SPECIAL FEATURE G
oing into franchising with your partner could be the foundation for the perfect business double act. Working
towards the same goal can provide a harmonious environment, especially as you’re with someone you trust. While some may worry about mixing business with homelife, playing off each
other’s strengths can make the success all the more satisfying, and even bring people closer together. Not only that, you’ll be an attractive prospect to banks, who will likely view the relationship as a sturdy investment. Franchising, despite its many inherent
benefi ts, still requires commitment and work from the franchisees. And it’s important to get the business basics in place, such as agreeing from the outset who is responsible for different aspects of operations. But if the effort and
communication is there, franchising could open up a much more fl exible work- life balance, making life at home more enjoyable, too. If you’re intrigued by the double whammy of an established brand and reciprocated success, then going into business with your partner could be a match made in heaven. Here, four couples explain why they decided to join forces, combine their skills and start their franchising journey together…
GREENSLEEVES
Why did you consider franchising and why with Greensleeves? Tim: Katie and I wanted to set up and run a business together. We work extremely well together, so it seemed like a no brainer. However, starting a business on our own was something we had no experience in, so we decided to approach a franchise network, which would guarantee us the training, support and experience required to help us ensure our business succeeded. I have always enjoyed working outdoors and the physical side of the work appealed to me, as I’ve always tried to maintain a healthy fi tness regime. We set up an initial meeting with the Greensleeves directors, David Truby and Phil
TIM AND KATIE HARRISON Tim and Katie Harrison have two children and are based in Edinburgh. Prior to joining Greensleeves Lawn Care, Tim had various sales roles before qualifying as a police off icer. Katie currently works as a part -time occupational thera pist, which she fits in around managing the administra tive side of their Edinburgh fra nchise.
Paddock, which was extremely benefi cial and informative. The company’s ethos and values were in line with our own, which made the conversation between both parties very positive and streamlined.
How was the sign-up process? What support did you receive? Katie: Throughout the joining process, the head offi ce team were incredible. We travelled to the headquarters in Huddersfi eld for a week as part of our induction and training, and everyone in the team was so reassuring and extremely approachable. They provided a wealth of knowledge, especially on the technical aspects of the franchise. Even now, if we require any additional training or support, head offi ce are always happy to arrange visits year round. The security of knowing you have continuous support with Greensleeves is invaluable.
How do you fi nd working together? Katie: It’s been brilliant. I think we complement each other really well; we both undoubtedly play to our combined strengths. It’s also very satisfying to nurture a business that is our own and we really enjoy working together to help its success to grow. We can offl oad to each other and we keep each other motivated.
Does working as a couple benefi t family life? Tim: Being my own boss has provided huge benefi ts to my family. Personally, I am now able to attend school sessions, events and meetings, something I struggled to do in previous jobs. As Katie and I have a home-based offi ce, we are able to balance work life and home life more easily. This has resulted in us spending more time together as a family. We can be fl exible with our working hours, so my work life is now scheduled around my family life.
What are your golden rules to live by when you share a partnership and a business? Listen to each other, help one another, appreciate what each of you brings to the table, and don’t talk shop in the evenings or at the weekends (if you can avoid it!).
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