Special Feature
What did you do prior to franchising? I started as a nurse for the NHS and managed to work my way up to become a senior manager. I enjoyed it, but the time came when I wanted a change and the opportunity to be my own boss was too good to refuse.
What inspired you to go into franchising?
I became disillusioned with my work within the NHS and wanted a new challenge. I’d just recently moved from Scotland, so I decided to go to a franchise exhibition in Birmingham with no intentions. I had never previously considered franchising until I heard HomeXperts founder and managing director Sussanne Chambers speak.
How does your previous experience assist you in the running of your franchise? Coming from a nursing background, I therefore have an innate interest in people and a genuine care for the needs of clients. I doubt many estate agents would accept phone calls from a customer who is in floods of tears at 8pm on a Sunday and have the patience to sort out the problem.
What qualities do you feel are important in order to achieve success as a franchisee? You have to be organised, you have to be a people person, and you have to follow the rules and processes of the franchise. It’s your business, but I benefit from the tools and creativity of others with a proven business plan. This way I feel I’m one step ahead of startups and I know everything I do is by the book legally.
How has your life changed since investing in a HomeXperts franchise? I have a much better work-life balance. In fact, I don’t even feel like it’s work! I enjoy everything I do, and the things I don’t like doing, I outsource to other people. I don’t feel as if I have any limits.
When I moved to England I was alone but now I have a great social network and I’d ultimately put that down to my franchise. It’s been that good that I’ve encouraged my husband to do the same!
How is it being a woman in a male- dominated industry? From my experience, I haven’t noticed it being a male-dominated industry – most of my business networking has been mixed. I would actually say that it’s had a positive impact on my work life, as most landlords are men and have fixed ideas on
HomeXperts Claire Forkes
Claire is originally from Scotland but now lives in Leamington Spa. She launched her HomeXperts franchise in May 2016 and covers Leamington Spa and Warwick.
letting agents, so when I turn up, I tend to offer a break from the norm, which they appreciate.
Has being a woman presented any difficulties?
I’d say the only difficulties for me have come at home. I feel as if I’m falling behind on things I should be doing around the house, but my husband is keen to express that this is a pressure I put on myself!
What advice would you give to women considering a franchise? Make sure that you’re really clear on what support will be provided by the franchisor. HomeXperts has most definitely delivered on support. However, I’m aware of other franchisors who have promised a level of
support, but failed to deliver. Also, don’t be afraid to go to networking events – they’re great to make business links and gain an insight into how different people operate.
What is the training and support like? The online material and the HomeXperts franchise hub are fantastic. The training managers, Leigh Trigger and Darren Harley, seem to have a real interest in you and your franchise. I found the training academy so exciting and more engaging than any sort of coaching I’ve done before.
What are your plans for the future? I want to grow business in the area, while considering expanding into a new territory, employing staff and playing a more strategic role.
December/January 2017 |
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