Special Feature In-toto Kitchens


Kate Stacey, 49, was a sales designer for an independent kitchens company before becoming a franchisee for In-toto Kitchens in Salisbury


For others who have been made redundant, what advice would you give them?


Redundancy is a devastating thing to happen to anyone. Not only has your livelihood been taken away but also your self esteem and way of life. Owning a franchise gives you the opportunity to push yourself into achieving something new and exciting and ultimately be the master of your own destiny.


How long after being made redundant did you invest in a franchise?


I began looking into franchising two months after redundancy and the whole process took about a year. I began discussions with In-toto in 2009 and opened my business in 2010.


What attracted you to this franchise in particular? In-toto recognises that flexibility is key to a successful network of like-minded business owners, setting it apart from many generic franchise concepts. We benefit from a rare autonomy of the national infrastructure, support network and of course, the credible brand, which works for us and reassures our customers.


An In-toto franchise starts from £75,000 and


offers substantial earnings potential and, unlike many other franchises, does not take a share of the profit or charge an annual fee. I paid a single fee upon joining the network with no further charges on renewal and the initial franchise agreement lasts a continual five years. The one- off payment made joining uncomplicated.


How did you find your transition from your previous job to unemployment to franchising?


Despite being out of the business for just over a year, it all came flooding back once the showroom was up and running. I took every opportunity for training, as my previous job was not as sales-based as retail kitchen design. It ensured a smooth transition.


What do you do on a day-to-day basis? Owning a kitchen showroom is incredibly varied! I manage every element of the business, from finances and personnel, to designing. I get enormous satisfaction from meeting customers and spending time getting to know their exact tastes and requirements in order to create their perfect kitchen.


How has your life changed? My life has changed in many ways. I usually work six days a week and some evenings. I have embraced learning many new skills; sales, accounting and marketing being the main ones. Owning a franchise means you can work alongside family if you choose. My daughter Laura is a designer at the showroom and we absolutely love working together! Running a franchise can be all consuming at times but with the support of my family and In-toto it is very satisfying.


ComputerXplorers


Alan Crocker, 48, joined ComputerXplorers Wessex in 2010 after working in a managerial position for a global technology company


collaboratively, working on stimulating, creative projects. For example a group of seven year olds making their own computer animation – how cool is that! Today’s primary school children are going to be part of the communication generation – not the computer generation – and it is essential we give them the tools, skills and confidence to use the technologies of the future.


How did you find the transition from your previous job to unemployment to franchising? The hardest part is the psychological adjustment. I’d been employed since I was 16 years old, so it was strange suddenly not being handed a payslip at the end of the month. But the great thing about franchising is that you’re not completely on your own. The ComputerXplorers team is always on hand, to advise and guide me when I need it.


What do you do day to day? No one day is the same. I carry out a whole range of activities from sales, marketing and new business development, to running sessions in schools, and recruiting and training staff.


For others who have been made redundant, what advice would you give them? If I were to give advice to anyone thinking of taking on their own business I’d tell them to be clear about their finances and to learn how to manage their time well. When you come from the corporate world like I did you don’t realise how precious your time is and how seemingly menial tasks can absorb too much of it.


How has your life changed?


How long after being made redundant did you invest in a franchise?


I left my job on a Friday and was working on my ComputerXplorers business on Monday morning! I did all my research into possible franchises whilst I was still employed.


After being made redundant, what attracted you to franchising?


The appeal to run my own business was always there, and by that I don’t mean just going self employed, I mean employing people and building up a business.


What attracted you to this franchise in particular? Technology is increasingly becoming embedded in everything we do, whether it be for work or play, communication or creation. ComputerXplorers offers a way to educate


through the use of technology, not in a geeky, on their own type of way, but in groups,


I now have a huge sense of empowerment. I make decisions and stand or fall by them.


Wilkins Chimney Sweep


Former surveyor Mark Frost, 52, joined Wilkins Chimney Sweep last year


After being made redundant, what attracted you to franchising? It was the ability to run my own business but having backing, knowledge and experience to call on if and when necessary.


February 2012 | Businessfranchise.com | 39


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