How to score with a training business

FRANCHISING

TRAINING others to gain a skill can be very satisfying, and many franchises can help you get started.

‘Football training can have a big impact on children, not only physically but emotionally, so it’s rewarding to see them develop as a result,’ says Jonathan Mills, 31, a former Cambridge United footballer who is now the East London franchisee with a £9,950 franchise from Premier Sport.

He and his business partner Chris Pipe provide football training through schools and clubs, but it takes more than having your own football skills to make a success of it.

‘At first I did all the coaching, but now we employ 12 coaches, so my role is all about management and business skills,’ says Jonathan (pictured).

He advises: ‘The key is good communication with customers and staff — it really does help you build a growing business.’

When it comes to training others to sell, a background in business will give you credibility. Mike Cressey, franchise manager at Pitman Training, says: ‘Ideally, new franchisees should have previous business experience and the skills to sell their services to individuals and businesses, plus a strong belief in their product.’

Pitman franchisees run centres offering training in PA, IT, office and business skills, web design and accountancy to companies and individuals. Investment starts at £22,500.

Matt Levington, joint founder of the £19,950 Business Doctors franchise — whose franchisees help entrepreneurs to grow their companies to the next level — says: ‘A few business war stories and scars help give you credibility with owners.’ Look for a franchise that can expand your training capacity. Shaun Thomson, of £ 42,000 sales and management training franchise Sandler Training, says: ‘ We offer our franchisees 1,000 hours of training material covering sales, management and leadership, which extends their range of expertise.’