Mail Boxes Etc (UK) Ltd (MBE) offers a wide range of services to local businesses and consumers, and franchisees come from all walks of life and choose MBE for many different reasons. Two successful female franchisees are Sian Lovegrove (Shrewsbury) and Alison Kearney-Smith (Swindon).

Sian opened her centre franchise two and a half years ago, having previously run her own IT consultancy. She believes in proactive marketing and says: "We're always looking for new opportunities so when the local main Post Office closed, I called the local paper to say we're the only place in the town centre to offer an alternative postal service. Now we're open on Saturdays - we've never been so popular."

Similarly, since the local Ordnance Survey office closed, MBE has been appointed as Shrewsbury's official map centre, providing site plans for planning applications, serving surveyors, lawyers, estate agents and members of the public.

All MBE centres handle large volumes of international shipping business, sending items all over the world, matching the customer's needs to the most appropriate carrier.

Shipping valuable antiques is a niche service and business has grown markedly since eBay introduced live auctions online with buyers from all over the world. Sian says: "When I was looking at buying a franchise I was keen to find a partner who would allow me to use my own creativity to take the business in different directions and adapt to local needs. With Mail Boxes Etc I found this."

Most franchisees invest considerable time in their search for a franchise but Alison Kearney-Smith already had plenty of inside knowledge, as an employee for six years. When her boss tentatively enquired if she would like first opportunity to buy the centre, she was surprised - but jumped at the chance.

"It wasn't difficult to decide," Alison says. "I really enjoy working here. I love all the variety, especially because it gives me an opportunity to be creative. Also, as I did the books, I knew the value of the business and its huge potential. I thought it was about time I followed my instinct and had my own business.

"My husband and I raised the money and it was very exciting. I felt like Victor Kiam who famously liked the product so much that he bought the business! My husband helps when we're really busy and has become an expert on packing. We are quite a dynamic team. I don't think I could ever work for someone else again."

MBE's training and support package includes site selection and design, shop fitting, equipment and initial local marketing. Typically, the investment starts from around £60,000 of which up to about 70 per cent can usually be financed by one of the leading banks, all of whom have excellent working relationships with MBE.

Your future in your hands...

People from all walks of life have become successful Mail Boxes Etc. franchisees. Your Mail Boxes Etc. centre will offer a wide range of services including, Worldwide Parcel Delivery, Packaging Services, Digital Copy and Print, Mailbox Rental and Mailing services to local businesses and the general public.

We offer a fully comprehensive franchise package, inlcuding training and marketing as well as help with site selection, lease negotiation, financial planning and unrivalled ongoing support.

MBE is looking for new franchisees to join its network of over 100 centres in the UK and Ireland. MBE I nc. is part of the UPS group with 600 centres worldwide.