A Trades name

Based in Pontypool, 50-year-old Graham joined All Trades in November 2006 and says: 'It's the best thing I ever did and I have no regrets whatsoever.'

Initially, Graham wasn't sure if it was the right path for him as many of his contacts within the building industry were struggling to find regular work. When he investigated All Trades however, he was impressed by a well run business - and he felt he could trust the managing director, Keith Roberts.

Graham explains: 'Keith came down to Pontypool and I felt he had such a lot of integrity, which I think is important. I would advise anyone considering the franchise route, to investigate the company thoroughly. In addition, I have found All Trades head office to be enormously supportive and very effective at passing me work, which has helped me to build my business up, in a relatively short time.'

Keith endorses this view and explains: 'It's a two-way process and at All Trades head office, we believe in being there for our franchisee, not only in being able to pass on regular work, but to support them with their admin as well as any marketing initiatives.  In other words, it's very much about team work.'

Graham has two permanent members of staff and employs a further six contractors on an ad-hoc basis, whom he personally knows very well. 

'It's about building a team that you can trust and I only employ people who I have personally worked with and that I know will deliver on every job. My skills lie in managing and organising the workloads, whilst the people whom I employ, I know will never let me down,' says Graham.

Keith Roberts goes along with Graham's ethos, and states: 'I have always found Graham to be very astute, with great business acumen.  He is extremely proactive in his approach and uses his initiative every step of the way, but where he also excels is his ability to build a good team as well as recognising the various services All Trades head office is able to provide. I believe this is what makes the difference, as Graham is clearly a great communicator within his business, as well as being in touch with head office for help and advice, as and when it's required, and it's about team work.'

Graham believes that its two components that has led to his success. 'It's about team work and trust. I've got all the support I need from head office and I trust their expertise, and likewise, within my own franchise business, I have built a strong team and so my business model is built on a robust partnership all round.'