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Recognition Express franchisee Graham Marshall
Interestingly, even for those that have been bosses before, it can still
take time to adjust. Cathy Birchall, one of the directors at Blazes, says:
“People who have worked in the higher tier of management are used to
passing on work and delegating. Often when they realise that everything
starts and ends with them and that they are responsible for everything
including the admin, they can struggle to adjust to this.”
And with responsibility comes the need to be the ‘do-er’ of all things,
which means dealing with fi nance, marketing, sales, management – pretty
much everything! The direct result of this can be longer hours and lack “On the weekends I have my family round and we all participate in The
of time, as Graham and Jackie discovered. Graham says: “I come in on a Little Gym activities, including my seven nephews and nieces! The kids
Monday and have lots of ideas and plans for what I want to achieve in love it and my husband gets involved. The rewards are fantastic!”
the week, but the phone rings, someone wants a quote, then you have It is important that franchisees never lose sight of their long-term
to go to a meeting, and before you know it’s Friday. Having the time goals. After a franchisees’ business has been up and running for a few
to do things is hard because you are so busy. However, you have more months, Cathy urges franchisees to constantly refer to their business
freedom, you don’t have to answer to anyone and you make your own plan as “often franchisees use these to get their loan and very soon
decisions about your business.” after it just starts collecting dust.
Running your own business is a steep learning curve and franchisees “If the franchisee sets off in the wrong direction, it’s much harder
soon learn what works best for them and their business, as Graham and to steer it back the right way. It is important that the business plan is
Jackie discovered. After eight weeks, the couple started to change some of referred to on a quarterly basis to keep the business on course.”
the processes in their branded-goods business. They modernised certain From the franchisors perspective, it is important that they maintain
aspects of it, such as moving everything online, e-invoicing, etc, and after a good relationship with their franchisees throughout. Franchisees are
three months Graham started promoting the business differently. “When much more dependent on their franchisor in their fi rst year, “the fi rst
we took the business over, the previous owner would really promote and year is often the honeymoon period as franchisees appreciate the help
push the badges. We felt clothing would be much more lucrative – in fact and know support is available. The more experienced they become the
I’m about to go and sign a new contract to produce some uniform. We less they feel that they need a franchisor to support them,” says Cathy.
have now increased the annual customer base by 74 per cent and overall However, it is in both parties interest to maintain a positive relationship
have increased the business by about 30 per cent.” – most franchises offer multi-unit franchise opportunities, which for an
A franchise resale can make some aspects of getting started easier entrepreneurial and strong-willed franchisee is an excellent opportunity
than a franchise start-up. Graham and Jackie inherited an established to expand.
customer base, the premises were already set up and most of the For people who are about to embark upon a career in franchising,
equipment was already there. Lindsey advises: “You need to understand the franchise, talk to the
For Revive!’s Paul, one year on his business is stronger, the brand people in the process, ask what are the harder aspects of the job, and
awareness has grown in his area as people recognise the branded van what support will I get? You also need to assess your own strengths and
and ultimately, securing business is weaknesses, and build a team around you that can help with the areas
easier. And for Lindsey, she no that you may struggle to allocate time to.” As Paul
longer has to compromise also puts it: “Research!”
her time with her If the hard work and perseverance required
family: concerns you, one fi nal piece of advice from
Nick may put that all into perspective: “Imagine
what your life will be like in fi ve years if you
don’t take the chance. If you do what you’ve
always done you’ll get what you’ve always had
– look at what you want to be in fi ve years
and whether your current choices are going to
take you there.” ■
December/January 2010 www.businessfranchise.com
BF019-22_SpecialFture_Dec/Jan09.indd 4 19/11/2009 09:51
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