VAN BASED FEATURE
Wilkins Chimney Sweep provides high-quality, fully insured chimney sweeps from meticulously trained individuals. The company works to the codes of conduct and practice stipulated by APICS (Association of Professional Independent Chimney Sweeps) and is an associate member of the British Franchise Association. John Baldacchino launched Wilkins Chimney Sweep (West Cheshire) in August 2012. He is married, has two children and lives in Runcorn, Cheshire.
What made you consider investing in a Wilkins Chimney Sweep franchise and what did you do before? I’d previously worked for large global organisations and knew I wanted to be able to take control of the direction of my own business; I’d been looking for the right opportunity for some years and, having previously managed multiple self-employed operators, I understood the benefi ts that a strong franchise model could off er. After investigating a number of franchise opportunities and then meeting [the original founders] Louise and Peter, I quickly realised that I was very interested in the opportunity Wilkins was off ering. I’d found a franchise business that delivered a quality service within a close geography, in a sustainable market. Wilkins Chimney Sweep off ered me what I was looking for, that other franchises just couldn’t.
How was your training with Wilkins Chimney Sweep? Did you fi nd it useful and, if so, what did you learn? The training I received from Wilkins Chimney Sweep was extensive and gave me a solid grounding in a wide variety of chimneys and the problems that I might face. Wilkins’ vast experience was passed on in a very practical manner whilst doing the job with real customers, which was invaluable. In addition, I was given everything I needed to run the franchise, touching on all disciplines, from fi nance and marketing to ordering and procurement, setting clear expectations and delivered in an easy to understand manner. The training was comprehensive and tailored to my abilities at the time, whilst also highlighting skills I needed to improve upon. Now I’ve been working for a good few years, I don’t have so many questions but there’s the odd thing every now and then and they are always there to help.
WILKINS CHIMNEY SWEEP
What has the support been like from your franchisor?
WIlkins has been available to me from the very beginning, from the recruitment process through to my training and beyond. They’ve always been there to answer my questions and to address any concerns that I’ve had and came up to Runcorn to deliver part of the training in my own home, which made life much easier in those early days. Even now I speak to them at least once a week on the phone and receive a weekly email updating me on important information in the franchise, the sweeping industry and sharing best practice from the other sweeps. I believe in getting fully involved in the franchise, responding to them when they ask for help, mentoring new franchisees and now training them, too.
What skills do you think you need to run a franchised business? I’d say you need good attention to detail and a strong commercial perspective to run a successful franchise business; endless enthusiasm and an open mind in challenging your skillsets in new areas won’t go amiss either! I have worked very hard to grow my business and to work closely with the franchisor as well. I’m proud to say
I’ve won Franchisee of the Year twice (2014 and 2017) and reached the fi nals of the bfa’s Micro Business Franchisee of the Year Award in 2017.
What do you enjoy about running your own business? I really enjoying being able to make the decisions that I know are right for my business, recognising short-term issues whilst still focusing on delivering long-term goals. And with the franchisor’s experience to draw on I’ve seen a very healthy growth in my business.
What skills do you think you need to be a chimney sweep?
I think you need a good customer service ethic that puts the customer fi rst and delivers a fast, effi cient product every time. My customers like the fact that I am professional, full-time, clean and relatively quick. The company’s geographically intelligent booking software, combined with a great call centre team, mean my customers can book me over the phone and know I’ll be there on time, every time. I also issue a certifi cate of sweeping before I’ve even left the property and will be contact again in a year’s time to book them in again.
June 2018 |
BusinessFranchise.com | 59
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