How Jan realised her brand ambition
Switching from a stayat-home mum into a businesswoman was the dream of one mother of twins — and being part of a franchise has helped her achieve that ambition.
Jan chidley followed her husband while he worked around the world for 28 years, until she decided that she wanted her own business.
in 2007, aged 40, she invested in a Recognition Express promotional products franchise, which involves producing and selling corporate gifts and name badges.
now the owner of Recognition Express hull and East Riding, Jan is one of its top-performing female franchisees.
Jan says: ‘i’d taken time out to raise our children, but when our twins Sam and Sophie were 16, the time felt right to focus on a career. i’d been a stay-athome mum, so i had a lot to learn.
‘we talked about it as a family and the children were excited about me setting up a business.
‘My husband, chris, had been running a Driver hire franchise for four years, so i understood franchising and felt it could offer a business of my own, backed by a proven model and support.
‘i had not been in a working environment for such a long time and had to buy a whole new work wardrobe!’
She continues: ‘when it came to office skills, i felt like a dinosaur. i couldn’t even send emails. the children showed me the basics and, from there, i taught myself. to my surprise, i found that the transition from mum to businesswoman came naturally — and i now have more than 450 clients.
‘it took courage and organisation, but i’ve achieved everything i set out to.’
nigel toplis, the managing director of Recognition Express, says: ‘we look for the best candidates to take on a franchise, regardless of gender.
‘however, women are generally good communicators, organised and used to multi-tasking, which, for us, are the key qualities. A franchise is an excellent way for a woman to manage her worklife balance at any stage of her career.’ the franchise costs £35,000.
FOr useful links to franchises aimed at women, visit workingmums. co.uk, which runs an annual franchise award, won this year by The Creation Station arts and crafts franchise. See also ewif.org.
recognition express: 01530 513300 The Creation Station: 01395 239 700.