"I should be turning over £1.2 million by the end of this year"

Dave Richardson, who now owns and manages the CeX Nuneaton franchise, first joined the company when a new store launched in Northampton in 2004 and hasn't looked back.

"Joining CeX was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It's a recession-proof business model with a proven brand and a great support network. I love CeX," says Dave.

After a year managing the Northampton store, Dave was offered the opportunity to become an Operations Manager and oversaw the running of 10 CeX stores within the Midlands.

As CeX grew, Dave progressed to UK Franchise Manager and was soon supporting 33 stores nationwide and assisting CeX's launch in the USA by helping set up stores in Boston and Manhattan.

"I spent just over a month in America, training new staff and ensuring the new stores ran smoothly," he adds.

As the UK Franchise Manager, Dave also trained new franchise owners and staff: "When training new franchise owners I teach them about running costs, the best ways to manage stock allocation and how to develop their customer service and people skills," explains Dave.

"In a new franchise owner we are looking for energetic, enthusiastic individuals with good business sense and a passion for the products we trade in."

After many years managing multiple outlets, Dave now owns and runs the Nuneaton CeX store."I still work five days a week but I get home early each day and the hours are very flexible," he says. "I love being my own boss, but with the peace of mind that CeX is there to support me."

Dave is also very pleased with the financial progress of his franchise, adding: "We are doing better than expected, we should be hitting £1.2 million by the end of this year. It's exceeded my expectations and I can't wait to open my second CeX store."

Reported by Tiffany Brooking