. This will pay me far in excess of what I was earning as a Senior Production Manager in the pottery industry.
Growth in my business has been maintained every single month and I see no reason why it should not continue to grow for the next few years, particularly as I shall be targeting the elderly where more and more people are requiring our services.
Click here for more information on Maid2Clean
Maid2Clean : Philip Watson
I always had ambition to run my own business but lacked confidence to take that important first big step. After much thought and deliberation I decided to buy a Maid2Clean franchise. It was the perfect opportunity which I could start part-time and still keep my job to pay the mortgage etc. and very affordable. Meeting Elaine for the first time gave me more confidence. They put my mind at ease and I knew I had made the right decision there and then.
After 9 months of trading I still work full-time as a postman and run the business part-time. Yet, month after month the business continues to grow. My income from Maid2Clean has just superseded that of my full-time employment. So, now my family and I can look forward to a more prosperous future, and one where I get the rewards for all the effort I make.
Click here for more information on Maid2Clean
Maid2Clean : Angie B - Maid2Clean North Northants
I was looking for a residual income business and scanned the internet for a franchise opportunity. As an ex-cleaner and agency worker myself I knew that this type of business would yield the income I was looking for. I telephoned them on a Saturday and on the Monday I was in the office talking to Elaine about the area I wanted to purchase.
I started to trade in January 2006, part time for the first few months but started full time in April 2006. In just over a year I have 130 paying clients and have a very nice little income coming in, a lot more than I would have working anywhere else! You can choose your hours and work as little or as much as you like but with proper care and attention you can grow your business very quickly. I work full time at my agency and it is my sole income. I have not looked back and I am glad that I took the plunge. It was a very minimal outlay and training and support is continually offered if you want to take it.
Click here for more information on Maid2Clean
Maid2Clean : Linda Kenyon - Maid2Clean North Manchester
I have been trading since September 05 and have steadily grown my business in that time. I work with my husband, he delivers the leaflets and I work in the office and in that time we have managed to get 72 clients and 40 cleaner. We also have 15 clients that we are outstanding so in total that gives us 87 clients in just over 12 months.
Maid2Clean is without doubt the best decision I have ever made in my life and I would like to thank Elaine for giving me this fantastic opportunity and helping me along every step of the way.
Click here for more information on Maid2Clean
Maid2Clean : Liz Geddis - Maid2Clean Antrim
I started Maid2Clean in May 2005. I hadn't worked for a long time and wanted something I could do from home. Maid2Clean was the perfect answer.
After a few teething problems things are going well. I built the business up slowly and now have approx. 100 clients. In the long term my husband and I plan to concentrate on my business more and develop it accordingly At the present I earn myself a good wage and am happy working part time.
Click here for more information on Maid2Clean
Maid2Clean : Tony Ingles - Maid2Clean (Peak)
I found the operating manual very easy to follow and Elaine was always on hand to answer any queries.
I started to get phone calls within two days of my first leaflet drop and the phone has kept ringing since. The great thing about Maid2Clean is that the service really sells itself - there's no need for stock and very little administration.
As the Maid2Clean system allows me to price extremely competitively, I find I always have a waiting list of customers. I can't recommend Maid2Clean highly enough.
Click here for more information on Maid2Clean
Maid2Clean : Andy & Paula - Maid2Clean Enterprises (Sheffield)
We have been Maid2Clean franchisees for 12 months now and still loving the experience. At the beginning we were extremely apprehensive about taking on a new business and was not sure quite what to expect. We were soon put at ease after meeting Elaine who put any worries to rest.
We have both been amazed by the way things have taken off in our area even though Sheffield has a large number of cleaning agencies already. We are able to offer customers a very competitive alternative which has been very successful. We would not hesitate in highly recommending an opportunity of purchasing a franchise from Maid2Clean to anyone and friends of ours are considering this option. All in all becoming part of the Maid2Clean group has been one of the best decisions we have ever made.
Click here for more information on Maid2Clean
Maid2Clean : Peter Munro - Maid2Clean Croydon
I operate a Maid2Clean Franchise in the London area. My background is in I.T. for City banks. I started 10 months ago and have around 110 paying regular clients with many more in the process of starting. In the last few days it has been hectic and I have had client requests for an extra 41 hours, which would equate to a pay rise of nearly 5,000/year. There is immense potential for growing the business and the money I will make from this will vastly outstrip the salary I had in the City whilst doing the sensible and accepted thing. Instead of catching the 7.25 commuter train to London and standing with the rest of the grey-suited hordes, I now can get up at 8.30 and saunter through to my office to start work!
While it would be easy now to say that I could have done it all by myself without Maid2Clean, in all honesty I know I could not have, as I would have become demoralised and given up and also run out of money.
The future looks exciting and I cannot wait to see the looks on the faces of my ex-colleagues when I meet them in a City pub and tell them I am earning more than them!
Click here for more information on Maid2Clean
Maid2Clean : Karen Hawes - Maid2Clean Northampton
Having spent 12 years bringing up children, the prospect of returning to employment was not an attractive one. Over a period of 3 months, my husband and I looked at just about every franchise available in the UK as well as a few established business that were up for sale.
We quickly concluded that the Maid2Clean proposition was right for us. The prospect of flexi bible working hours with good, residual returns and a relatively low investment was particularly attractive. 9 months later I am in charge of a successful and profitable business. I still have time to 'do lunch' with my friends while earning a respectable income. More importantly for me, my hourly rate is much higher than I could ever have hoped for in a 'proper job'!
Click here for more information on Maid2Clean
Maid2Clean : Graeme Pirie - Maid2Clean Walcote
I bought my franchise from Maid2Clean about 10 months ago, and launched the business 8 months ago. Like many other people, I have been in normal employment all my life, but reached the point where I had enough of working long hours for other people I wanted a better quality of life with more time for family, and I course I want the rewards of hard work for myself!
After 8 months, I now have almost 100 clients and revenue around 3000 per month. Every month grows by around 20%. Theres plenty ups and downs of course but theres a great team of franchisees who meet at the conferences and freely share their experiences with each other whenever possible.
Have I done the right thing? Without a doubt!
Click here for more information on Maid2Clean
Maid2Clean : Linsey Davis (Maid2Clean Milton Keynes)
After much thought I decided I wanted to purchase a cleaning franchise. Throughout the initial training everything was well covered from the basics right through to the more difficult areas of the business. The professionalism of the company is outstanding I really felt I was joining a company could be relied upon for help with all aspects of my future business. The training didnt just stop after that initial meeting it is continuous.
I think this is one of the main reasons I chose to buy a Maid2Clean franchise. It can be very scary setting up a business but knowing help is always available makes it a lot easier. As far as my own progress goes I am working hard and constantly getting new clients, I am above the expected client levels for the amount of time trading, so doing really well. I know I have a long way to go but am very happy with the progress of my business so far.
Click here for more information on Maid2Clean
Maid2Clean : Marion Bond - North Dorset Franchise
The ambition to run my own business has been with me since I was about 18 years old; I am now 40 and cannot understand why I have given so much time and energy working for others.
Around 4 or 5 years ago, with our household bills starting to outweigh our income and following the failure to increase our wages, my husband, Nigel, and I decided to look into starting our own business. Our criteria being - work from home with no stock holding.
A year and a half later, Nigel is working full time and supporting me, while I run the business from home. Obviously, there have been some pitfalls; the biggest one for us is the rural location of our customers and the lack of large towns in our area. This means, I have to work harder finding reliable cleaners with transport. Reliability will always be a problem when you are dealing with people, thats the nature of the job, however if you are located in a sparsely populated area think carefully about where your clients and cleaners will come from.
In summary, we are happy with the business, it grows slowly, in our case, but surely. We have no one to blame if goes wrong, but reap the profits when it goes right. We have decided not to make any hasty decisions before our 5th year anniversary, by this time we should be making a very healthy profit.
Click here for more information on Maid2Clean
Maid2Clean : Stewart Ferris (Maid2Clean York)
Having just turned 40 I decided it was about time to start working for myself. I had spent the best part of 15 years in the Leisure and University sectors and was tired of the daily grind. I looked at a lot of options until I found Maid2Clean. First impressions were that it was almost too good to be true. Cost, ease of setting up and simplicity of operation all appealed. After lengthy conversations with Elaine I decided that it was the way forward for me.
I started in earnest about 14 months ago and have already built a client base of nearly 100. Lessons are learnt every day, but the back up from Elaine and the other franchisees is excellent. As with any business there are hassles, but these are balanced by watching the business grow on an almost daily basis. You get out of this what you put in to it, which means it grows faster if I work harder!
Click here for more information on Maid2Clean
CityLocal, Ealing, London : Farzana Parkar
"The CityLocal franchise is a great concept and I love the idea of helping local businesses. I worked in marketing for 6 years and I am very impressed with the CityLocal business model. The site is great because it is informative, user friendly and is very eye catching.
Head Office have been very helpful and have accomodated our needs and answered our questions in every way. I am really looking forward to this new venture and hope to develop a great business in Ealing, London."
Click here for more information on CityLocal
Pet Sits : Amanda Skillan
Flying high with the PETsits franchise
PETsits has just launched its Trafford and South Manchester franchise and franchisee Amanda Skillan is pleased to be in control of her career.
“I’ve worked in the aviation and travel business for 23-years but was recently made redundant. I had been thinking about making a life change and possibly start my own business about a year prior to being made redundant so the timing was just right for me when it happened,” explains Amanda, “I took some much needed time out and considered what areas would be good for me to start-up and focus my own business.”
“Having never been without a pet in childhood, or as an adult, and because I’ve always had so much enjoyment and love from them over the years, it seemed the natural to plan having my own business around caring for animals. I decided that being part of a franchise would give me the security and confidence needed to run my own business rather than start-up on my own. “
“I took a lot of time to investigate many animal and pet-related franchise opportunities and during that research I came across PETsits, which seemed to ‘tick a lot of the right boxes’ for me. I made initial contact with Sally, the MD at PETsits, who explained how the franchised worked and over a six-week period it just went on from there. I completed my training at the end of June and launched mid-July and feel really excited about what the next few months will bring!”
PETsits Ltd offers flexible franchise opportunities for those wishing to become self-employed on a part-time or full-time basis. We specialise in a professional approach to pet care and house-sitting giving our clients peace of mind and a sense of security. The initial 2-year franchise which costs just £1,500 + VAT includes training, start-up and marketing support, webpage and stationery, CRB check, and territory.
Easy ID : Atul Jobanputra
Easy-ID to Launch UK Photobooth Franchise
Following on from the success they have experienced over the past 10 years, Easy-ID are about to offer franchise opportunities throughout the UK.
The official franchise launch is set for October but they have already got their first franchisee set up and ready go in the Leicestershire area.
Atul Jobanputra has run the Sub Post Office in Ratby for 10 years with his wife Bhavna and has just completed the extensive initial training programme at Easy-ID’s head office in West Lancashire.
Atul has a clear set of business ethics that gel exactly with the perfect Easy-ID franchisee profile. This along with the clear dedication and determination he has shown during his initial meetings and training combined with his talent to quickly grasp the concept will help to guarantee his success.
Atul Jobanputra explains:
“I’m very excited with this new venture as the potential looks fantastic.
The Franchise concept is very simple and the work is mostly common sense stuff with lots of earning possibilities.
What I like the most about the company is their ethics. The honest and trustworthy quality of service coupled with the unparalleled reliability of the products makes it easy for me to achieve my goals and objectives.
Being the first Franchisee did seem a little daunting to start with but spending time with Carl and the support team at easy-ID during the excellent comprehensive training has completely put my mind at rest – Now I just can’t wait to get on with it!
Although this is my own business, the support structure is second to none. It seems to me that everybody at easy-ID is at my beck and call!
The Easy-ID franchise is a fantastic opportunity for like minded entrepreneurs to take advantage of the growing photo-ID market in the UK by establishing their own network of passport approved photobooths.
The main role of the franchisee is to use their local knowledge to identify the best locations to site the photobooths. Having placed the booths they simply continue to provide a level of service to the site owner in line with the expectations of the Easy-ID customer.
Easy-ID provides a full residential training programme and then further training in the franchisee’s area. This is followed by comprehensive marketing support and plenty of ongoing training throughout the initial 5 year franchise agreement.
With over 500 photobooths installed in the UK, we asked Managing Director, Carl Hughes what affect competition and the recession have had on the business.
Carl said; “You might have expected that the negative effect all the talk about downturns and recession has had on UK business, would have some impact on the photobooth business, but as it happens our sales, especially of consumables and receipts from our sited photobooths have increased quite nicely!
Easy-ID has never been affected too much by the competition, in fact a great deal of easy-ID’s business has been into competitor sites. The extra choice and personal service that the franchise now offers to customers just adds to the many unique benefits that were already available with Easy-ID.”
Raring 2 Go : Victoria Drysdale
Victoria Drysdale had always wanted to run her own business. For Victoria – who runs the Aberdeenshire Raring2go! – it was just having the confidence to go out there and do it herself that she needed.
“The thought of running my own business was daunting, I had always wanted to do it once I had my baby so that I could spend time with her as well as continue to have a rewarding and challenging job, but actually taking that step was the difficult part.”
Previously Victoria has worked in marketing, PR, and conference management and from this has skills and experience in sales, print and design and finance.
“Since having my daughter nearly 2 years ago my priorities had changed with regards my working lifestyle. I wanted something that would fit around my daughter, rather than fitting my daughter around my work. The only logical answer was to work for myself, but I couldn’t find that ‘eureka’ idea and how I could keep a good income. I didn’t have the first clue of what I would do, and if it would make any money!”
Victoria then spotted Raring2go! and became intrigued. She went along to one of their open days, and after meeting the team and finding out a lot more she became very interested in the thought of running her own business.
“I could see the earning potential, and thought it could be the ideal chance to get the work/ life balance right! Suddenly what was a frightening prospect became an exciting one, and I was ready for the Raring2go! challenge!”
Victoria has found Raring2go! to be the answer she was looking for, she is able to run her own business and work the hours she wants, whilst being safe in the knowledge that she has the backing of a well established company with a nationwide network of 100 franchisees.
“It’s brilliant,” says Victoria. “Yes you need to have a good head for business but with the excellent support and training provided by the Raring2go! franchise support team; everything you need to know is there for you. Because the magazines are only published four times a year it becomes easier to fit the work in around being a parent.”
For Victoria it is indeed working well. Just a few weeks after signing up, she has put together her first magazine, which was then sent out to a circulation of 10,000. She has just finished the second issue and has over 50 advertisers on her books, and Victoria is looking to increase the number of pages, copies and advertisers during the next 12 months.
ActionCOACH : Chellas Heyes
Chellas Heyes started Zoom Answer Call in 1999, but after a strong start both the business and Chella started to plateau."I was stagnant, I had no direction, and there was no vision and subsequently no enthusiasm or team spirit in the business. Then I attended a Leverage board game night and realised that I had been asleep at the wheel.""Since working with ActionCOACH, I've experienced a massive turnaround both in the business and myself. I've rekindled my desire to be in the business, I'm more successful and I've created a first class team. It also helps that profits are up too by 28%...I can't wait to see the results next month!"Our clients have noticed the changes too and we are regularly complimented on the first class service my company provides.I wholeheartedly recommend working with an ActionCOACH. If your business needs a kick-start like mine you'll never look back.
Click here for more information on ActionCOACH
Activ Web Design : Cecilia and John Holden
With nearly 50 years IT experience between them, you’d think the Holden’s would be naturals at this, but there is so much more to running an Activ Web Design franchise than just building websites.
In her previous life, Cecilia worked in the city and was Global Head of Compliance Technology for a large US Investment bank. She really didn’t enjoy it. She disliked the culture - everything was always about money; people didn’t matter - and most of all she disliked the travelling and work life balance. Most of her staff were US based, so when she wasn’t doing the 3 hour plus daily commute to London, she was back and forth to New York. Home was just somewhere to spend the weekends, hopefully see a bit of husband John, and also play golf. Her 13 million annual budget was just monopoly money on an excel spreadsheet, as she never actually saw it being spent. Seeing where £499 sits in the budget of her new clients, and being able to make that money make a real difference to a client is a huge buzz for Cecilia and she is far more respectful spending her clients’ money than ever she was managing a huge corporate budget.
John moved to the UK from his native Ireland in the 1980s when the software firm he worked for expanded and re-located. He worked his way up through the ranks from programmer to Bespoke Projects Manager, and had clients all over the country. When the firm was bought out in 2001, John was made redundant, and opted for a complete career change. Also a very keen golfer, John decided to combine his hobby with his desire to work from home and started his own company printing personalised golf balls. He enrolled on several courses at the local university to learn the skills needed to manage your own business, taught himself Dreamweaver and built a website, converted the garage into a workshop and off he went. The first few years were quite successful, with his products featuring on ITV’s This Morning. His clients included Bruce Forsythe and he even printed balls with James Nesbitt’s face on for him to use in the celebrity Ryder Cup.
Expensive technological advancements made it harder and harder for John to compete with the big companies, so there came a point when both he and Cecilia were looking for a new challenge at about the same time.
They though a franchise was the safest bet and after meeting the team at head office it ticked all the right boxes… Activ Web Design was that new challenge.
We’re known by our golfing friends Team Holden because we work so well together. John does the thinking, and I do the hitting. It was difficult at first establishing a whole new type of relationship. It was like moving in together all over again! We’ve spent more time together in the 9 months we’ve been with Activ than we have for the whole of the rest of our 16 year marriage. We’ve learned a lot together, and while we are still both learning about the marketing side of our business, we love the rest of it. Head Office support is great, and so far we have 17 satisfied customers, with 8 more under construction, and several more “thinking about it”. Networking in our local area has helped and we are now starting to get referrals from our happy customers.
We love what we do. We love the work-life balance. I’m vice captain at our golf club, and secretary of the county golf partnership, so I feel no guilt whatsoever over my favourite type of day: I get up at 5am & build half a website, then go to a network meeting, 6 hours on the golf course, home for a spot of dinner, then build the other half, and finally do the admin with a glass of wine in my hand. We work harder than ever, but we do at times that suit us, and we back each other up. John fields my calls if I’m playing golf, and I look after his customers while he’s on the golf course.
So where do we see ourselves going? Absolutely nowhere! We love what we do and we aim one day in the not too distant future to be building 10 websites a month each (yes, 20 between us). So we need to get more streamlined, get better at admin, sales and marketing and stop rebuilding pages we’ve already built coz we had a better idea
Yoga Bugs : Michelle Hart
Meet Michelle Hart, two years ago, Michelle was a high flyer in the online publishing world, responsible for business newsletters and web content. She was top of her game and respected within her industry with over 10 years with the one company. Maternity leave and the onset of the credit crunch has made her think differently and she now runs a successful children’s yoga business (YogaBugs) from home.
Based in Twickenham, Michelle had enough of working within the corporate world, she had a keen interest in yoga for sometime and coming from an entrepreneurial family, she was keen to try something for herself. “Actually, taking the decision to make such a significant life change was very empowering. Now 6 months in, I am feeling more confident and am really pleased with what I have achieved so far. I’m on track to meet my 1st year goals and can really see what a difference doing my own thing has made to family life”.
Looking ahead, Michelle is happy to share her vision “I would love to give every child in SW London the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from yoga” She is already working with the local council and educational authorities to introduce classes within the state system to children, before during and after the school day. Her after school clubs are becoming so busy she is now looking to recruit more teachers to join her team.
“I enjoy the fact that I am now hiring people and creating employment in the area. Many of my teachers are mum’s who want some daytime work whilst their children are at school. The training is great fun and so comprehensive, they just need to come with lots of energy and enthusiasm for the job!”
“I now have waiting lists for classes” she explains as feedback from nursery managers & head teachers has been so positive that she’s struggling to keep up with the demand.
It hasn’t all been plain sailing for Michelle, “it has been quite a change moving from a huge corporation with the back office support which I took for granted to running my own business, it’s been critical to build a good support network around me and learn to switch off!”
Michelle would advise anyone looking to set up their own business to “be realistic about what you want to achieve, keep your focus and don’t work from home if you are the sort of person to get distracted easily!”
Michelle is driven by the fact she is doing something she loves. “I sometimes forget that I am actually working, so for me I want to keep on doing something that I find rewarding and challenging whilst being able to spend time with my daughter (Chloe 18 months) and my family.
Michelle explains how the business fits in with family life “I no longer have a long commute into the city. My daughter’s nursery is 5 minutes from the house and all my clients are within the Richmond, Twickenham and Kingston area so everything is on my door step”.
This new business is a far cry from her corporate world, but for Michelle it has been rewarding on many levels, “I think most importantly. I am doing something that is benefiting the local community. Children have so many challenges facing them on a day to day basis and I hope through YogaBugs they can embrace a basic foundation to lead a healthy way of life”.
Yoga Bugs : Nicola Appleton
Location: Leicester (my area has 50,000 children aged 2 ½ to 12 years, with 368 schools including nurseries)
Family: 2 Children
Names and ages of children: Connor 13 & Caitlin 11
How often do you work? I work daily about 8 hours a day so 40 hour a week. this time is split between developing the business and recruiting and managing my teachers.
How does the job fit around your family life? Pretty well actually! The kids love the fact that I am now around. Before YogaBugs I worked 50 miles from home and never saw the children. I would leave the house at 7am and get back around 7pm if I was lucky.
I have peaks and troughs of where I am very busy and they children know when to leave me alone! They are very good about letting me get on with it and Caitlin has been helping me during the summer holidays by coming to classes and joining in as well as helping me on my leaflet dropping – she is my best ambassador!
How much time do you commit? I commit 40 hours a week. I am still in the early stages of developing the business and I know what I put in now will pay back in the long term and the business grows.
Where do you carry out your work? From Home, I have converted my loft into an office. I find it very important to have somewhere within the house to go and be disciplined about the hours that I work, but also keep the office separate to the rest of the house and home life.
Do you need a car? In my area – Definitely. I need it to visit schools and nurseries and get around to see my teachers.
Do you advertise? Yes, you have to build the brand on a local level. I have found local parenting press along with direct mailings to be the most valuable way of getting the word out. I follow all my mailings up with a call. Developing relationships with my schools and nurseries is now leading to business coming as a result of word of mouth. I have become a YogaBugs addict and make sure I am making the brand visible everywhere I go!
How did you hear about the job? I wanted to find information about children’s yoga for my own children and when I googled it, YogaBugs came top of the pile on all the search engines. Then I saw them on a repeat of Dragons Den… I didn’t realize it at the time but that has given the Brand huge visibility and exposure which helps when you are developing on a local level!
Do you get support/training? The Initial training was excellent but quite intense, there is a lot to take on board but you need the grounding to get you going. The ongoing support is excellent. All my questions are answered quickly and if the team don’t know the answer they will come back with creative ideas.
Are there any downsides to the role? The only downside for me at the moment is prioritizing my time. I found it difficult to know where to focus my energies and where I should be devoting my time. Income is key to the success of any business and once I had the confidence to focus on that I have felt much more at ease with the role.
I would recommend people have proper working capital in place as you need time and money to get yourself up off the ground and through the starting blocks.
Would you recommend this opportunity to others? Oh yeah! Definitely!
Dolly Char : Marie Seddon - Warrington, Cheshire
Having recently married for the second time, I was looking for a fresh challenge & something new to do for myself. That's when I came across Dolly Char. I have not known Robin for very long, but I have found him to be a very helpful, and caring person, who makes time for everyone.
The training I received was very informative and I am now out there in the big wide world, with 6 clients to see in my first week. I would definitely say that if you are looking for a recession proof business then Dolly Char is the one for you!
My Mag : Carole Aldred
I came across My Mag in February 2005 when my retail business was going through its usual quiet phase following the Christmas rush
I was searching the internet one day for work from home business opportunities that would suit us both and, whichever way I looked, I felt myself being drawn to My Mag! We discussed it overnight and the first thing next morning I was on the phone securing the postcode! We eagerly awaited the pack arriving and, as we had no experience in this area, had made the decision that we would follow the training pack to the letter to give us the best chance of success. With Andrews experience in detailed design drawing he was the obvious one to take on the publishing role and the role of sales and development suited me down to the ground.
Throughout these three and a half years we have experienced various copycat style magazines trying to compete with us in the areas we deliver to. Whilst this has kept us on our toes, I am convinced that the fact we have bought into the My Mag system has given us the knowledge, the support and the confidence to rise above any competitor and continue to grow our business in the process.
I would definitely recommend the My Mag system to anyone who would love to be their own boss, work from home and, if they have children, still be around for them.
Click here for more information on My Mag
The PC Support Group : Pam and Phil Case
“Our PC Support Group Franchise has not given us a single regret! Our Bank Manager is happy, our Accountant is impressed, and after just 17 months we are looking to recruit Engineers and move into larger premises.
There is very much a ‘Team Feel’ to this business – we have a great working relationship with the other Franchisees and we receive support in many ways from our Franchisors who have certainly surpassed our expectations. They are certainly “hands on” if we need physical help, and they’re always available to talk through any dilemmas we experience as we grow the business. Our Franchisors work incredibly hard to give us excellent return on our management service fee and we feel very fortunate indeed to have them backing us.
Initial training is thorough and backed up by fully comprehensive manuals and ongoing updates. Everything has been thought of – each time a new situation arises – there’s a resource available to help you navigate through it.
We are constantly seeing new developments, new beneficial partnerships being forged, CRM improvements etc. being put into place. Franchisees are encouraged to submit their own feedback and ideas and these are genuinely listened to, considered, and acted upon where appropriate. Franchisees also enjoy sharing resources, help and advice with each other, which reiterates our view that there’s a fantastic “team feel” to the whole venture.
It’s also great to know that potential Franchisees have to demonstrate the right aptitude and attitude to match The PC Support Group’s standards and ethics. It’s certainly NOT growth at any cost but genuinely about building a truly quality business that every Franchisee can be proud to be a part of.
In summary, The PC Support Group contract is a very fair one, we are well supported, given all the tools and advice we need to be a success, and thoroughly backed and encouraged by some very hard working people.
Given our time over we would certainly make the same decision again.”
Local Life : Christine & Terry Southgate
Once we’d met with the head office team and began to get a feel for the company we decided it was a good match for us. We are excited to have our own business and we like what Locallife is trying to achieve. We're encouraged that HQ have continued to develop the reach and design of the Locallife site and have ambition for it.
Click here for more information on Locallife
CityLocal Fareham : David Lithgow
When I first saw CityLocal, I thought, what an amazing franchise. I have always been looking for something that would allow me to earn a reasonable income and at the same time, give the customer something of real value. And thats exactly what CityLocal does. The help from other franchisees has been second to none. Also, the support from head office has been invaluable. The future is looking so good.
Click here for more information on CityLocal
BEYOND THE FRANCHISING® : Angel Blanco Salgado
Where and since when you are an exclusive ?
North area of Spain, Asturias.
If you haven’t known D.A.M. S.p.A. and if you have tried to work as "do-it-yourself" entrepreneur in dental sector would you have obtained the same results?
No because I would miss the fresissima assistance and their help.
Has the entry fee been an impediment or a facilitation for your company activity?
It’s a right price.
Why did you choose the dental market?
It’s a very settled sector in continuous growth.
What is the position of the “fresissima®” brand on the market ?
The fresissima products are considered as expensive but high quality, unique.
Why is it called "BEYOND THE FRANCHISING®", what are the advantages among the traditional franchising systems?
The advantage is the possibility to ear money from the start and the difference between fresissima and the competition.
Did you find a stimulant environment « fresissima®» and was it able to support you in a continuous manner?
Yes, the assistance is continuous.
What can you suggest to someone interested in the project fresissima®?
That it’s a big challenge so he has to star with great will and constance.
Give a valuation to your experience so far.
It’s not so long since I started but I’m happy that I’ve chosen this business.
Which are the most important aspects that permits you to earn from the beginning and to regain the investment?
The product quality and the selling technique.
BEYOND THE FRANCHISING® : Attilio Crespi
Where and since when you are an exclusive » ?
Since the end of september 2007 I follow the Busto Arsizio, Gallarate, Legnano, Rho and Nord Milano area.
If you haven’t known D.A.M. S.p.A. and if you have tried to work as "do-it-yourself" entrepreneur in dental sector would you have obtained the same results?
The D.A.M. support has been foundamental, more than complete and positive.
Has the entry fee been an impediment or a facilitation for your company activity?
The investment ...well paying is never a pleasure, but this initial fee permitted me to reach dental market and this thing convinced me that it would be the right business in this moment: that was the road and I followed it!
Why did you choose the dental market?
CASUALLY, I chose mainly the business.
What is the position of the “fresissima®” brand on the market ?
It’s known as a medium-high quality brand.
Why is it called "BEYOND THE FRANCHISING®", what are the
advantages among the traditional franchising systems?
I have never informed about the other franchising gli altri franchising e per questo non ho grande conoscenza in merito. But in this system you’re completely followed, you pay once and start to earn after a week..
Did you find a stimulant environment « fresissima®» and was it able to support you in a continuous manner?
Yes, my opinion is more than positive.
What can you suggest to someone interested in the project fresissima?
First of all to work with tenacity and to trust the method following it since the beginning.
Give a valuatione to your experience so far.
Should i use a scale from 1 to 10? So it could be a 9.
Wich are the most important aspects that permits you to earn from the beginning and to regain the investment?
It’s important to learn the technical features of the various products, sul campo e facendo anche delle proprie ricerche personali su internet, togliersi alcune curiosità su come vengono usati gli strumenti…even though your knowledge is limited, to follow the courses “fresissima”. You enter in a different world and the dentists are unusual customers, it’s not easy to deal with them, you need to practice.
BEYOND THE FRANCHISING® : Joao Paulo Aveiro Canoso
Where and since when you are an exclusive ?
It’s three years now. Aveiro- Coimbra- Vianha Do Castelo- Braga- Braganza- Viseu- Leiria- Castelobranco- Villa Real…
If you haven’t known D.A.M. S.p.A. and if you have tried to work as "do-it-yourself" entrepreneur in dental sector would you have obtained the same results?
I would have chosen dental instruments.
Has the entry fee been an impediment or a facilitation for your company activity?
Yes it has. I’m satisfied now.
Why did you choose the dental market?
Because it’s a rich sector good to make money.
What is the position of the “fresissima®” brand on the market ?
It’s the best product, very expensive but very good.
Why is it called "BEYOND THE FRANCHISING®", what are the advantages among the traditional franchising systems?
The difference is that you have to pay here the initial fee and nothing else, you only have to think about the earning. The other thing is that we sell with a complete set of samples and not only by catalogue like the competition.
Did you find a stimulant environment « fresissima®» and was it able to support you in a continuous manner?
He should be dynamic and to own a car to work.
What can you suggest to someone interested in the project fresissima®?
He should be dynamic and to own a car to work.
Give a valuation to your experience so far.
Good. It’s a very good job.
Which are the most important aspects that permits you to earn from the beginning and to regain the investment?
- good product
- it’s different from the competition
- complete set of samples
- best assistance
- telephone assistance 24 hours a day (For us who work abroad it’s essential!)
YourHIPSearch : Emma Baker, Warwickshire
“Brilliant training, brilliant support, a brilliant business… I made over £2000 in one week.”
YourHIPSearch : Alison Malloy, Bristol
“I'm now a qualified property professional with my own home-based business which really suits my lifestyle."
Shoes Glorious Shoes : Frances Robinson, Shoes Glorious Shoes South East London
“ I love my shoe party business – it just doesn’t feel like working; and as a mum I can fit my business around my family and still find time to go to the gym. ”
Shoes Glorious Shoes : Joyce Groom & Bev Butler, Shoes Glorious Shoes Wolverhampton
“ This is a great franchise for women. We had 11 events booked in the first month of launching our Shoe Party plan franchise business. ”
Shoes Glorious Shoes : Jan Meares-Davies, Shoes Glorious Shoes Burton on Trent
“ Buying into a Shoes Glorious Shoes franchise is a sound business proposition for anyone. For someone with a passion for shoes, boots & handbags, it’s a dream come true with the ability to earn real money. ”
Shoes Glorious Shoes : Linda McArthur, Shoes Glorious Shoes Fife
“ I had been convinced for a while that a ladies shoe party plan business was a great idea so we were thrilled when we discovered a ready made business in Shoes Glorious Shoes. ”
MOLLY MAID : Andy & Lynne Crewe - Doncaster
We realized that franchising was the best route for us because we could hit the ground running and use a proven system. We chose MOLLY MAID because it is a member of the British Franchise Association has impressive branding and the MOLLY MAID Team were open and honest about our expectations when we spoke to them.
Click here for more information on MOLLY MAID
MOLLY MAID : Lorna James and Denise Walker - Berwick on Tweed
We never feel alone says Denise You feel like you are part of the family. After the training week we started our business right away. Even though the training week was very comprehensive we had three days on-site support which was absolutely invaluable and our Business Advisor is never more than a phone call away.
Click here for more information on MOLLY MAID
MOLLY MAID : Derek Ward - York
Im really happy with MOLLY MAID its the best thing Ive ever done. After being employed for 30 years, I wanted to work for myself but I wanted the support of a franchise and the security of a proven business. I visited various franchise exhibitions looking for a business that would match my people management skills and my experience in sales and administration. The MOLLY MAID management franchise fitted my criteria. I liked the brand and the image of the MOLLY MAID cars, and when I visited the company they came across as being very professional and, equally important, very trustworthy.
Click here for more information on MOLLY MAID
Frazer and Frazer : Andrew Lazell
"I’d always wanted to work for myself, but never quite had the courage to take the leap. Then a friend introduced me to Frazer and Frazer and now I have the best of both worlds: The freedom to be my own boss, as well as all the support I need"
Mr Handyman : Judy Rowe
As a woman Mr Handyman was a fantastic way for me to own my own business. Its not something I would have done on my own but I am really grateful for this franchise and the support I get. It is a great business for a woman as we know what needs to be done around the house.
Click here for more information on Mr Handyman
Mr Handyman : Joe Watkins
Joe graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2000 and went on to work at Intel for seven years as an Electrical Engineer. He has been involved with various construction trades since 1993. He earned his contractor's license and performed handyman work for several years before becoming the owner of this Mr. Handyman location. He enjoys hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking
Click here for more information on Mr Handyman
Mr Handyman : Marla Watkins
Marla is the captain of this ship, and keeps us all on course. She handles the advertising as well as all financial aspects of the office. She devotes her time to the Mr. Handyman office as well as her real estate office in Roseville. Marla enjoys staying busy and spending time with her niece and nephew
Click here for more information on Mr Handyman
Mr Handyman : Janet Sipp
I've been an ICU nurse and university professor for 22 years. You do not have to be “Handy” to be a Mr. Handyman Owner. My husband and I have enjoyed working together on homes we purchased and renovated. We're both creative and willing to work hard for that potential we initially see in a house. Some of our purchases require more "vision" than others but we are passionate about turning houses into homes. I feel we bring this passionate drive and energy to my management of Mr. Handyman. When I don't have a paintbrush in my hand, I enjoy reading and growing roses.
Click here for more information on Mr Handyman
Mr Handyman : BJ Meyers
She has extensive experience in sales and marketing, but BJ's greatest joy in business is working with and helping other people. She's a member of Edwardsville/Glen Carbon's Goshen Rotary and is involved with all area Chambers of Commerce. She's an alumni of SIUE. BJ resides in Edwardsville with her 13-year-old son, Nick. They have two dogs: Molly, a West Highland Terrier, and Skipper, a Yorkshire Terrior. BJ and Nick enjoy racquetball, tennis, golf and going to the movies!
