Change in direction for trained chef

Steve Macqueen, a trained chef, had worked in sales in the food and catering industry for many years. In 2016, he decided it was time to try something new and to own his own business.

As an early step in his research, Steve attended The National Franchise Exhibition in Birmingham to explore how taking on a franchise would support his goals. He was clear that he wanted a task-orientated business which would be simple to operate, and van-based franchise opportunities especially appealed to him.

After meeting the Agency Express team at the exhibition and doing further research into the industry, Steve felt that a franchise with the provider of professional estate agency board services would meet all his requirements.

“It was important to me to have back office support so that I could get on with the day-to-day, customer-facing side of any business I ran. The Agency Express franchise model offered ongoing support with accounts and credit control, which especially appealed to me.”

Steve became an Agency Express franchisee in January 2017, completing a training course at their head office which covered all aspects of operating his new franchise. He was then given support to launch his business which included making first contact with prospective customers.

 “The training and help with launching in my local area really was thorough and gave me the best start, but it’s the ongoing support from head office and the other franchisees which is so fantastic. It’s the huge advantage of taking on a franchise rather than going it alone.”

Nearly a year on, and Steve enjoys the daily mix of fulfilling the booked jobs, and visiting estate agents.

“As I’ve built the business I’ve enjoyed being able to adapt the way I work to suit me, and I get a real buzz from signing up a new customer.”

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