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compared to other food franchises.” franchises that are experiencing a boom – result of people taking an active interest in their health and overall self-image. Centros Único (a Spanish company specialising in laser hair removal and a wide range of other facial and body treatments for men and women) is one beauty franchise that David Smith, who is heading up the UK expansion of the franchise, says: “People are very impressed by our laser hair removal technology and the kind of services we offer.” “Centros Único began trading in 2008 and we are proud of the fact that, of the more than 60 centres opened since we started the business, all are still trading Here, three franchisees reveal what
it’s like to work in this fast-paced and dynamic industry.
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In her previous life, before beginning a career in franchising Amanda Brooks
worked for the NHS in a variety of roles, including practice nurse, district nurse and
health visitor. A desire to run her own business, yet with no previous business experience, and with her medical skills and knowledge acquired whilst working for the NHS meant that helping people manage their weight through LighterLife as a counsellor was the perfect franchise for Amanda. She set up her business in Andover expansion, took on the Winchester franchise.
What attracted you to a LighterLife franchise?
It was seeing a friend lose weight
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brought the company to my attention. I supported a close friend on her journey and her incredible transformation was truly fantastic. Not just the weight loss self-esteem. I felt very much inspired by her journey and the professionalism of the counselling and support. I therefore decided to apply to LighterLife to become a weight management counsellor and was immediately impressed by their professionalism and personal approach to potential franchisees. I underwent the vigorous training scheme and within a few ready to bring the franchise to Andover and Winchester.
How did the training help you to get your franchise up and running? training scheme, which helped me to prepare for my role as a LighterLife counsellor and realise the full potential of the business. The most valuable part of the training is sampling the LighterLife total programme for yourself, gaining an insight into your own personal issues with food and subsequently experiencing the journey your clients will experience.
LighterLife franchisee? given the opportunity to run your own business, but with the constant support of you every step of the way. National PR and advertising campaigns, such as Pauline Quirke’s staggering weight loss with the programme, also have a direct effect on the business, which I found to be overwhelming.
How quickly did your business grow? I initially set up the business in Andover and quickly expanded the franchise through national and local advertising, as well as direct contact with relevant local businesses. As the business grew I employed an administrative assistant to help with the day-to-day running of the franchise and also a locum to help support its continued growth and ensure that we could help as many people with their weight loss journeys as possible. I have also used PR to great effect, including arranging successful clients to appear on Trinny and Susannah’s ‘Great
British Bottom’ show for ITV! I have also organised events such as Ladies’ Day at Goodwood, and fundraising initiatives for Basics Bank, Cancer Research and a small diabetes charity. After the success of Andover, I had the opportunity to buy the franchise in Winchester, which I embraced with the same enthusiasm as my original branch. I now have a thriving business, despite the bleak economic outlook and I’ve helped approximately 90 clients across the two areas.
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of opening a gym in 2009 when he was convinced there must be a cheaper and better alternative to paying extortionate prices for ‘lifting weights’. Having already created he then sold on, Andrew wanted to the franchise world. He discovered énergie and its Fit4less brand and immediately bought into the concept taking up four sites with the opening in 2010 of his Tower Hill site in London.
Why did you decide to open a franchise?
I emigrated to Canada with my parents when I was young and while there I ran my own backpacker hostel for a couple of years. It did quite well, so when I moved back to the UK, I decided that I wanted to continue running a hostel. started to consider running a franchise instead as I enjoyed being my own boss. I remember at the time I was living in Notting Hill and paying about £120 for a gym membership, so when I stumbled across énergie and its Fit4less brand while researching franchises, it really appealed to me, as it was a low-cost gym that was
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