Why a head for business is the most valuable asset
FORMER sales rep Steve Sleigh used his business experience to take on a franchise that provides products and expertise to local firms.
Now supplying business services to small firms through Mail Boxes Etc. in Colchester, Essex, and Ipswich, Suffolk, Steve used to work for a printing company.
‘Mail Boxes Etc. is not centred on just one product or service, so you can change with the economy and the business,’ says Steve, 59.
‘A lot of your income comes through cross- selling — someone who rents a mailbox might then want business cards printed.
‘Check which franchises will make the most use of your existing skills and experience.’
Mike Hawkins, sales and marketing director at Mail Boxes Etc., says: ‘We welcome inquiries from people who have managed other enterprises or headed teams of people.’
The investment required to get started as a franchisee is £60,000.
‘The ability to deal confidently with senior people is vital,’ says Steve Hardman, who provides human resources services to firms as a franchisee with The HR Dept in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, and Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
‘It means dealing with decisionmakers so experience of working with senior managers, directors and owners gives you credibility.’ Gemma Tumelty, director of The HR Dept, says: ‘We look for human resources professionals with generalist experience and Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development qualifications.’ Investment is £9,970.
Setting up with a franchise can be easier than going it alone.
Paul Millican, 49, from Nottinghamshire, was running his own cost management business before he joined the Auditel franchise.
‘With a franchise you get support with setting up and running the business,’ he says. ‘The network of franchisees also means you can access a wide range of skills and build project teams when required. I would never have achieved as much on my own.’
Chris Allison, managing director at Auditel, says: ‘Franchisees must be team players with communication skills, deductive thought processes and commercial acumen.’ Investment is £37,950.
MAIL Boxes Etc., 01608 649 230; The HR Dept 0845 180 1120; Auditel 0800 583 3355.