FRANCHISEFOCUS IN V ESTMENT: FROM £8 6 ,000 The way to go Enjoy a tasty new career with your own Subway franchise S
ubway is one of the largest and most successful franchise brands, with over 2,500 stores now open across the UK and Ireland. Its robust franchise system has helped thousands of people across the world fulfil their dream of becoming their own boss. Niel Thakkar is the proud franchisee
of two Subway stores in Sheffield. Niel became a Subway franchisee four years ago and, at just 29 years old, he joins a growing number of young people who are discovering the benefits of franchising. Niel says: “I started my working life with HSBC at the age of 18, working in the IT department, before moving over to IBM for a couple of years. I went on to become a contractor but found myself away from home and travelling for increasingly long periods. I wanted to do something different that would allow me to be at home more often and spend more time with my family and friends.
"From the very first meeting, the support provided to me by Subway has been phenomenal"
“I liked the idea of franchising, as it enables you to work for yourself, but within a proven business model. Over the past 40 years, my parents have run their own businesses, so I had first-hand experience of what is involved. Franchising with a well- known brand was an attractive proposition as you don’t have to start from scratch raising awareness.” Niel attended a seminar run by his
local Subway development team, which convinced him it was the right step for him. Seminars are run across the country and provide the ideal opportunity to find out more about Subway and what running a franchise involves. As with all new franchisees, Niel
attended a two-week training course at Subway’s UK and Ireland headquarters in Cambridge. A mix of classroom and store- based training provides franchisees with all the skills and information they need to get their stores up and running. Niel went on to open his first store at Sheffield station in June 2015.
“From the very first meeting, the support provided to me by Subway has been phenomenal. For the first eight to 12 weeks, the local development team and field consultants are extremely hands-on, calling and visiting regularly to make sure everything is running smoothly. Even now, I know that support and advice is just a phone call or email away.” A second store followed for Niel in
January 2018 and he has ambitious plans to grow his Subway business. “I would like to have five stores within five years and then would look to open two stores a year for the next three to four years. “I take a very hands-on approach in my
stores. It’s important to understand the needs of each customer group and ensure you provide the best possible service. Working within a franchise system was also very new to me. As a contractor, I was given free rein to come up with solutions.
As a franchisee, you must work within the parameters of the franchise system, which helps ensure conformity across the brand and that Subway customers have the same experience, whatever store they visit.” Since becoming a franchisee, Niel has more time at home with his family. “I still work six days a week, but I have more control over my work-life balance. I usually work in the stores four days a week and spend about a day and a half on the business side, running through the financials, inventory, staff rotas, ordering and planning.” Niel has the following advice for would-
be franchisees: “Take your time, do your research and make sure the franchise business you are considering is the right fit for you and something you are willing to invest in.” l
CONTACT Subway Quick-service restaurant 0800 0855 058 (UK) or 1800 413 076 (Eire)
www.subwayfranchising.com
franchiseopportunities@subway.co.uk
BUSINESSFRANCHISE.COM 107
Investment level: £50k-£100k
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