Since launching his Smart ABC franchise last November Bill Hankin has gained a better work/life balance. Bill said: "Before running my own Smart ABC franchise, I worked as a HGV driver and was often on the road for up to 15 hours a day.

"Getting up a 1am also meant that when I did finish work, all I wanted to do was go to bed, which meant I hardly ever saw my wife and children. Now I am a Smart ABC franchise owner I am independent and my own boss which means I can work the hours that suit myself and my family."

As a Smart ABC franchise owner Bill provides small auto bodywork repair service to his customers. "I had never done anything like this before and at the three-week training course I went to in the Midlands, I found people from all types of backgrounds in a similar position. The course was very easy to follow and, after completing it, you felt confident about running your business.

"The follow up support has been brilliant. When I launched my franchise I had a business advisor with me for the first six days and since then, if there should be any problems, I know that help is always available at the end of the telephone."

Bill explained that Smart ABC supply all franchise owners are ready to roll out their business once they have finished their training, while replenishing stock is very easy and fast. If you make your order before 3pm, you have it the very next day, which means you never have to keep your customers waiting."

With his Smart ABC business up and running, Bill is already meeting his target of £700-£800 per month and plans to increase that once the days get lighter. "I am planning to make my business a family concern and aim to run it as it is for ten years and then open a unit so my teenage son can take over the mobile side before I can hand it over to him when I retire."

Published: 10 February 2010

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