Special Feature
Why franchising and why with Express Business Group? We joined Express to get out of the nine- to-five grind. Basically, I felt if I was working hard to make someone else rich, why not be my own boss and do it for myself?
Express Business Group
James Boag and Denise Murphy
Before franchising, James worked as a maintenance manager in a nursing home and Denise worked in the healthcare industry. They began trading with Express in Manchester and Warrington in 2016.
Why did you decide to go into business with a family member? Our decision to join Express was based on the low-cost entry fee initially. Also, the fact that our son Adam was part of the business and was singing the business’s praises made the decision all the easier. It was an opportunity too good to miss out on: to be able to run your own business and with the brand name Express, which is going global.
How do you divide the work? We divide our work equally; if one of us has an appointment then the other is still available to keep our clients happy. It’s a system that really works for us.
What are the benefits of working with family?
It just makes sense! It’s easier to plan
and organise most things weeks or even months ahead. Being a family, we already know we work well together. We know that in everything we do, it is for our family. It is an amazing motivation!
“It’s easier to plan and organise most things weeks or even months ahead”
Have you worked with a family member before?
No, I never have, but it is working out fine.
Would you recommend franchising with family in this sector? I would definitely recommend franchising with a family member. We get up each morning, discuss our already-planned day, and stay positive and professional. We visit each client with that attitude, and it makes the day so much better.
Why franchising and why PPP? Antoinette: I went to the National Franchise Exhibition and came across PPP. The houses in multiple occupation (HMO) model would be a perfect fit with my existing property portfolio and would also be a tax-efficient business that Alexandra and I could run together. Alexandra: We felt very comfortable with PPP; the company was transparent, very professional and ethical. Everybody we met was positive and there was an excitement in the air and a sharing mentality.
Platinum Property Partners (PPP)
Antoinette
Cunningham and Alexandra Matchett
The mother-and-daughter team joined PPP in August 2013 and set up their franchise business in Southport.
What attracted you to the franchise specifically? Antoinette: Joining PPP was not only part of an inheritance plan for me but also a wise business decision. The return on investment offered by the HMO model is substantially higher than that of single occupancy buy-to-let properties and there is less risk of an empty property as rooms are let out individually. The HMO market can be complex and we did not want to risk making costly mistakes on our own. We’ve received some brilliant support and advice and are thoroughly enjoying the journey.
Alexandra: It is also important to know that I can have a successful and profitable business to pass down to my own daughter when the time comes. By then,
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the property portfolio could act as a fairly hands-off investment, so she can choose whether to work in the business or hire a property manager and pursue another career. Nonetheless, it will give her an income for life with an underlying growing asset base.
How do you divide the work? Antoinette: We both play a key role in deciding which properties to buy and how to refurbish them. Alexandra then takes control of the accountancy side of the business while I focus on the management and taking care of the tenants. However, we both attend all of the workshops and social events when we can.
What are the benefits of working together? Alexandra: It’s a great opportunity to spend time together in a working environment. There is total trust and it is great to combine my mum’s experience of business with my own accountancy and technology skills and up-to-the-minute knowledge of the market.
What are your plans for the future? Antoinette: We have two HMOs up and running, and are in the process of sourcing our next property. We want to build a portfolio of up to 10 HMOs.
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