Reader's Lives

Colin and Karen Wrigley found their ideal franchise, London House, as a result of purchasing a copy of The Franchise Magazine

Q: Where did you pick up your copy of The Franchise Magazine?
A: We picked up our copy of the February/March edition (pictured, inset) at the Excel exhibition in London.

Q: Were you already researching franchising?
A:'Yes. We had a copy of a franchise directory and used the internet but only found London House when we looked through The Franchise Magazine.

Q. What made the London House profile to stand out?
A:'The quality of the directors and the recession-proof business model.

Q. How did you get in touch with London House?
A:'After seeing them in the magazine we visited their stand at the Excel event.

Q:'What were your initial impressions of the London House management team?
A: Our initial impression was that they were very professional and had in-depth knowledge of the industry.

Q. What territory do you own and what are your targets for the business?
A:'We have taken over an existing territory-Brighton and Redhill. Our targets are to build a sustainable business based on high quality customer service and enjoy every day working for ourselves!

Julie Anne Carlyle now has control over her work/life balance as a Merry Maids franchise owner, after purchasing a copy of Scottish Franchise Magazine

Q: Where did you pick up your copy of Scottish Franchise Magazine?
A: I picked up my copy of the July/August 2008 edition of the Scottish Franchise Magazine at my local WHSmith.

Q:Were you already researching franchising?
A:'No, picking up the magazine was the start of my research.

Q. What made the Merry Maids profile to stand out?
A:'The way the franchise was described was very friendly and didn't feel like a hard sell unlike some other businesses.

Q. How did you get in touch with Merry Maids?
A:'I telephoned the franchise sales team via the number on the advert.

Q:'What were your initial impressions of the Merry Maids management team?
A: They had a really friendly approach to business. They were professional and answered all my questions, so that I had enough information to make an informed decision about buying into the franchise.

Q. What territory do you own and what are your targets for the business?
A:'I own the North Glasgow territory and things are going really well. If I can achieve £50,000 in the first year I will be over the moon.