Forget the rat race — life can be a walk in the park
A FrAnCHISe can be a great way to change careers and take your life in a new direction.
After 33 years working in the City of London, Peter Martinwas assigned an unwelcome move overseas.
‘the local Petpals franchise walked my dogs. I heard it was for sale and bought it,’ says Peter, 60, from Chelmsford, essex. ‘It offered a healthier life and a business to suit my lifestyle.’
Petpals franchisees provide mobile pet care, including pet sitting, dog walking, cat visits, home boarding and a pet taxi.
Peter says: ‘I loved animals, I had business skills and had managed people.
‘I now employ 18 staff and mainly manage, but still occasionally walk dogs and also have time to walk my own.’
Peter advises people considering a career change to a franchise: ‘ the biggest step is believing that you can make it work. A franchise provides sup- port and extra comfort.’ Kevinthackrah, managing director at Petpals, says: ‘Many of our franchisees have swapped the morning commute for a park dog walk and the afternoon meeting for a visit to feed pets.’ the franchise costs £12,500.
Daryn Dodge, from St Breward, Cornwall, gave up a senior It management job to become a franchisee with business cost management franchise Auditel.
Daryn says: ‘ Giving up a lucrative job when you have a young family is a big decision.
‘I listed my goals and 20 criteria my business must meet, including a long-term future, the ability to operate from home, flexible hours and compatibility with a social life.’
He researched franchising and chose Auditel. Fiona Steels, the firm’s head of recruitment, says: ‘Many of our franchisees left the corporate world, tired of commuting, long hours and no spare time. With Auditel, you can work from home.’ Investment is £37,950.