140-151 news section D 2/3/07 4:54 pm Page 4
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FRANCHISE
News
HSBC grows TheBestOf wins E-Company of the year
franchise team
THEBESTOF, the online business directory and community website franchise, has been
voted the best E-Company of the year at the Sharp Edge Awards. Almost 500 companies vied
HSBC BANK has appointed Ken
for the top slots at the awards with TheBestOf beating off new media stars
Viagogo.com and
Braddock to the new position of Senior
Mydeo.com to become the
Franchise Manager, where he will be
online business of 2007.
responsible for continuing HSBC’s
The awards, which
considerable growth within the
were presented at a
franchise market.
prestigious red carpet gala
Ken has been with HSBC since
dinner in London on
1984 and has occupied a number of
February 19th, have
roles within HSBC’s Commercial
become acknowledged by
Banking sector. His experience
industry as a spotlight for
includes managerial positions in
entrepreneurial excellence.
Marketing, Credit and Risk and more
They are designed to bring
recently Regional Sales Manager with
together the UK’s most
HSBC Vehicle Finance.
dynamic and innovative
He is looking forward to joining the
businesses. A leading
team, commenting: “HSBC’s stated
Nigel Botterill, Chief Executive
panel of entrepreneurs,
commitment to increasing its market
investors and experts judged the awards. These included Duncan Bannatyne of BBC
share within the franchise community
Dragons’ Den, René Carayol who is one of Europe’s leading speakers on e-business, Julie
is reinforced by my appointment.
Meyer, CEO of Ariadne Capital, and Mike Clare, CEO of Dream.
Franchising is an exciting and dynamic
The judges were looking for companies who are not simply entrepreneurial but are long-
sector to be in and I am very much
term businesses with real growth potential. TheBestOf’s Chief Executive Nigel Botterill
looking forward to what lies ahead.”
comments: “We are really thrilled to win this award and receive this recognition. There are
lots of exciting things happening in the online space, so to be considered the best e-business
in the UK by such a prestigious panel of business gurus such as René Carayol - one of the
world’s top authorities on e-commerce and the new economy - is a huge accolade and
endorsement for what we’re doing.” Further details turn to page 117
FRANCHISEE
Gerry Dowds
DIARY
Pareto Law, Scotland
handwriteleft
I’M a rookie franchisee with Pareto Law. The Pareto Law Scotland franchise was launched in July 2006, so
I have just six months’ experience under my belt. I love it, I really do. I’m delighted I decided to visit Pareto at their HQ in Wilmslow
in March of last year. I met with the two founders - Andy Sawer and Jonathan Fitchew - and was bowled over by the jaw-dropping
drive, professionalism and fun approach of their dynamic team.
I did lots of research on Pareto, which is the UK’s largest graduate assessment, placement and training organisation. Their unique
offering, commitment and track record mixed with my own experience in building sales teams, sales training and people development
made for a “no-brainer” decision to throw my hat into the ring with them.
I immediately employed two excellent graduates - Andrew and Jill - who came through the robust Pareto process with flying
colours as trainee Account Managers. Between the three of us we have grown the business beyond the business plan, exceeding our
targets in revenue and profit whilst keeping overheads below budget. My excellent Bank Manager, Chris at the Clydesdale Bank, is
therefore happy and actually helping me in the networking of the business.
I quickly learned that you need to keep a careful eye on the key activity which drives success: for example, not just ensuring good
conversion from sales meetings with clients but also keeping the sales pipeline filled with sufficient quality appointments with blue
chips and SMEs.
I have invested significantly in looking after the essence of my business - my staff. It has been important for me to lead from the
front in bringing in business and mentoring my team in that sales process. This has helped cement the superb modular sales training
they receive from Pareto. Jill and Andrew’s drive, hard work and enthusiasm and innate sales skills have already earned each of them
promotion to full Account Manager status. We are now looking for the next trainees.
This is a people business and we commit to providing the very best service for clients and graduates. Our clients can be very
demanding and so they should be - they are investing in the very best sales graduates and sales training that money can buy.
Every company has some form of sales challenge and it’s our privilege to help identify what that challenge is and provide tailored
solutions. Here’s to the next six months of growth. Further details turn to page 96
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