Northwood has continued its UK expansion with the launch of its latest franchise office in Torquay. The Torquay office is owned and operated by franchise owner Simon Beck, a former Royal Navy Lieutenant Commander.
A property lettings franchise, Northwood now has 73 offices throughout the country. Established 15 years ago, the Northwood business has grown year on year owning a great deal of its success to its unique Platinum Guaranteed Rental Income Scheme, which guarantees rent for landlords all year round regardless of whether their property is occupied or not. The company also claims its very low failure rate is down to its stringent selection process for its franchise owners.
Beck joined Northwood when he retired from 21 years of service in the Navy, he said: "Leaving the armed services I had a real desire to work for myself - that's quite common in the forces. But starting your own business from scratch in the economic climate we are experiencing at the moment was not a move I relished. The franchising model however was appealing.
"I did a huge amount of research into which area I thought I could best use my skills and where I would fit best. Northwood stood out a mile. Its image, professionalism, its democratic treatment of its franchise owners and commitment to training meant I knew I was going to get all the support I needed.
"I have lived in Devon for more than 20 years, but I have spent a great deal of that time away from home and my family. This is going to be a real change for me and a real challenge."
Nick Cooper, Northwood Managing Director, added: "We are really pleased to welcome Simon to the franchise team - he will be a huge asset I'm sure and we wish him a successful opening.
"It does take a special person to be a Northwood franchise owner and we handpick each and every one so they fit with the company and understand our ethos. Like Simon they are people with a great deal of experience of life already. We have an ex-Senior Manager from Tesco, a founding member of Vision Express and a former RAF Air Traffic Controller. We don't pick franchise owners who have come into a bit of money, who just want to play with the business, we pick franchise owners who know a lot about business and will bring something special to the franchise."
Published: 7 September 2010
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