Having successfully made the move from working in the corporate sector to launching his own highly successful company, Cargocall UK Ltd, in 1997, Gary Clere now offers the same opportunity to those who want something more from their working life than the nine to five drudge.

Mr Clere commented: "Corporate life is ok but it's not for everyone, just as running your own business isn't for everyone.

"If you're wondering if you have what it takes to be your own boss then I'd ask three simple questions; are you a clear, logical thinker, are you creative, and are you tenacious? In business you need to be well organised and have a clear vision for what you are trying to achieve - logical, clear thinking. You also need to have some flair and ideas about how you take your business forward - a creative streak. And you need to hold tight even when the going gets tough - demonstrating tenacity. These are not all encompassing but I'd say they are key attributes any entrepreneur will need to succeed."

Clere started Cargocall, an international freight forwarding company, from scratch so he is fully aware of the ups and downs in the early days of business ownership.

"It's a huge learning experience when you open your first business and that's why I think franchising is an excellent business method," he explained.

"It allows those like me who have been through the start-up process to support and mentor those who are often doing it for the first time. It offers franchise owners the security of having the experts on hand steering them away from hazards and helping build their profits from good contacts, savvy purchasing and good sales support, led by a proven business model. I would urge anyone when considering buying a franchise to ask if the franchisor support team have actually got their hands dirty running the business they're asking you to run. At Cargocall we ask our franchise owners to do what we have done not what we think could be done."

Cargocall began franchising its business in 2008 and is looking for professionally minded people to join their growing network. Each franchise owner has the potential to earn a turnover in excess of £1,000,000 within three years. This is exactly what Cargocall did in its first three years of trading. The business model remains the same: a proven formula for success combined with the help and support to implement it.

Gary Clere

Published: 30 April 2010

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