Grow your business from its grass roots
AFRANCHISE can turn your love of the outdoor life into a business. Andrew Orme, 33, started a Countrywide Grounds Maintenance franchise in 2012.
‘At first I was driving my own van to deliver grounds maintenance services to clients. I got great satisfaction from seeing my work transform their grounds.
‘I chose the Countrywide Grounds Maintenance franchise because it had vast experience, a good brand name and a proven track record. Its head office support also helps make your territory a success.’
He has now grown the business and mainly works in management. ‘We now have five vans on the road and 12 employees, and I’m regularly recommended by customers,’ says Andrew.
‘As a franchisee you must be driven, hardworking and prepared to give it your all. In the beginning it requires a lot of your personal time, but the rewards can be huge.’
Simon Stott, managing director at Countrywide Grounds Maintenance, says: ‘Franchisees manage teams delivering services, including grass and hedge- cutting, sports pitch-marking, pruning, road- sweeping, litter clearance and landscaping to clients such as housing associations, colleges, utilities and major companies.
‘It’s fantastic to see franchisees like Andrew grow their businesses.’
The current investment for a new Countrywide Grounds franchise is £44,950. Andrew says: ‘I raised the initial investment from savings, but borrowed an extra £15,000 in working capital from NatWest.
‘One of the advantages of starting a business through a franchise is that when you want to borrow, a franchise’s proven record of success adds another level of comfort for the bank.’
John Allbrook, chairman of Franchise Finance, which specialises in helping franchisees find funding, says: ‘Banks and other financial organisations lend to franchisees. It helps if you choose an established, reputable franchise, have a good credit record, some collateral and a solid business plan.
‘Do not underestimate the amount of working capital you need.’
FOR more on franchise finance, see franchisefinance.co.uk and thebfa.org. Countrywide Grounds Maintenance, 0161 485 6666.