Victors put you in the picture (Daily Mail Franchise story | UK Franchise Opportunities)

Victors put you in the picture

Daily Mail franchise story

By: Linda Whitney

ARE YOU planning to go into business? Then it helps to learn from the best.

So what can aspiring franchisees learn from the British Franchise Association's franchisees of the year? The winners were Angie Baynes of photographic studio franchise Venture UK (see box, right), Craig Harrison of hydraulic hose supply franchise Pirtek and Lisa Tobias of Domino's Pizza.

Former miner Mr Harrison, 43, from Stallington, Stoke-on- Trent, started as a Pirtek employee, driving hose replacements to industrial companies.

He later bought his own franchise and now has three outlets, in Warrington, Wigan and Stoke, and employs 22 staff.

He says: 'I put my success down to the backing of a franchisor, and recruiting and keeping quality staff. We invest in training. It builds your business and increases loyalty.' He advises people looking at investing in a franchise: 'Understand what it involves. It should fit your skills to give you the best chance of success.' Alistair Wiggins of Pirtek says: 'Three critical attributes make a successful franchisee: the ability to manage and motivate people, ensuring you continue growing sales and managing cash.' Pirtek investors must have £70,000 available.

Lisa Tobias is Domino's Pizza's most successful female franchisee in the UK. At 27, she has four Domino's stores in Scotland, 120 employees and a £2million-plus annual turnover.

Lisa took a part-time job at Domino's while at university, but left her course to concentrate on business. She became an outlet manager at 19 and took her first Domino's franchise at 23.

Lisa advises trying out a franchise by working in an outlet before investing. She says: 'It helps because you learn about the job before you start. You also know to expect a lot of hard work. The outlets are open every evening, and I was in the stores all the time, especially at first.' She also warns: 'Get the support of your staff and your family. My husband, Graeme, works in the business, so he understands the long hours and dedication needed.' Andy Hirst of Domino's adds: 'Lisa embodies the qualities we look for: entrepreneurial spirit, energy, enthusiasm and a desire to succeed.' A Domino's store costs £240,000, of which £70,000 must be liquid capital.

The other finalists in the Franchisee Of The Year awards were Frank Sutherland of Autosmart International, Trevor Conduit of Dream Doors, Jenny Boreham of Fastsigns, Mark Richards of McDonald's, Neil and Lorraine Stapleton of Oscar Pet Foods, and Christina Kemp of Western Provident Association (WPA).

VENTURE UK 01606 558 854, Pirtek 0208 749 8444, Domino