Couples in fra nchising
Since the launch of their Expense Reduction Analysts (ERA) fra nchise in June 2016, Nick Clement and Zoe Willis have built a substantial business; they currently have over £1.3million of spend under review for prestigious national clients such as the Sue Ryder charity and Paul Smith. They also happen to be happily married.
Expense Reduction Analysts
How’s the business going so far? Zoe: It's changed our lives! I love the fl exibility offered by working from home and the variety and diversity of the work. Don’t get me wrong, it’s been hard work – but it’s defi nitely been worthwhile.
Nick: We’re really enjoying the journey! The reduction in stress from not having to run a team of staff as we did in our old business has been an incredible relief. We’re much more relaxed now and can concentrate our efforts on business development. I like that we’re part of the professional network at ERA; everything is structured and supportive which we really appreciate and has helped us achieve our success to date.
What skills do each of you bring? Nick: Zoe is very tactical and very analytical, whereas I’m sales through and through. Richard Branson said: "If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!" I live by this – I always say yes and Zoe makes it happen!
Zoe: Nick is a people person and loves the face-to-face sales side of things, so he’s all about promoting the services, meeting prospects and managing the client relationships while I handle the analytical documentation and reporting; it’s the perfect use of our skills.
You previously ran a successful mailing franchise. Did this infl uence your decision to invest in a franchise business again? Zoe: We knew we wanted to buy another franchise rather than starting from scratch. It just makes more sense because of all
the support that you get and the fact that you’re replicating an already proven business model instead of having to be the ones who take all the risk, testing and proving it in the fi rst place. So, it was just a case of fi nding the right one! We felt comfortable with ERA; the
market demand was very good and it fi tted in with what we wanted to do. It felt like a good opportunity and, to be honest, it felt logical because we knew about running a small business already, and that we work together really well.
How did you fi nd the quality of training and support you received? Zoe: The training was very good and very in depth! We did three weeks in Southampton and then three weeks in our home offi ce putting the systems and processes into practice; it was very intense. We got so much out of being at head offi ce for those three weeks because we got to bond with the other trainees and spend time with the support team building relationships from day one.
Nick: The training was split into different disciplines, from things like analytical and reporting – which Zoe loved – to sales – which she hated! I really enjoyed the sales side of things and I took to it very quickly. The trainers were excellent; knowledgeable and engaging. I couldn’t fault it. Everyone helps you in whatever way
they can – that’s head offi ce and the rest of the network; I’ve never witnessed such incredible support. We’ve built a strong relationship with ERA; they work hard for us, so we support them where we can too by speaking to, and meeting with,
prospective franchise partners to share our experiences so far, which, I have to say, have been hugely positive!
How do you strike the work-life balance? Nick: A major theme in ERA is ‘Enjoy the Journey’ and I believe in that massively. Zoe and I work incredibly hard but the balance we have is what makes it all worthwhile. We try not to talk ‘shop’ in the evenings and we keep weekends as family time. Working from home means we have added fl exibility and there’s no staff headaches to worry about, which is heaven!
What other benefi ts come with being part of a franchise network? Nick: Every year, ERA have team-building events and I recently went sailing with Chris Aston, the marketing director. Zoe has been on a cooking course in London and I know there’s an event coming up to have lunch at the Shard. It’s great they give you the chance to bond with others in the network and just enjoy being part of the team. When you work from home and run your own business there’s a chance you could feel lonely or disconnected, but with ERA, you feel part of something special.
What are your plans for the future of the business? Nick: We’re shooting for success – even more of it! That means building our reputation and position in the network so that we can take on more projects. Plus, we’re aiming to develop and enhance the postage category by strategically fi nding higher percentage savings. That means that not only will our own business grow but everyone in the network will benefi t as well.
BUSINESSFRANCHISE.COM 57
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116
