Netstationers franchise allows me to visit my holiday home
posted on 14-May-2009
Netstationers franchise means I can finally visit one of my holiday homes – Peter Ivens
Peter Ivens has steadily built his stationery and print business over the past 22 years but success has come at a cost. Hard work has provided Peter with a comfortable living and allowed him to own two holiday villas in Spain and Tenerife, but it’s not provided him with the free time to enjoy them.
Peter said: “Every year I wave my wife and four daughters off as they fly to one of our holiday villas for a holiday but, as the sole full time employee within my stationery supplies business I just couldn’t afford the time off to join them. When I began speaking to Netstationers about potentially becoming a part of its franchise network it become clear that I could finally think about a holiday for the first time in years.”
Peter had a long-standing relationship as a key supplier to the London office of a large City based national company. This company had just signed an agreement with Netstationers to provide stationery for its other offices. Thanks to his established relationship and excellent service, the London office stayed loyal to Peter and decided to continue with him as its partner of choice.
“At this time Netstationers contacted me to meet up as they were keen to understand the secret of my success. I was familiar with the company as I had come across them on several occasions and was interested in meeting with them to hear what they had to say.”
Peter met Netstationers at his office in London and expected to have a similar conversation as to one he had had many times before with companies looking to buy his business. “This meeting was different. Netstationers was the first company to approach me who understood that I wasn’t looking to retire. I am fiercely proud of what I have achieved to date and don’t feel ready to put my feet up just yet when there is still so much to achieve.
It was at this meeting that Netstationers proposed that Peter took his already successful business and re-branded as a Netstationers franchise. The deal provided him with the opportunity to retain 100 per cent control of his business and also benefit from the financial backing and support on offer from being a Netstationers franchisee.
“Although I was still successful, I felt that I was losing opportunities due to the size of my business and my capacity to scale.”
One of the main advantages of becoming a Netstationers franchisee is the excellent customer service and all the back office support on offer, which allows Peter the time to research potential customers. All of the stock and deliveries are taken care of, as is the worry of customer invoicing and credit control. “From day one of becoming a Netstationers franchise my business was transformed and I realised that, without the worry of administration support, invoice and credit control, warehousing and distribution, I was free to go after bigger and better contracts for the first time in a long time.
This move also meant that Peter was able to relocate his business from his leased shop and work from home as he now no longer needed the storage space previously required. It also meant farewell to Peter’s trusty delivery van.
“By closing the door of my shop and now working from an office at home I saved £80,000 overnight in rent, overheads and other expenses. In these tough economic times who wouldn’t be delighted to make that saving for their business with zero outlay?”
“Another major advantage of becoming a Netstationers franchisee was the technology available as all of my clients can now purchase products through my tailored web-based trading solution. I am able to offer my customers over 20,000 standard products
as well as bespoke solutions in a number of vertical markets including print, print management, furniture design, facilities, janitorial and work-wear.”
The office supplies market is a £6 billion industry in the UK and there is no shortage of opportunity. By taking advantage of the Netstationers business model, Peter and his customers can benefit from the collective purchasing power of a larger entity and streamlined business model and he now has more time to go after new business.
Looking to the future, Peter is making the company a family affair by arranging training through Netstationers for his 23 year old daughter Robyn to join the business. “Robyn has just finished her education and was looking for a career so I am extremely proud to be able to offer her a position and watch her go from strength to strength beside me.
Peter continues: “I am confident I can increase my turnover from £1million to £1.5million in my first year without changing a thing. Once Robyn is fully on board, who knows how far we can take this business? I’m also delighted to announce that with the level of customer support available I have even booked a holiday in one of my own villas for the first time. My wife and daughters will have someone else to argue with over the sun loungers this year,” concludes Peter.
