Before I became a Snack-in-the-box (SITB) franchisee I worked 70 hours a week as a food store manager. I had operated a franchise before and was keen to re-invest in an established business model and regain control over my lifestyle in the hope that I would be able to spend more quality time with my family.
I was attracted to SITB because it has a professional brand image, is associated with the well-known confectionary brand Cadbury and has been in operation for over 17 years. Unlike the other sales and distribution franchises on the market, SITB is not gimmicky - I could see that the concept of providing branded snacks to the workplace has great potential. The fact I would be able to operate the franchise from the comfort of my own home was also appealing, as my overheads would be minimal.
I was provided with a five day training course ,which taught me everything I was required to know in order to run the business effectively, from dealing with customers to ordering and packing boxes and sorting out the company finances. On the fifth day I was sent to Birmingham to shadow an existing franchisee and get a feel for what it was like operating a SITB franchise, which was very beneficial.
I launched my East Kent franchise in June last year and have not looked back. At the moment I have 140 sites in my territory, which combined generate £2,000 per week. My long-term aim is to build up the business to 160 sites and a weekly turnover of £2,800.
I love the fact I only work a 40 hour week and have regained control of my life. Now I am able to take my sons to school in the morning and am home in time to enjoy an evening meal with my family.