Franchise Focus A seamless transition
Franchisee Graeme Mulheron made the life-altering decision to switch from marketing to The ZipYard
INVESTMENT LEVEL: £38,500 S
ales and marketing specialist Graeme Mulheron has successfully run a number of businesses over the years, and is no stranger to the franchise model. He was previously an
award-winning Cash Generator owner running multiple branches, but felt the time had to come to give his career a new direction. After looking at diff erent franchise opportunities, he opened The ZipYard Bedford in August 2013. Here is a look at a typical day for him as a ZipYard franchisee. After grabbing his cycling helmet and setting off on the 35-minute commute to Bedford, Graeme arrives at the store just after 7.30am.
“During the day, the team deals with over 60 customers...”
He prepares it for opening and when
that’s all fi nished, he logs on to the system, checks his emails and social media, and orders any supplies that are required. He also schedules the seamstresses’ workload – the team works fl at out so eff ective planning is vital. Afterwards, the staff begin to arrive and Graeme holds a team briefi ng. It’s then time for collection and deliveries. The ZipYard prides itself on excellent customer service, and it off ers a collection and delivery service for local clothing retailers, such as Moss Bros. It’s 9am and the doors open! During
the day, the team deals with over 60 customers, each one requiring and receiving a fi rst-class service. At The ZipYard, you never know what will be coming through the door next, so no two days are the same. In addition to routine zip mending, and minor alterations and repairs, The ZipYard also takes on more complicated tailoring work, such as upcycling, which is all the rage at the moment.
Graeme then completes all the required information for the customer and obtains payment in advance. Throughout the day, he will carry out regular checks on the
Graeme Mulheron
presentation of the store and the fi tting rooms.
All that done, it’s time for a break. Graeme prepares drinks for the whole team (and brings in some cake on a Saturday). This ensures they are focused on getting the job done, and, of course, makes sure he is thought of as a caring boss! He takes lunch as he works to ensure he is available to customers at all times. Next, Graeme checks that each
seamstress is getting through the work for the day, and, where necessary, starts allocating them their work for the following day. He continues to deal with any queries that they may have; to keep the business running smoothly, Graeme ensures there is an ongoing communication between all the team throughout the day.
The day comes to a close and the store shuts its doors. Graeme cashes up and closes down the system. After tidying the store, it’s time to review the target and productivity board, and discuss the
day’s performance with the team. He also allocates the following day’s work for each seamstress if it hadn’t been done earlier. Finally, Graeme actions any paperwork,
sets the security alarm, locks up and cycles home. He arrives home at around 6.45pm in time for a lovely meal (and sometimes a nice glass of wine) with his wife and three teenage daughters, the eldest of whom works in the store with him on Saturdays, the team’s busiest working day. If you feel like you could seamlessly fi t into this sort of routine, then a ZipYard franchise could be for you. Get in touch with the team today to fi nd out more.
The ZipYard Garement alterations
www.thezipyard.co.uk info@thezipyard.co.uk 01530 513 307
September 2016 |
Businessfranchise.com | 87
Investment: £20k-£50k
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