With 20 years' experience working in field sales holding several roles including National Account Manager and the ambition to be my own boss and take control of my work/life balance I decided to invest in a franchise. Franchising was the best route for me because I could run my own business while benefiting from the safety net of a recognised brand and a comprehensive training and support package.
Cleaning and hygiene product distribution company Chemex appealed because it has a diverse product range and the cleaning product distribution concept has little competition within the franchise industry. Impressed by the feedback from Chemex franchisees I visited head office and in October 2007 launched my franchise. My territory spans from Stafford through to Wolverhampton and Telford. Almost a year on I am already on schedule to meet my first year-projected turnover of £50,000.
The training and support package has been great, initially I was put on a two-week induction training course and was taught everything from product lines to marketing and accounts. Further ongoing training is available on the different product lines on a monthly basis. In terms of support, the annual conference provides franchisees with the perfect opportunity to meet and share tips, there is a chemist on call at head office and every month my Support Manager visits, offering advice on product knowledge and demonstrations with customers in an effort to increase sales.
At the moment I work flexible hours from home and so for the first time can fit work around family commitments like the morning school run. My long term plans are to obtain a storage facility and employ a delivery driver allowing me to focus on growing and developing the business to a target level of £250,000.