Although it is quite unusual for a franchise owner to open a second unit so quickly, Wilson had the advantage that the first store in Newark was a resale. In other words she purchased an ongoing business which already had a customer base and a presence in the local community.

Wilson joined the country’s leading mobility retailer, Ableworld, in 2014 and having had great success in offering quality mobility products at value-for-money prices to elderly and disabled customers through her Newark franchise, she wanted to provide the same support and help in nearby Lincoln.

Part of Wilson’s success as a franchise owner is her out-of-store activity and she is well known in the local area for supporting and sponsoring several groups in the community including Newark & District Community Awards, Beaumond House Community Hospice, Rainbows Children’s Hospice and others.

Wilson also takes part in charity work, her charity events include: Running 10k for the Rainbows Children’s Hospice, where she raised £1,500, and running a marathon for Barnardos which raised £2,500. Donna explains why she took the franchise route to open her own business: “I invested in an Ableworld franchise because of their ethical values and no-pressure sales approach. “My personal experience of being mother to a special needs child gave me a great insight into how important Ableworld is for the community. The training was very thorough and head office has been brilliant – you can pick up the phone and get help with any aspect of the franchise. Nothing is too much trouble and you can pick the brains of people with many years’ experience.” If you would like to join Wilson and run your own store in the rapidly growing mobility sector contact the Franchise Director Paul Boniface on 01270 627185.

Published: 5 June 2015

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