Event Preview What the franchisees say...
Franchisees reveal how they met their perfect business match at The National Franchise Exhibition
Simon Webb Expense Reduction Analysts
After serving in the Royal Air Force for 18 years, joining cost, purchase and supply management consultancy Expense Reduction Analysts (ERA) was the chance to try something new for Simon Webb.
Simon went to The National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham and asked one of the banks for some advice. They suggested that he consider fast food, care of the elderly and business-to-business consulting. “I discarded the first two as they didn’t appeal to me. I met ERA and got chatting a little later on to an ERA franchise partner and the rest, as they say, is history.” Wanting to channel his skill set into something fresh and exciting, Simon followed the training and franchise model rigorously and, within six months, had managed to sign two clients and lay the groundwork for many more.
Like many Expense Reduction Analysts franchisees, Simon was initially feeling apprehensive, particularly as he didn’t have any sales training, but the ERA training programme and academy quickly put him at ease.
“It became clear very quickly that the skills I gained from the RAF, such as team work, communication, and professionalism were not only relevant but stood me in very good stead indeed. ERA has really enabled me to bring together all the experience I already had under my belt and rapidly develop it to help me launch my business. “I particularly liked the fact that, once the initial five-week foundation training course is completed, you have the continuing support of the ERA Academy and Academy manager. They’re there to accompany you to your first few meetings or just if you need a bit of advice. It’s clichéd, but support really was just a phone call away. “One of the best things about the business is being directly
rewarded for the work you put in. I love the fact that I’m responsible and accountable for my own efforts. You do have to be self-motivated, but there’s so much scope to work flexibly and be your own master. “You need a plan, flexibility and determination, but I’m relishing the challenge and am already reaping the rewards. I am pleased that I decided to invest in myself by joining ERA. I am delighted with the support and results I have achieved so far.”
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Businessfranchise.com | February 2014
Graham Coulston Hermann Dublcheck
Graham Coulston Hermann retired from Lancashire Constabulary after 30 years of service, leaving behind his role as Chief Superintendent in charge of one of the force’s six divisions. Wanting to do something different, Graham bought a Dublcheck franchise in September 2012 and, after successfully trading for 14 months, had more than doubled his turnover. Graham had no initial business experience and no real idea of what he wanted to do, apart from a burning desire to run his own business. He was initially drawn to franchising by impressive statistics for successful businesses, compared to other start-ups. “I attended The British Franchise Exhibition in Manchester in June 2012. During the day, I spent some time on the Dublcheck stand and was taken by the friendly, helpful people there. I came away and looked at the figures and liked the guaranteed turnover in year one. I also liked the idea that I didn’t need to take out a huge loan, as the start-up costs were quite low in comparison to some other franchises.” Graham considered other options but was always drawn back to Dublcheck. “I felt that the Dublcheck concept would allow me to grow the business into a managed franchise, giving me the flexibility to fit around my wife’s busy schedule, and three young, sport-mad children.
“I took an option of buying in at £50,000 turnover, which we
reached by month seven. I had a mentor for the first 12 months, who provided valuable advice and guidance as well as a second set of eyes to run things past. “Every month, I grow in confidence. I visit all my clients to check on the quality of service and to ensure that standards remain at the same level as when I started the contract. “I recently attended a Kick Start programme with Dublcheck, which has increased my confidence in selling. I look back now and feel I had more transferable skills than I thought, such as dealing with people and attention to detail.
“I am still at the beginning of my Dublcheck franchise journey but so far, so good.”
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