Special Feature Expense Reduction Analysts
What did you do before franchising? I started out buying fruit and vegetables for one of the UK’s largest distributors. I worked up through the ranks for 10 years before joining the FTSE 100 Company, Granada plc, as a purchasing executive. I then became part of Compass Group plc, where I was tasked with setting up a newly formed European purchasing and supply chain team.
Craig Warhurst
Craig has been running his Expense Reduction Analysts (ERA) franchise since February 2013 and was recently recognised as one of the top 10 franchisees in the network
What drew you to franchising and ERA in particular? I considered making a complete change but decided it was silly to throw away all my years of experience and knowledge. I considered setting up my own procurement company but was put off by the massive investment I’d need to make, so I hired a consultant to help me decide how to move forward. In discussing various options, we came across the ERA franchise opportunity and it just seemed like the perfect fit. I could run my own business, focusing on what I do well at the front end, with ERA’s reputation, marketing and fantastic network supporting me.
How did you find the initial training and support?
The five-week initial training was excellent, very intensive and a good blend of learning styles. I learnt an awful lot of stuff in those five weeks, without there being too much for me to absorb.
How have you found trading so far? After the initial training, I went home and got stuck in, fully aware that it would take some time for the cashflow to become established. One day, a client who was due to settle a large invoice rang and told me they couldn’t pay for a month. But then, later that day, another client unexpectedly paid half their invoice and we had £4,000 in the account. The next week, we received £25,000, and by the end of the month, the account was £70,000 in credit and we haven’t looked back since.
In what way has your life changed? Having had to work abroad for many years, I now really appreciate being at home with my family and spend much of my spare time with my young daughters. I am also very active in the local community, sitting on the village committee, helping organise events and fundraising.
What are your short- and long-term plans for the future?
My goal is to wake up in 10 years, on my 58th birthday, and know that I never have to work again. I probably will, because I love what I do, but I want it to be a choice, not a necessity. ERA has helped to make that possibility real and, rather unexpectedly, it’s also given me a legacy business – my son Kurt joined me in the business 18 months ago and the plan is for him to take over when I retire. I’m delighted with it and it’s a great feeling to see that the future is secure for my family.
October 2017 |
BusinessFranchise.com | 79
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