Need business back up? The signs are good for Martin
STARTING a business on a shoestring is a nice idea, but a high-risk strategy. However it is possible without a massive investment, if you take up a franchise.
Many can be set up for less than £15,000, for which you get a package of help and support, from the parent business, or franchisor.
Often they can be run from home or are van-based, so you do not need business premises, and you start small, with no employees.
Martin Pitts is a franchisee with Countrywide Signs, a national business which provides a signboard service to estate agents. It has just launched a new franchise package that costs £14,995.
Martin, 52, says: ‘I market my service to local estate agents, drive around my territory to erect and move sign boards, and do business administration.
‘I enjoy the mix, which uses the people, practical and management skills I gained from 35 years in the motor trade. I wanted to be in business for myself, but not go it alone completely, so I wanted an established business system to follow.’
Martin and his wife, Jo, from Worcester, investigated franchising for two years before choosing Countrywide Signs. ‘We plan to have two to three vans on the road in the next few years, so I will be doing more management. It is harder work, but far more rewarding than being an employee. You get training and support from the franchisor, which is like having a mentor, and I can also discuss ideas with other franchisees.’
Justin Pearce, director and franchise development manager at Countrywide Signs, says: ‘We have some smaller franchise areas that we need to fill for UK coverage, so we are offering them at an affordable price. The package contains all the training and help necessary to get started, and you can grow to add more vans later.’
SEE countrywidedesigns.co.uk.