Fresh start – redundancy to franchising
Franchising can offer a sound investment for that redundancy pay out as well as a new and exciting career path – one that could offer job security. Katie Shevlin reports
Figures released in 2013 showed that one in seven workers (that’s 3.5million employees) has been made redundant since the start of the recession, with many more living with the threat of redundancy over their heads.
Franchising is, naturally, an appealing route to take for those facing job loss, as it provides an opportunity to be your own boss, directly getting out of the business what you put in. Taking control of your own destiny can seem a little daunting, however.
“When redundancy first strikes,” says Amanda Hilario, joint franchisor of new windscreen repairs-only business Screen Rescue, “it can leave you in shock.” Made redundant 15 years ago, Amanda had the skills to be in business for herself and saw the advantage of buying a franchise. With one of the best franchisee support systems in place, Amanda rapidly grew, then sold, her recruitment franchise before emigrating to Portugal to join her family.
“You realise you have the chance to be in business for yourself but you lack the knowledge of running a business, so turning to the franchise world is the best option. Suddenly, there’s a window of opportunity that, when opened, will change your life for the better.”
Today, with 25 years of sales management, marketing and financial operations experience, Amanda has been pivotal to her and her husband’s Suffolk-based business, proving that, if you are willing to work hard, redundancy can be a great opportunity to turn over a new and successful leaf.
This is largely because, in order to be a franchisee, you don’t necessarily need to be an expert in a certain industry. As long as you have plenty of professionalism and dedication, you could take on a fresh and exciting business challenge.
Here, four franchisees remember their post-redundancy journeys into the thriving world of franchising.
ChipsAway
After being made redundant for the second time in three years, former sales and marketing director Andy Cornell decided to take his career into his own hands and become his own boss rather than risk the threat of redundancy again. Now, 18 months after launching his ChipsAway franchise, he hasn’t looked back.
What attracted you to franchising?
I’d always dreamt of running my own business and the increasingly tough times in the print industry, where I worked previously, encouraged me to take the leap rather than seek another job and possibly face redundancy yet again
Why did you choose ChipsAway for your investment?
I had already experienced the unique repair system for myself, so the UK’s leading automotive paintwork repair brand seemed a pretty good place to start. I wanted something that was flexible, not massively expensive and had the potential for growth – the ChipsAway model fitted the bill.
What support have ChipsAway given?
From the outset, I’ve had terrific support from ChipsAway and I know that, whatever option I choose for the future, I can count on their experience, enthusiasm and advice to help me build my business and achieve long-term success.
How have you found your experience of running the business so far?
I’m thrilled with the way my business is going! My investment has already more than paid off and it has proved to be everything I’d hoped for. If you follow the business model you can’t go wrong! Head office send through a lot of leads and about 30 per cent of my business comes from referrals, repeat business and recommendations, which is great. I earned very good money as a company director, but with ChipsAway I have the potential to earn considerably more.
What are your plans for the future?
Having already taken on an extra van and employee to cope with demand for my services, I plan to expand into a CarCare Centre and build my team of technicians this year, which will allow me to concentrate on marketing and continuing to grow the business.
Ovenclean
When Duncan Chandler launched his Ovenclean franchise just over four years ago, little did the former financial services manager know that his business would become so successful that he would have to consider expanding…
What attracted you to franchising?
When I was made redundant for the second time from my role as a senior manager for a lending company, I didn’t fancy having to move back to London to find a job and had completely lost faith in the idea that employment meant security. I decided this was the perfect opportunity to invest in a business and become self-employed.
Why did you choose Ovenclean for your investment?
When I discovered Ovenclean, I was immediately impressed. The franchise looked like great value; I could see the potential marketplace and understood how the business model worked. Better still, when I contacted them, Ovenclean were friendly and informative,and invited me to visit their head office to meet the team. I then arranged to go out on the road with an established Ovenclean franchisee for the day, to see first-hand how the business operated. I was more than happy with everything. I felt I’d given myself the very best chance of success by investing in Ovenclean and I’ve been proved right!
How have you found your experience of running the business so far?
I’m constantly busy and will soon be struggling to handle any more new work. I recently hit the £5,000 mark for monthly income and, although I’m delighted with that, if the business continues to grow, there’s really only one way forward!
What benefits does your franchise business hold?
No matter how hard you work as an employee, you can be made redundant when times are hard. I have friends and customers who have to reapply for their jobs every year, which is obviously incredibly stressful. My life now is infinitely less stressful – I have more control and flexibility. It’s very different from being a small cog in a large organisation; I was constantly looking over my shoulder to see where the axe might fall next. Now I run my own show and feel more secure than I did in employment. My future is in my own hands. Not many people can say that and you can’t put a price on long-term security, particularly in today’s economic climate.
Voucher Packs
Derek Evans, a 67-year-old grandfather-of-three, was made redundant from his role with IT and communications company Selex at the beginning of 2012. He used it as a springboard to launch his own franchise with Voucher Packs, which designs, prints and delivers leaflets through Royal Mail to thousands of homes every month.
What attracted you to franchising?
I got a bit of money from being made redundant and my wife Sue and I decided we would spend some money on a salon she owned in Southport to give it a facelift. Three months after I left, Selex asked if I would come back as a part-time contractor, which I did. We had started doing the upgrade of the salon at the end of September and we were looking around for ways of promoting our revamp when one night my wife Sue showed me a Voucher Pack that had come through our door. I looked at it and said it sounded like a good idea. That’s when I opened it up I saw there was an advert for franchising opportunities with them – I came on board as a franchisee a couple of months later.
Why did you choose to invest with Voucher Packs in particular?
I chose Voucher Packs because it was convenient for me at the time and it was familiar territory in terms of dealing with the public and dealing with other businesses. Since then, the training has been excellent and the support has always been there when I need it.
Are you enjoying your new role as a Voucher Packs franchisee?
When I finally left Selex, my line manager said he might be able to get me a new contract but, driving back from the meeting, I thought about it and decided I would rather stick with Voucher Packs. You’re more in control of your own destiny with your own business. The return you get is directly equivalent to the amount of effort you put in. Everything is starting to pick up and December was my best month so far!
What are your plans for the future of the business?
My eventual aspiration is to take over the Southport area with Voucher Packs as well. I’ve seen how successful it is in other areas so it is now a case of putting my best foot forward and making this year the best it can be.
What advice would you give to anyone that has been made redundant?
If you are made redundant you shouldn’t let it get you down. You should look for a way of turning your life around and making things more positive – a franchise is a great way of doing that. It gives you a reason to get out of bed in the morning and if you can make some money at the same time then all the better.
Agency Express
Martin Shuker is the franchisee in the Lancaster and South Lake District territory for Agency Express, the UK’s only nationwide ‘For Sale’ board company. Prior to running his own franchise, Martin worked as a business manager in FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods).
What attracted you to franchising and why this sector?
I’d been made redundant twice in five years and I wanted to have more control over my own destiny. Also, I’ve always worked away a lot and I was looking for a better work-life balance so I could spend more time with my family. With Agency Express, I am totally in control of my daily schedule and, with a little forward planning, my hours and days can be flexible to suit my needs.
Why did you choose to invest in an Agency Express franchise?
I made my decision based on several factors; the professional way my enquiries were dealt with by the Agency Express team, the strength of the franchise package, the impressive growth of the business in the last 12 years and the proven business model. I also received fantastic feedback when speaking to other franchisees about their experiences, which gave me the extra confidence to proceed.
What are the benefits of being an Agency Express franchisee?
Starting this venture was a complete departure from what I’ve been doing for the last 10 years. I was confident I could handle the business relationship side of things but I was nervous about the physical and practical side. Three months on, I’ve really enjoyed the work and being out in the fresh air. I joke that from the driver’s seat of my van I get the best office view in the country.
What challenges have you faced?
Building a business from scratch is both rewarding and terrifying. There is always something new to learn and, whilst head office is there with support and advice, you can never forget that with your own business the money stops with you. Needless to say, now I’m in control of my future, I don’t have the fear of redundancy.
How have you found your experience of running the business so far?
I’ve really enjoyed the experience and have learnt a lot in the first three months. I’ve never felt on my own because the back-up from head office has been great! There have been times when I’ve worried about securing the work, as any new business would, but I am now establishing a solid base of customers from which I can grow the business to a good level of income.
What advice would you give to those that have been made redundant?
For anyone that has been made redundant and has had the same fears and frustration as me, I would say consider franchising. Investing my redundancy money in a franchise has been a great choice for me; I’m now building my own future and I’m in control. Prospective franchisees should remember, however, to be realistic in their business planning and accept that during the start-up phase there will be times when the rewards seem slow in coming. Finally, when you get new customers, focus on customer service above all else.
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