Stephen Harper is one of the first franchisees to sign up for the new PCC (Professional Car Cleaning) franchise from the ChipsAway Group, following the opportunity's successful launch at the British Franchise Exhibition (Manchester) in January.

Fed up with being tied to a desk from 9-to-5 in an insurance office, Stephen (pictured above, front left) says he was looking for an opportunity that would enable him to get out and about, to meet different people. "I've been in insurance for 25 years, but I've always dreamed of being my own boss," he explains. "I wanted to break out of the same old routine, so when I read about the brand new PCC franchise, I thought it sounded just right for me."

Professional Car Cleaning (PCC) is a sister franchise to the highly successful ChipsAway International. Operating from a smartly liveried and specially equipped VW, PCC franchisees provide professional car valeting services to a huge and currently under-serviced marketplace, using a comprehensive range of high quality products, developed exclusively for PCC.

Potential customers include private individuals as well as corporate contracts, creating the opportunity for franchisees to build a regular, repeat order customer base and so enhancing the value of their investment.

Since the launch of the franchise, PCC 'Discovery Days', held at the company's headquarters in Worcestershire, have all been fully booked, with a waiting list of eager potential recruits keen to find out more about the hottest new franchise opportunity on offer!

According to General Manager Adrian Stiehl, would-be franchisees are not only attracted by the fact that the business is brand new, but also that, in ChipsAway International, it has the credibility and experience of one of the UK's leading franchise organisations behind it. "People come along to our Discovery Days intrigued by the new concept, and leave reassured that there is a massive market for the business, together with the experience and industry knowledge to maximise that potential," he says.

Stephen's experience bears this out. He visited potential competitors, but was distinctly unimpressed. By contrast, he found PCC to be well organised, highly professional and committed to the success of its franchisees. "I'm so excited about this new venture, and am absolutely thrilled to be one of the first franchisees to be launched," he states. "Everyone has a car, and all cars need cleaning - again and again. Having seen the demonstration by Terry Jones, the PCC pilot franchisee, I am convinced that a professionally presented, efficient and cost-effective service will, quite literally, clean up!"

Since deciding to take on a PCC franchise, Stephen has been amazed at how quickly his potential customer base has taken shape. His former employers have assured him of their business and several of the players and management team at his local Ipswich Town Football Club have asked for him to valet their cars every week. Even the Club Chairman has asked for one of Stephen's business cards!

"There are several large industrial estates in my territory, as well as affluent householders with prestige cars," Stephen adds. "So there's plenty of business to target!"

Stephen is not alone in finding customers queuing up even before he opens his doors for business - another new PCC partnership, Philip Horncastle and Gillian Innes in Cleveland, have over 40 customers lined up. Philip is currently a valeter for a dealership, and his employers have confirmed that they will still use him on a freelance basis - they have also offered to put PCC business cards in their service reception area. Gillian will be taking charge of sales & marketing, and is the lady behind the burgeoning customer base!

Franchisees from PCC's sister network ChipsAway have also been quick to recognise the potential of the new franchise. Chris Kelly, a franchisee from Ireland, has been the first to add PCC valeting to his thriving SMART repairs business.

"As far as I could see, a PCC franchise was a logical extension. A number of customers had asked me whether I could valet their cars, so I was already considering setting up a valeting service in my ChipsAway CarCare Centre," Chris explains. "However, the PCC franchise offers a much bigger and better opportunity to extend my business, because it is mobile and stand-alone. So as well as providing my own customers with an added service, I can also reach out and build a wider customer base among local businesses. My expectation is that I will be able to generate additional business for ChipsAway through contact with customers who place importance on the appearance and maintenance of their vehicles. To me it's a no-brainer!"

Adrian Stiehl concludes: "We have been delighted, but not surprised by the high levels of response to the PCC franchise. Five franchisees on board within a month of launch is a fantastic achievement. PCC has made a real splash and already looks like a real winner!"