Management skills in the driving seat
CAN your management skills help you launch your own business?
Pascal Giraud, who bought the Driver Hire Chelmsford recruitment franchise, manages a team of six providing drivers and other logistics staff.
Pascal says: ‘I used to work as a bond broker in the City. I learnt from seeing plenty of good — and bad — management.’
Pascal, 54, took an HGV1 driving course and drove HGVs for a few months before buying the Driver Hire Chelmsford franchise, retaining its existing staff.
He says: ‘I provide my staff with the tools they need and trust them to do a good job while I steer the business.’ Graham Duckworth, Driver Hire’s franchise sales director, says: ‘Having previous management experience isn’t essential, but it is a useful skill.
‘Depending on a new franchisee’s experience, we offer a tailored approach to training.’ The franchise costs £35,000.
Charlene Kidd, a former nursery manager, is the Southampton franchisee of Toddler Sense and Mini Professors, running activity classes for children. Charlene, 38, says: ‘Managing someone else’s business is different from managing your own. But it is easier as a franchisee because the head office helps you.’
Ian Sharland, of WOW World Group, which offers children’s activity franchises including Toddler Sense and Mini Professors, says: ‘We value management skills in potential franchisees, but provide lesson plans, training and ongoing support for them.’
Franchise investments start at £6,675.
Driver Hire 01274 361073
ToDDler Sense/Mini Professors 01722 323454.