Event Preview Case Studies Open the doors to the golden
arches of franchising Former advertising consultant, Kate Walker, has gone from commuting three hours a day, to becoming a self-employed McDonald’s franchisee, following a visit to The National Franchise Exhibition.
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ate and her husband, Kenny, were looking for a change of career. The couple wanted to try something different, and had a restaurant business in mind. They have often attended The Franchise Exhibitions, and Kate explains how this led them to launch their first restaurant in 2004: “We first became interested in McDonalds in 1992 when we attended The National Franchise Exhibition. Initially, we didn’t think we could afford it, however our perception was wrong. A few years later, we visited the event again and were immediately drawn to the McDonald’s stand – we kept going back! Then, 12 years after our first visit, we opened our first restaurant and we haven’t looked back since.” McDonald’s is one of many global brands that will be exhibiting at The National Franchise Exhibition in Birmingham this February. Kate says: “The exhibition allows you to meet with the exhibitors face-to- face, and presents an opportunity for a relationship to blossom onsite. We really saw the value of attending and I highly recommend anyone to go along. My advice would be to do as much research as possible before arriving, so you can ask the right questions and get all the information you need.”
Being competitive and determined, Kate and her husband were
looking for the ultimate franchise opportunity – and for them, that was McDonald’s. Kate comments: “McDonald’s could not have been more supportive during the application process and that backing remains to this day. The support is one part of the process you simply cannot fault. Your success is their success, and they allow for lots of one-to- one time which helps the strong relationship to continue. McDonald’s is one of the most reputable brands in the world – it has always been seen as the best, and we wanted the best!”
Since joining the global franchise, Kate has expanded her franchise network and now owns six McDonald’s restaurants and employs a team of 450, including her three children who work in the restaurants in-between term time. The business is forecast to expand further in the new year, reaching 500 team members. Kate comments: “Since launching our first restaurant, our stresses have become fewer and we have grown in more than just numbers. Kenny and I love working in a people business and our main priority is to look after our employees, as they are the ones looking after the customers.” McDonald’s will be returning to this year’s event to host Franchisee Recruitment Insight Sessions. Visit
franchiseinfo.co.uk to book your place.
Safety expert delights in freedom of fire and security franchise
As a national account manager for a safety company, Mike Billington increasingly found himself away from home. He enjoyed the seniority but missed working locally. He dreamt of running his own business so that he could dictate where and when he worked, but it wasn’t until he visited one of The Franchise Exhibitions that he began to see how he could turn this dream into a reality.
A
fter learning about the possibility of franchising from his father, the 34 year old visited The British & International Franchise Exhibition. There, he networked with major brands and franchising experts and gained a valuable insight into the industry. During a conversation with Jackson Fire & Security spokespeople, it quickly became apparent that they offer a business model that met many of Mike’s ideal criteria. With more than 25 years’ experience, the company has earned a strong reputation for delivering fire and security services, including the installation and maintenance of fire and intruder alarms, extinguishers, CCTV, and emergency lighting systems. Becoming a franchisee would give him the benefit of an established brand, while also offering him the freedom and seniority he desired.
Mike Billington says: “After years working in the safety industry, I wanted a change. I was looking for an opportunity to control my own business whilst having the security and backing of a reputable company. Meeting Jackson Fire & Security at the exhibition allowed
me to ask the important questions about franchising and get a detailed and personal response.” This face-to-face conversation was crucial for Mike. “If I hadn’t visited the exhibition, I wouldn’t have gone down the franchising route.”
Once Mike had decided that the franchise was for him, he set up a meeting with Jackson Fire & Security and began the process of becoming a franchisee. Over the next five months, the company supported Mike on his journey to becoming a business owner by providing all the relevant information and training he needed to make it a success. With the backing of the brand, Mike is relishing the opportunity this thriving franchise has provided him. He continues: “Jackson Fire & Security’s franchisee process was structured really well. It helped me to understand the market, as well as the company, so that I was fully prepared for owning my own business. There is constant communication and support from Jackson Fire & Security so that I never feel alone in this new venture.”
February 2017 |
BusinessFranchise.com | 131
TICKET LINE 020 8394 5294 WEBSITE
www.franchiseinfo.co.uk
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