Focusing on business success (Daily Mail Franchise story | UK Franchise Opportunities)

FOCUSING ON BUSINESS SUCCESS

 

Daily Mail franchise story

By: Linda Whitney 

ANGIE BAYNES (left) is the British Franchise Association franchisee of the year.

Angie, 29, from Beverley, East Yorkshire, runs two franchised Venture UK photography studios in York and in Hull.

'My father, Anthony, a photographer, took a Venture UK franchise, so when I left school I managed his studio. It meant I was trained in photography but also gained experience in administration, marketing and management,' she says.

Angie opened her first Venture UK franchise in York at the age of 23.

'A franchise is a better way of starting in business than going it alone,' says Angie. 'I borrowed £120,000 from the bank to get started.' Now she has 16 staff and a projected yearly turnover of £2 million.

'I think I won the award because of my enthusiasm,' she says. 'To make a success of a franchise, you have to believe in the business.' She advises others thinking about franchising: 'You have to be prepared to roll up your sleeves and work long hours when necessary.' Venture UK photography franchisees specialise in portraits. As well as an interest in photography, business experience is essential. Set-up costs from £20,000 to £50,000..