Nathan Holmes, Revive!

I just decided that I wanted to better myself and do more with my life, so I left my job as a utilities meter reader and decided to start my own business with Revive!.

Having studied business at college I had basic knowledge of the industry but I knew it wasn't enough to start my own venture. I found that franchising was the best option for me as I would be able to run my own business but have the support of the franchisor to help me make it a success.

I looked at several repair and automotive franchises but Revive! was the only one which encouraged my business plan and ambitions for expansion. I didn't want to just be a man and a van, I wanted to build up a business for myself.

During my in-house training, which took four to five weeks, I was educated on technical issues, administrative duties, marketing strategies and the repair work itself. I found the training package incredibly useful and detailed. In my final week, a Revive! Manager visited my territory and assisted me with the promotion and launch of my business.

I take real pride in my work and take my time with every job to ensure that I am giving the best service possible. I also enjoy the praise and appreciation I receive from happy customers.

In the beginning, one of the most appealing aspects of being my own boss was the flexibility of working hours. However, my Revive! business has proved so popular with customers that I am working all hours, which is great news when you're running your own business.

At the moment I have two vans and one employee but in the next three to four years I hope to expand my business to four vans. I am really proud of my business and I aim to build it up as much as I can.