Special Feature
What attracted you to this franchise in particular?
Chimney sweeping isn’t the first thing people think of when looking to set up a new business; it almost runs ‘below the radar’ so I knew competition would be limited which in turn would be good for my business. I was also really impressed with Peter and Louise Harris; they are so enthusiastic and dedicated; I don’t think I could have chosen a better franchise and am delighted with the way my business is growing already.
How did you find the transition from your previous job to unemployment to franchising?
Being unemployed is frustrating for someone used to working and contributing to society; I felt as if my skills were being wasted. A carefully chosen franchise can provide the ability to get back into work with help but at the same time give you the freedom to manage your life to a greater degree than you could previously.
What do you do on a day-to-day basis? My new life as a chimney sweep is busy and never dull! I spend the day taking bookings, travelling out to meet customers, discussing their chimney problems, sweeping chimneys and wood-burners, carrying out smoke tests and providing advice on the correct way to burn fuel. Then it’s back to the office for doing my bookkeeping, marketing analysis and finally attending local networking events. If there is any time left after that a well deserved sit-down and cup of tea with my wife who has been a great support since I started my new business.
For others who have been made redundant, what advice would you give them?
I would urge them to seriously consider looking into franchising as it can be a great alternative to the more traditional recruitment process. It allows you to be in business for yourself but not by yourself. I have had such great support from Peter and Louise Harris, and I know they are always on the end of the phone if I have a question.
How has your life changed? I feel that once again I am doing something useful and earning money, giving me a more positive outlook to life, which is great. As a bonus I’ve lost 10 lbs in weight!
After being made redundant, what attracted you to franchising? I hadn’t previously considered franchising and was looking at moving overseas, Canada in particular. Most of the business opportunities there seemed to be franchises so I enlisted the help of a franchise consulting network who match prospective franchisees’ skills to potential franchisors, to help me find a good ‘fit’. When I discovered the range of franchising opportunities in the UK I reconsidered moving overseas and started looking at what was available here.
What attracted you to this franchise in particular?
I met with Garth Allison, the UK Managing Director, and I was impressed by the business model. The initial investment was manageable and there is a good split between the franchise fee and royalty. I want the franchisor to have a vested interest in my continuing success. I want a business that can challenge me and keep me interested for the next 20 years, so I like the fact that FASTSIGNS offers a complex range of products, from a simple printed poster to state-of-the-art multi-media electronic
FASTSIGNS
Richard Wedgwood, 42, was made redundant from the ceramics industry after 20 years and joined FASTSIGNS Manchester in 2010.
installations. There’s a lot to learn and a lot of market opportunities.
How did you find the transition from your previous job to unemployment to franchising?
Running your own business tests your mettle, resolve and drive. You can’t afford to be complacent in business. I did an MBA that exposed me to the basic tools of business and here is my opportunity to put the theory into practice.
As an employee you have a fixed income every month largely irrespective of how the company is doing. When it’s your own company you’re acutely aware of every rise and fall in revenue and if you don’t chase for payment you don’t get paid!
What do you do on a day-to-day basis? I love the diversity of running a FASTSIGNS centre. At 10am I might be the IT manager, then at 12 I’m a salesman. At 2pm I’m a financial director. It’s exciting and there is no opportunity to get bored.
For others who have been made redundant, what do you advise? My advice would be to make sure you ask yourself what you want to get out of it as an individual. Really think it through. You need to make sure the franchise you choose fits with your strengths and does not require you to spend a lot of time on activities you don’t enjoy.
How has your life changed?
I enjoy a much better balance between work and home life, and get to spend more time with family and friends. When you have lived out of a suitcase for so many years this aspect is a real luxury and I had not realised just how much I was missing out on. n
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Businessfranchise.com | February 2012
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