"Working for SITB has Changed My Life"

An effective and proven concept with a simple premise was the hook that caught the attention of Snack-in-the-Box (SITB) franchisee Kathryn Wells. Previously employed in car sales, Kathryn says: "I always wanted to be self employed, to work on my own initiative and Snack-in-the-Box looked like an opportunity with great potential that would realise this."

The SITB concept was not new to Kathryn, her previous employer used a similar service, so it was apparent to her that this was an idea that really worked.

While looking for franchise opportunities, Kathryn discovered that SITB was looking for franchisees in the Belfast area. She jumped at the opportunity, citing: "The most attractive thing about SITB was the connection with the Cadbury brand. Having the weight of this name behind my business has made it a fantastic investment."

With her lack of self-employment experience not a problem, SITB provided Kathryn with one week's training in every aspect of running the business. She also spent time with existing franchisees so she knew exactly what to expect on a day-to-day basis. Since the launch of her business in 2004, Kathryn has seen the benefits of the guidance that SITB provide. "They will gladly give me advice and support if I need it, but don't interfere with the daily running of my business," she reports.

"SITB give me the independence to do things the way I feel right but if I need help, it's always there." Kathryn bought her SITB franchise as a going concern and inherited an existing customer base. After a period of targeting new customers, she has been able grow and develop her business which now reaches over 160 clients.

Kathryn reveals that she is very happy with SITB and how her business is progressing. "Working for myself, with SITB has changed my life," she states. "The franchise has given me more freedom and rewards me for the work that I do."

"My Hard Work Will be Rewarded"

As a franchise associated with one of the biggest names in confectionery, Snack-in the-Box (SITB) is a business concept that can prove a worthwhile investment. This opportunity was the attraction to Derek Warriner, SITB franchisee in the Sheffield area.

Having been previously self-employed, Derek was used to the freedom that working for yourself can bring and this was the key to his decision to invest in a franchise.

Reading about SITB in the local paper, Derek undertook a period of research where he discovered the potential of the vending machine franchise. "I was very impressed with the tie-in with Cadbury," he reflects. "It's a very strong brand that I could see would improve the success of my business."

Launching his franchise in January this year, Derek started seeing the benefits of SITB's effective idea immediately. After initially finding the sites for the vending machines, Derek says: "The cash is in straight away and then it is simply a matter of collecting it. There is no waiting for payment from customers like in other businesses."

With a period of training, Derek learned all about the business as well as how to find and negotiate new sites for his machines. In the first few months, Derek focused upon canvassing for new customers and successfully secured 30 more sites to add to his initial client base. "I can see that there is plenty of room for development," he states.

In terms of support, Derek has found that SITB is always there to help but has left him to make his own decisions. "One of the criteria of my choice of franchise was finding a business where I could work very much independently," explains Derek. "SITB has let me achieve this."

Derek stresses that it is hard work in the beginning stages but can see himself getting better results year on year.

"It will be a matter of keeping motivated, finding the business and putting the time and effort in to secure it," he reflects, "after which, my hard work will be rewarded."