Journey to success


ONE YEAR ON…


Simon Robert s, WPA Healthcare Pra ctice fra nchise part ner talks about his first year in business


What did you do before buying your franchise? I had spent the past 32 years in various different sectors of retail management, holding numerous senior roles. I felt that I needed to do something different.


How have you found the past year? I've found the last year to be challenging, fulfi lling, frustrating, exciting and enjoyable. All my expectations have been met or exceeded, and taking on my WPA Healthcare Practice franchise has been everything that I had hoped for and more. Networking and building a business without an existing client base can be a daunting prospect, but with the strong support network that exists, the opportunity is there for anyone that is self-motivated and has the desire to succeed.


"It’s gra tifying to know we are recognised for the right things"


What are the benefi ts of running your franchise? They are numerous, but most obviously the autonomy, fl exibility and freedom. However, anyone considering this type of venture should enter into it knowing that it is not without its own particular challenges. There is no guaranteed income, independent working is not for everyone – especially for those that have only operated within a team environment – and that you will only ever get out of it what you are prepared to put in. With WPA Healthcare Practice there is a signifi cant level of backup, training, guidance and general support to ensure that all of its franchise owners succeed and achieve their goals.


p Simon Roberts


Any standout moments so far? A personal highlight came at our mid-year conference in July, where I was awarded for my achievements over the previous months – I understand that this is not why we have our own business, but it’s gratifying to know that we are recognised for doing the right things.


What are your plans for next year? My fi rst priority is to ensure that the new business that I’ve created over the past 12 months is properly catered for. I intend to contact all of my client base at renewal to ensure that we are meeting their demands and needs, as this is integral to the success of any business. Another primary objective of my second year is to build upon my referral and introducer network to ensure that the existing network is maintained and new contacts are made, which will, in turn, create new workstreams, as this is the lifeblood of any network-based business.


Any advice to those who are considering a franchise? For me, the networking element has been integral to the success of my franchise, and it’s imperative that the right group is chosen. Taking your time to ‘test the water’ fi rst by visiting a number of different networking groups is very important – take the time to fi nd the one that’s right for you. Growing a business from nothing to something that is sustainable for the longer term has been very satisfying, and I’m looking forward to see what the next 12 months will bring. l


healthcarepractice.co.uk BUSINESSFRANCHISE.COM 81


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