Build a business to be proud of with PCC

"I wanted to do something for myself, that would also make my son proud of me," says Professional Car Cleaning (PCC) franchisee Dom Giddy. "I decided to become my own boss and began looking into the various options. Franchising provided an opportunity for me to launch a new business with the full support of an established structure and an expert management team behind me, so I set about compiling a list of franchises that appealed."

Dom spent several months gathering information, but nothing felt quite right until he contacted mobile valeting specialist PCC. After reading the PCC information pack from cover to cover, Dom proceeded to book himself on to one of the company's informal Discovery Days, held at PCC's Midlands-based head office, to find out more. "The atmosphere was very welcoming and the presentation really professional," he reflects. "We watched a valeting demonstration, which was extremely impressive, and had the opportunity to speak to existing PCC franchisees."

Naturally a cautious character, Dom was still concerned about giving up the security of his employment and regular income, and deferred making his decision. "This was a big leap for me and I didn't want to rush into anything," Dom explains. "The PCC team were fantastic. They were really informative and happy to answer all my questions."

Eventually, Dom concluded that PCC was the right business for him and launched his new venture in June. He describes it as "flipping hard work!" but has no regrets and reports that his business is growing month-on-month. "The support and training from PCC is absolutely superb," he adds. "The Central Sales Team had lined up various appointments in my area and one of the managers came down and spent the first couple of days with me prospecting for customers. Of course you develop your own techniques for bringing in new business, but when you first start out having someone experienced with you is a real confidence booster!"

Dom admits that he has always loved cars, although he's never been mechanically minded, and feels that PCC offers the perfect business opportunity for him. "It's a good, straightforward business, the products are top class and my customers are delighted with the service I provide, so I'm getting great job satisfaction and my business is growing week on week," he says. "New customers are attracted by the professionalism of PCC and word is spreading now that I've been established for a few months.

"Although the economic climate has changed since I started, I'm still forging ahead with leafleting and knocking on doors. Next week I'm visiting the local radio station to valet their sales cars. Unlike my previous existence life is never dull, I have much more time to spend with my family and I'm building a business to be proud of!"

PCC is a sister franchise to the highly successful ChipsAway International business. Operating from a smartly liveried, fully equipped VW van, PCC franchisees provide professional car valeting services to a huge and currently under-serviced marketplace, using a comprehensive range of high quality products that have been developed exclusively for PCC. Potential customers include private individuals as well as corporate clients, creating the opportunity for franchisees to build a regular, repeat order customer base and so enhancing the value of their investment.

Megan Dunmore reports