VAN BASED FEATURE THE KEYS TO A VAN-BASED


FRANCHISE COULD UNLOCK YOUR FREEDOM SAYS ANNIE BLINKHORN


IS YOUR FUTURE VANTASTIC? H


ave you signed for an online delivery at home or at work this year? Engaged the services of a plumber, electrician or any kind? It’s


highly likely someone working with a van was part of the transaction. There are now more than four million vans on UK roads and the vast majority are used for commercial enterprise. Out of the 900- plus franchise brands in the UK, almost 10 per cent are van-based, serving a wide variety of industries and audiences, so it’s worth considering the open road as your workspace and investigating van franchises. Being mobile means that you can work the hours that suit you – and your customers, without being tethered to a


nine-to-fi ve schedule. Some businesses are run from the van itself, such as mobile coff ee stands, or retailers using the vehicle as shop front. Others involve driving out to domestic or commercial clients to deliver a service, for instance – grounds and garden maintenance, signage provision, cleaning and pest control, building or vehicle repair, vending machines, food delivery, pet care and more! Many van-based franchises are hands-


on, where you carry out the business yourself – great for anyone that wishes to work as a one-man-band. There is, however, scope to expand, take on other drivers, or employees to carry out the work, leaving you free to grow the business. Either way, a franchise model brings


support, a tried-and-tested business and an established reputation, all of which will help to oil the wheels of your ambitions. And don’t be misled by the clichéd image


of white-van man. A recent survey by Auto Trader revealed that one in three van owners is a woman. Editorial director Erin Baker says: “Van drivers have probably suff ered at the hands of the ‘white-van driver’ stereotype for too long. Our study shows a revival for the van community, which celebrates van drivers of all backgrounds, genders and ages.” So, if you’re equipped with a driving licence and the will to work for yourself but not by yourself, it could be time to get that motor running! Read on for case studies that prove the open road could lead to a gold mine…


June 2018 | BusinessFranchise.com | 57


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