Doing homework paid off for Mark
MARK BUTLER first visited a franchise exhibition in 2014 — and now runs his own tutoring business.
Mark says: ‘I was looking for something that could help me set up in a growth industry, where I could make a difference to people’s lives. The exhibition was my chance to find my perfect fit.’
Mark, 53, who now runs a Tutor Doctor franchise in Berkshire, says: ‘I went to some of the free talks and sessions in which franchisors explained their businesses, and people who had taken the plunge shared their experiences.
‘It helped me reduce the shortlist I had compiled before setting out.’
Armed with his notes and information from the exhibition, he returned home before choosing Tutor Doctor, which involves providing tutors to students of all ages.
The investment required to start the franchise is £29,700, and Tutor Doctor will be exhibiting at the National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham, October 5-6.
Glasgow-based Jamal Hashmi, 33, found the Energie Fitness Scotland gym franchise in the same way. He went to the Scottish Franchise Opportunities event in April, and looked solely at gym franchises.
‘Before going, I drew up a short list of companies and researched them,’ he says. ‘I went armed with questions to ask franchisors and was not afraid to ask questions.’
After the show, Jamal had a meeting with Energie Fitness and saw one of its gyms in Glasgow.
He says: ‘I am now looking forward to opening my own gym within the next six months.’
Energie, which also operates the Fit 4less brand, is re-branding all of its UK clubs to Energie Fitness later this year.
Tutor Doctor: 0800 011 9729; energie Fitness Scotland: 07807 144098.
For more details of the National Franchise exhibition, visit franchiseinfo.co.uk.