Terry Lucking is the award-winning owner of Belvoir Peterborough, Corby and Cambridge and also contributes to the world of franchising by chairing the Proud to Franchise Initiative Networking Group in Peterborough.
"I created the Networking Group in Peterborough in 2007, believing franchise owners would have a much more powerful voice if we pooled our resources.
"The purpose of the organisation is primarily to grow the value of our businesses by pulling franchise owners together, networking and sharing initiatives. We also aim to improve consumer confidence by raising the public's understanding and perceptions of franchising.
"We have 15 members actively involved in the group and I chair bi-monthly meetings, where we network and forward plan - including organising our Proud to Franchise quarterly exhibitions where we display our products and encourage the public to come and talk to us.
"I've also approached my local evening paper about creating a franchise page in order to raise the profile further. They took my idea on board and now print a monthly page dedicated to franchising.
"Investing in a franchise can have huge benefits over starting up alone - instead of being isolated you've got head office to guide and support you, plus access to the knowledge, expertise and energy of scores of other franchise owners in the same industry.
"I am proud of the Belvoir brand and, without a doubt, I'm proud to franchise."