Budding entrepreneurs gear up to be their own boss . . .
CAR fan Ross McKenzie started his car repair firm when he was just 23.
He became a franchisee with Chips Away after discovering the business when he was looking for someone to repair his own vehicle.
Ross, 32, says: ‘I was a phone engineer, but wanted the flexibility of working for myself. I was offered redundancy, so I used the money to fund the franchise and found additional funding quite easily.’
However, Ross, from Dartford, Kent, feels franchising is too little-known among young people.
He says: ‘ Many young people don’t understand franchising. It’s not well enough advertised as a way of starting a business.
‘The help and support you receive as part of a franchise is invaluable, especially in the first couple of years. I found the ongoing Chips Away national advertising campaign a huge help.’
Kathryn Painter, recruit- ment director at Chips-Away, says: ‘We have around ten franchisees who joined under the age of 30.
‘They bring high levels of drive, passion and ambition, all of which help make a successful business.’
The investment required to start a Chips Away franchise is £29,995.
Former mechanic James Rygor, from Bristol, is a franchisee with automotive tool sales franchise Snapon. He says: ‘I’m 29, but my age is a positive, rather than a disadvantage.
‘By starting young, I’ve given myself more time with my business. I have the drive and determination to succeed and, with a franchise, you have support from the franchisor.
‘ I can’t really imagine earning as much as I do now anywhere else. I wish more young people knew about the opportunities franchising offers.’
Lisa Law, national franchise manager at Snap-on, says: ‘Our young franchisees make a significant impact in our business. They recognise the benefits of being their own boss from a young age.
‘ We work closely with them in any areas where they may need extra guidance, such as business development or financial forecasting, but their drive and ambition makes up for any lack of experience.’
The franchise costs from £16,037.