Franchise Focus
New hands W
ho better to support you in your business than someone who’s been there themselves? Wilkins Chimney Sweep
is set for a new phase of growth after experienced franchisee and franchisor Darren Taylor recently purchased the 128-year-old business from owners Peter and Louise Harris. Darren started out as a StumpBusters franchisee in 2006, expanding to four diff erent territories before buying the brand outright to become a franchisor in 2013. Since then, he’s added more franchisees to achieve UK-wide coverage and has taken the business to an international level. He’s now bringing his years of experience on both sides of the franchise relationship to the Wilkins network. “I know what it’s like to be a franchisee, I understand that side of it really well and the balance between running your own business and having the right support at the right time,” says Darren. “My experience means I listen carefully to franchisees, rather than trying to force a rigid model on them, because they’re at the coalface and my role is more about the bigger picture. If there are changes that can make their business easier, more profi table or less frustrating, then I want to hear about them for the benefi t of everyone. Keeping franchisees happy is what it’s all about.”
“The training left me feeling ready to go out on my own and get properly started”
Expanding horizons Darren says he jumped at the chance to buy the Wilkins network. “I’ve always been ambitious, looking towards the horizon rather than right in front of me. I was, and still am, on the acquisition trail, I’d noticed Wilkins and it immediately made sense. As a van-based business, it’s a
model I understand and know well.” As for the future, he says: “We’re going to grow nationally. There’s room for around 120 franchisees in the UK and an outstanding base that’s been developed by Peter and Louise, with 16 fi rst-class franchisees trading from Whitley Bay to the south coast. “But it’s going to be controlled growth. Franchisees must be supported fi rst and foremost, that’s the number-one priority. We’ve got exciting plans to bring in extra technical and business development support to really help our franchisees grow successful and profi table businesses. “We also have PowerClean, a patio and driveway cleaning option for Wilkins franchisees, which can help them enjoy a year-round income. All the elements are here to help people transform their lives and become thriving business owners.”
The future’s bright... One of those already proving the power of a Wilkins franchise is Jon Bright, the South Norfolk franchisee. He launched his business in August 2016 since he wanted to get away from his desk job and a long commute.
Exciting times lie ahead for Wilkins Chimney Sweep INVESTMENT LEVEL: £18,000
He says: “Wilkins stood out to me straight away. It was a practical business, which off ered a high-quality service, and also meant I would be out and about every day, meeting diff erent people. It couldn’t really be further away from a desk job. “The fact it was a traditional, old- fashioned trade, but something that is still extremely useful today also appealed. It just ticked all the boxes. The branding, heritage… I was just very impressed.” Jon says that making the transition to business owner was made simple thanks to exceptional training and support. “The training left me feeling ready to go out on my own and get properly started,” he says. “It is such a great job, I meet some very interesting people, and have been in all kinds of houses. There is something diff erent every day, which is exactly what I wanted.”
Wilkins Chimney Sweep Chimney sweeping
www.franchisechimneysweep.co.uk enquiries@wilkinschimneysweep.co.uk 0330 0885 769
June 2018 |
BusinessFranchise.com | 103
Investment: £10k-£20k
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