I had thought about franchising butdidn't know that it was available forelectricians. When I found out aboutElecLocal the two came together.'
Previously owning a business inmoulding plastic and fibreglass Darrendecided he wanted a change ofdirection. Franchising was the perfectoption as he enjoyed being his own bossbut wanted the support a franchiseoffers.
Before launching his business in Norwichon the 10th April this year Darrencompleted the 13 week ElecLocaltraining programme at the company'sofficial training provider in Rotherham.
'The training was very good, I felt it wasprofessional and had an air of qualityabout it,' he reflects. 'All candidateshave to go through a selection withElecLocal and if you don't meet theircriteria then you can't go on and train.It builds up your confidence as you knowthey are not just taking anyone.'
Since April Darren has been continuouslybusy and has exceeded his targetturnover. Even with this success Darrenhas found that support is there whenneeded: 'If I've had a problem or had tosort something out there is alwayssomebody there at the end of atelephone.'
As a new franchisee Darren wants toconcentrate on building up hisknowledge and experience. At themoment he is enjoying what hedoes, but he does have plans toexpand in the future. 'I like thefeeling that you're your ownboss but you're part of thebrand as well,' he concludes.
"It feels good to be a part of something, but have your independence too."