Special Feature
Platinum Property Partners Valerie Highton
Valerie joined Platinum Property Partners (PPP) in 2014 and won Newcomer of the Year. Her franchise covers Addlestone and Egham.
What did you do prior to franchising? I studied business at university and quickly became manager of the flagship Mothercare store in Edinburgh. I spent four years in the Caribbean in my mid- twenties; on returning to the UK, being a mum was my major role, alongside various part-time jobs.
What inspired you to go into franchising? As my adult children were focused on university choices and career paths, it was their enthusiasm that kick-started my focus into creating a new role for myself. I was looking for a challenging and exciting proposition that would marry my skillset to a proven model with a support network. At The National Franchise Exhibition, I was drawn to the PPP stand and felt it was an opportunity well matched to my talents. Meeting other franchise partners was also pivotal in my decision making. I followed up by visiting several properties and drilling the team on the business model.
How does your previous experience assist you in the running of your franchise?
I was used to working and dealing with young people in my part-time roles. The property development side was the exciting part, as my strengths lie in the
details, organisation and presentation. Multi-tasking is a given as a busy mother, so having energy, tolerance and flexibility are all attributes that cross over well.
How is it being a woman in a male- dominated industry? No matter what sex you are, you get taught everything you need to know at PPP. There is always someone that will have the answer but the trick is to know where to look.
The head office team are your first point of contact but the rest of the information is to be gleaned from the other franchisees. The environment created is of a sharing culture where the collective whole achieves far more than the individual. There are lots of women in this franchise and many do this on their own. We are all encouraged and supported every step of the way.
How has your life changed since investing in a PPP franchise? I now have a greater sense of fulfilment and purpose with work. I have a business and a healthy income from properties I own myself. I am learning new skills, which is both interesting and challenging.
What advice would you give to women considering a franchise?
Go for it. As a female, I think you can take 22 |
BusinessFranchise.com | December/January 2017
the skills you have learned in life, in your work, or even as a stay-at-home mum, as they are all transferable. If you’re organised and diligent, then you’ll be a step ahead, but, most importantly, be willing to learn. If you pick the right franchise, then the help and support will be there.
Being a woman should not be a barrier to anything at all. Dream big, set goals and take one day at a time. Encourage yourself to take a step out of your comfort zone, take calculated risks and reap the rewards. Have a positive attitude as challenges arise and lean on those around you to help you. Developing the links within the network means I can readily offer and receive help and this has developed into friendships as well as business relationships. I’m a lot more capable than I thought I was, surpassing my initial goals with the appropriate vehicle to push myself even further. I should have done this years ago!
What is the training and support like? The initial training is well considered and very hands on. After that, there are group meetings and ongoing training events throughout the year. The support from the head office is
great but the network is invaluable. You are surrounded by a group of like-minded people that understand your goals and aspiration.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92
