Why being let go can lead to a fresh start
AFTER James Cooper was made redundant from an area manager’s job with sportswear company Nike, he decided to set up his own business.
‘I chose a recruitment franchise even though I had no experience in that area because I was familiar with such companies and know what employers want,’ says James, 42.
He i s now the Prima Ardelle Associates recruitment franchisee for the Portsmouth area.
‘It’s a big change from being an employee, but it’s rewarding,’ he says.
Prima Ardelle Associates managing director Martin Wood says: ‘Our business appeals to people with a retail, management, sales and customer service background. I t offers sensible hours, no weekend work and low set-up costs.’
Initial investment is from £19,500.
Stephanie Doherty and Hel e n Graham t ook voluntary redundancy in order to become joint managing directors of a Caremark franchise in Oldham, Lancashire.
‘Instead of waiting for redundancy, we took the initiative and applied,’ says Stephanie, 55.
‘We chose the care sector because it’s challenging and exciting, but we wanted the support of a franchise.’ David Glover, franchise recruitment manager at Caremark, says: ‘Following redundancy, professionals would do well to look at the care sector, which continues to be resilient in the face of a tough economy.’ Investment is £32,950. Former kitchen design employee Kate Stacey, from Salisbury, Wiltshire, says: ‘Redundancy gave me the push I needed to get started.’ She operates an In-toto kitchen showroom concern. Investment is from £80,000 to £150,000.
‘A franchise is a good route out of redundancy i f you want your own business,’ she says.
‘I would not have done it on my own.’
PRIMA Ardelle 01732 752 100; Caremark, 01903 266 392; In-toto (Alno UK), 0113 331 5100.