Make your job work around you

Since launching their 'honesty box' franchise with Snack-in-the-box (SITB) three years ago, ex-shop owner Kashif Sheikh and his wife Sarah are now enjoying the benefits of running their own business.

"Now with our self-service franchise, I work less hours and for just five days a week. Our business is very successful turning over £2,500 a week and we're much better off now but not just financially, we spend quality time together as a family and I couldn't have achieved that with my previous business," said Sheikh.

It was the couple's neighbour, who already operated a SITB business, that first introduced them to the franchise. "I became intrigued and started asking more serious questions about the company and how it worked. He reassured us that the support has been there for him, and he was right. We have always found SITB to be incredibly supportive," added Sheikh.

Snack-in-the-Box, which has been operational since 1996, offers two franchise opportunities at investment level starting from £20,000. The honesty box franchise is designed for small to medium sized businesses of between two to 22 employees and the compact vending franchise for the larger 25 to 100 staff market place. SITB self-service boxes and compact vendors are filled with Mars branded products such as Snickers, Maltesers and Galaxy as well as savoury snacks and crisps.

All franchise owners receive a starter pack which includes corporate clothing, vehicle racking and livery, branded marketing material, PDA and software, head office and on-site training, backing by a globally recognised brand plus guaranteed income for the first month. Snack-in-the-Box will also supply new franchise owners with a client list and install products as and when needed.