As the nation reflects on over six months of forced business closures and near financial ruin, the automotive industry is one of many that continues to provide a critical service. Unfortunately, it has come as no surprise that independent, family-run businesses have been some of the worst affected. As a result, more entrepreneurs are seeking ways to earn a comfortable income, with the added benefit of long-term security from an established and respected name.
Lisa Law, National Franchise Manager for global tool brand, Snap-on Tools, has seen a real increase in quality enquiries since the nation went into lockdown on the 24th March.
“Technicians around the world have considered our tools to be the best in the business for over 100 years and many also see our franchise opportunity as a stellar investment for their future,” said Lisa. “As the nation came out of lockdown, we found that prospects who had already been considering the franchise were even more keen to proceed. We’ve also found that many people, especially those who were adversely affected career-wise during the pandemic, are now keen to take steps to control their financial futures. A lot of our appeal comes down to the fact that we have a strong infrastructure of support that just isn’t available to independent business owners. The strength of our brand name and influence across the automotive industry is a real factor too.
“Of course, there’s no denying that things have been tough. But our collective buying power, ongoing R&D and investment into new products and systems allows us to mitigate economic challenges and insulate our franchisees to a certain extent. In 2019, we were also voted the nation’s number one franchise opportunity by the Elite Franchise Top 100, which gives us yet another a stamp of approval that resonates with our prospects. As we enter the last quarter of 2020, we already have eighteen new franchisees either hitting the road or booked on their initial franchisee training course. There’s every reason to expect as many, if not more, to join us before the end of the year.”
Revive! Auto Innovations is the leading mobile repairer of minor damage for both domestic and commercial clients. The brand has also maintained the success of their network during the lockdown period.
“One of the real benefits of our business model is that our franchisees are able to offer a range of services that can be carried out in complete isolation,” explained Cathryn Hayes, Franchise Director. “Our technicians arrive at the site of a job in one of our branded vans, carry out the repair in a location that’s convenient for the customer, and all payments are taken electronically. As our franchise opportunity is a management style model, meaning franchisees don’t carry out the work themselves but hire a team of technicians, they can also run their business from the safety of home.”
Gennady Matkovsky took over operations of the Revive! franchise in West London in 2018, after working for a number of years as a Sales Manager for a Nissan dealership. Investing in his own franchise has supported him financially throughout the lockdown period whilst also making a much-needed lifestyle change for his family.
“Running my own franchise has meant that I haven’t missed my kid’s bedtime in nearly two years! Working in the dealership put my sales skills to good use but I would often find myself working until late at night to catch up with my workload. As a Revive! franchisee, I’m able to put my interest in the automotive industry and my passion for customer service to good use, whilst building a solid investment for my family’s future. I was able to sustain my business during the pandemic and have actually just had one of my most successful months since I took on the franchise. Things could have looked really different for me had I still been employed by the dealership. Customers have continued to have faith in our services throughout the pandemic thanks to the national awareness of our brand name. And, for those that may need a little more convincing, I often find mentioning national accolades and award wins – like the Elite Franchise Top 100 – will often seal the deal for them. I’m proud to be a Revive! franchisee and see myself employing two or three technicians in the next 12 months,” said Gennady.
The Elite Franchise Top 100 is a nationally recognised poll that celebrates the best there is in British franchising; brands like Snap-on, last year’s number one UK franchise opportunity, and Revive! included. For more information about the annual award, visit www.elitefranchisemagazine.co.uk/ef-100
