As 2023 draws to a close Pip Wilkins, CEO of the BFA, takes a retrospective look at the power of franchising to change lives
It’s December, a traditional time for reflection, so indulge me if you will as I reflect on some of the quotes I’ve read over the last 12 months, from people who have had success with buying a franchise or franchising their businesses, and maybe leave the question with you, ‘are you ready to take the brave step and run your own business in 2024?’
‘A safer way to invest your money’
Stephan van Niekerk, joined 3rd Battalion the Rifles in 2006 and was medically discharged in 2013 after being injured whilst on duty in Afghanistan. After a chance visit to a franchise exhibition with a friend, he bought a Platinum Property Partners franchise. Stephan said: “I find that franchising is a great and safer way to invest your money and get into the world of business while you find your feet in civilian life. I find it is a great way to build a secure foundation for me and my family that then allows me to explore other opportunities.”
‘I have built an amazing business in a very short space of time’
The Alternative Board franchisee James Ross, who bought his franchise in March 2022, says the head office support he has received has been first-class. James said: “The franchisor provided me with fantastic training up front, in particular with a best-in-class sales process to help me attract new members. They also provide me with regular support meetings both with head office and with other franchisee colleagues, and an inspirational annual conference. They give me great advice on marketing strategy too and how to get the best out of social media which has meant I have built an amazing business in a very short space of time.”
‘It is very much my business; they don’t spoon feed you’
Home Instead Franchisee Nell Light spent 17 years in the RAMC (Royal Army Medical Corps) as a Medical Support Officer, before buying her domiciliary home care franchise in 2016.
Nell said: “Running a care company is very similar to my former role of running hospitals in the army; it’s about managing people, an ops room and a bit of resource management, I think franchising has some great things to offer people; you don’t need any direct experience, as they give you full training and of course it’s natural to care for others. I particularly like the fact that even though the franchisor is there for help and advice, it is very much my business. They don’t spoon feed you. I have built my very own headquarters, whilst offering a very worthwhile service to my wonderful clients and their families.”
And let’s not forget the franchisors, those brave entrepreneurs who started the brands in the first place, has it been good for them too?
‘Franchising has given me the opportunity to scale my business’
Angie Coates, a former concert oboist, who studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama launched children’s music classes Monkey Music in Dulwich in 1993 and franchised her business in 1998; she currently has 45 franchisees with a collective turnover of nearly £4m a year.
Angie said: “The ‘leap’ to franchise the business for me came when I identified it was perfect for sharing. I had instinctively created a business model that could be made available to other likeminded business owners to help grow the brand. And grow it we did! Franchising has given me the opportunity to scale up my business, with franchisees who live and breathe their businesses just like me, but crucially they can grow them close to where they live.”
‘I’ve been able to grow my business across the UK’
Former professional dancer Anne-Marie Martin founded children’s dancing classes diddi dance in 2003 and franchised in 2006. Diddi dance now has 40 franchisees running classes in 47 areas with an annual turnover of £700k.
Anne-Marie said: “Through franchising I’ve been able to grow diddi dance at scale across the UK with a network of dedicated franchisees all working together and supporting each other. We’re all invested together, ensuring customers receive the same service in every territory, which for me is such a huge achievement for the brand I created 20 years ago.”
The BFA – your friend in franchising
With a strapline of ‘Discover Your Tomorrow’ we, the BFA (British Franchise Association), are the hub of franchising in the UK. We strive to brighten people’s futures by showcasing the opportunities for businesses and individuals to transform their lives through franchising, whilst also providing you with an educational space and accreditations, governed by our high standards and a code of ethics.
We hope these testimonials will give you food for thought as you head into the festive season and would invite you to visit our website to find out more or come and meet us for a face-to-face chat at the British and International Franchise Exhibition at Olympia, London on 10-11 February 2024.
