Snack in the Box (SITB) franchise owner Debbie Shrimpton has found that running her business has fitted in perfectly with family commitments. Shrimpton owns a 'Self Service Box' SITB franchise, which involves her delivering top branded confectionary and savoury snacks directly to the workplace. Customers leave money in the box in exchange for the snacks they take away.

Shrimpton said: "This is such a simple idea. It's a cash business, and the franchise model is so easy to understand. Everyone needs a little refuelling during their working day, and we make sure there's always something there. All we ask in return is they leave the correct amount of money in the box. That's the honesty box policy, and it works. And let's face it, Mars wouldn't put its name to something that doesn't work either!"

When Shrimpton first launched her franchise she did so in a business partnership with a female family member, Shrimpton added: "Initially I went into partnership with my sister-in-law. She could only work part-time and wanted to fit something in between looking after her two young children. We were able to run a full-time business by working three days a week each - and made £30,000 a year between us. Once my sister-in-law's children had grown up, she decided to go back into full-time employment, and by then I was ready to take on the business by myself. Snack-in-the-Box was perfect for someone in her situation, as it gave her the flexibility she needed to look after her family, and the opportunity to have a share in her own business.

"Now that I'm a grandmother, it's great to be able to help look after my granddaughter wherever and whenever I'm needed. Unlike most employees, I don't need to ask for a day off. Nor do I need to fill in forms just to take some time to help out my daughter. In fact, I don't need to justify my family commitments to anyone. Snack-in-the-Box is a great business for those that have a life outside of work, and who genuinely enjoy getting out and meeting people. This franchise is ideal for women. I'm surprised there aren't more of us doing it."

Published: 1 September 2010

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