Retiring from the police force after 31 years, Trevor says he wanted to 'keep the grey matter going' by working for himself. 'The police are trained to do lots of different things but the main thing is working with people to get results and I've applied this to my business. The London House franchise appealed because it is very straightforward, the work is good and the company is easy to work with.'

After more than a decade, Trevor still enjoys the work and will shortly be enjoying the fruits of his labour diving in East Africa with Whale Sharks. He explains: 'You have to enjoy yourself. If you don't enjoy the job you're doing get out and do something you do enjoy. I'm working by myself but with a team in the background, which is reassuring.'

Looking to the next five years, Trevor is aiming to progress the business with a view to presenting it as a saleable business.

Martin Read is this year's London House 'Franchisee of the Year', an award voted for by his fellow franchisees. He joined the company in 2002 following the collapse of his travel consultancy business in the wake of 9/11.

'I was surprised to win the 'Franchisee of the Year' award - I wasn't expecting it,' Martin admits. 'Over the year I have developed a couple of new accounts, which has brought business in for myself and I've also been able to pass work onto other franchisees.'

London House offered Martin a business that was 'different, varied and interesting'. He continues: 'London House is a thriving and growing business that's soundly run. My business has been growing steadily every year since I started so I'm really pleased. I particularly enjoy the investigative side of the business. I would encourage other people to join London House.'

Established in 1995, London House has grown to 35 franchisees and is focused on expanding the business through national account work. Mark Blaber has recently been appointed as New Business Development Director to drive the national profile of the company, raising London House to new heights in 2007.

Published: 24 January 2007

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