Lose your job, gain a future (Daily Mail franchise story | UK Franchise opportunities)
posted on 06-Oct-2008
LOSE YOUR JOB, GAIN A FUTURE ...
by Lynda Whitney
BEING made redundant is always a shock, but it could also be a chance to start your own business, and franchisors welcome people who've been made redundant.
Work out how much you have to invest, leaving some as working capital to keep you going while income from the business builds.
Think about what you want to do — it could even be a total change, as most franchises require no previous experience.
Tim Keys, for instance, was made redundant from a job in IT support in July this year. He is now a franchisee with Ed's Garden Maintenance.
Tim, 44, from Worcester Park, Surrey, says: 'Redundancy was the opportunity to do something completely different, preferably outdoors as I enjoy gardening.' He invested £21,000 in the franchise, including some of his redundancy money.
He says: 'The need to be smart, professional and reliable suited my existing working style, but where I lacked experience, such as turfing, Ed's provided training, and if I need support, I can turn to the franchisor and other franchisees.' 'I love the variety of people and places, and you can see the results of your work immediately — I never got those rewards in my previous career.' Ed's Garden Maintenance is happy to hear from people who have been made redundant and have £10,000 to £15,000 to invest.
ED'S Garden Maintenance, 0208 123 5375..
