Market Focus Ableworld Jeff Newman
Jeff Newman, Ableworld Southampton Since opening their store, Jeff and the team have consistently hit and beaten targets and have proved that their initial thoughts about the viability of having a modern one-stop mobility store in Southampton were correct. Jeff says: “It has met all our expectations, especially the satisfaction we get from providing the right products for our customers.”
Donna Wilson is franchisee for Ableworld Lincoln Before joining Ableworld, Donna worked in custodial management. She explains that her personal experience of being a mother to a special-needs child “gave me great insight into what practical support was and is lacking”.
Ableworld provides products such as mobility scooters, wheelchairs, riser-recliner chairs and stairlifts for the growing elderly and disabled market. Jeff Newman worked as a milkman and identified that many customers on his round were also potential purchasers of mobility equipment. “I witnessed several fall injuries and mobility complaints. I believed our highly visible and accessible mobility superstore would fill a gap in the market and serve as a welcome benefit to the community.”
She continues: “Everyone has been very supportive. I’ve spoken to other franchisees and they’ve been very encouraging. It’s nice to get help and advice from others with more experience running their franchise. Head office has been brilliant; you can pick up the phone and get help with any aspect of the franchise. Nothing is too much trouble and you can pick the brains of many years of experience.”
David, Audrey and Maureen together run Ableworld Broxburn David previously owned and managed car showrooms and his wife, Audrey, was a primary school teacher. Maureen, David’s sister, worked as a nursing auxiliary for handicapped children. David says: “The
only franchise that appealed to all of us was Ableworld.” David didn’t want to go back working for someone else, but he wanted the security and support that a franchise can give. “With a franchise, you are working to a format with support but are still responsible for your own business. “When we opened the business, we never for a minute realised how rewarding and humbling it would be to deal with some of the wonderful customers who come through our door that are in need of guidance and advice on products to support their daily living. We would definitely recommend the franchise. As for growth, it’s our intention to expand within our generous territory. We see huge potential.”
Right at Home
Why were you drawn to a franchise in the care industry? My first reaction was: ‘I don’t know if I can do that.’ Then I realised that this was a business where I could really make a difference – that’s not something that I could say in my previous career, or with any of the other franchise options I was considering. So it wasn’t just about the business, but the fact that I would feel good about myself if I did it well.
What job satisfaction does it provide? My work-life balance has completely turned around – I walk to work and see my children in the morning and evening; I can watch them growing up now, whereas before I missed a lot. I’ve built up a good team of people who are passionate about doing the job well. As a franchisee you are obviously given the framework, but you can take a lot
Scott MacRae
of satisfaction and pride from what you have achieved yourself.
What training and support did you receive, both at the start and ongoing?
I had two weeks of initial training and there was very good startup support from the management team. The training, tools and systems have developed and improved as the network has grown, and the support and expertise from national office is continually improving too. The managing director has been a franchisee, so he knows exactly what it’s like, and is very focused on making sure that the framework supports rather than hinders our ability to run our own business.
The whole national office team is focused on making sure we are successful, both in terms of business performance and quality.
Scott, who has run Right at Home Maidenhead since April 2013, previously worked as a Northern Europe sales director for a semiconductor company.
I also get a lot of support from the other franchisees. That really helps when you are selling a business that you don’t yet know well. The whole network is constantly exchanging information, through our Facebook group and in direct conversations.
How has your life changed since you launched your Right at Home franchise? I am less stressed and enjoy sleeping in the same bed every night, rather than travelling non-stop. I’ve got greyer, but I feel happier within myself and more confident, fitter, more in charge of my own destiny. I don’t have some corporate type pulling chains on the other side of the world – it’s my business and it’s up to me. There’s still room for growth in this territory and I am motivated to take on that challenge.
March 2018 |
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