UK Franchise Opportunities and Business Opportunities For Sale
UK Franchise Opportunities and Business Opportunities For Sale
David Dunn’s journey into franchising with Agency Express began at a pivotal moment in his career. Facing the possibility of redundancy in late 2023, he revisited a career path he’d explored years earlier: Franchising.
"I was searching another board erecting franchise I had previously met them about 12 years ago. I finally applied when I was uncertain if I would face redundancy in December 2023."
With a strong background in customer-facing roles and having previously run a Revive! franchise, David was no stranger to the demands and rewards of managing a business.
Despite his experience, the pressures of a high-stress job and the isolation of working from home for many years taken a toll.
"I struggled with a work/life balance. I worked long hours in a stressful business. I needed a change or direction, a lifestyle change as the levels of stress were beginning to affect my wellbeing,"
Initially considering other franchise options, David met with DPD but realised the long-term value didn’t match his aspirations. When the opportunity to purchase an established Agency Express territory arose, he seized it.
"Buying an established business allowed me to become profitable early on and maintain an income on a level to what I was used to.”
Following extensive training, time spent with the retiring franchisee and an in-territory business launch, David still found that the first few months of the business required some personal adjustments and learning.
"Dealing with the change from a sedentary job to a physical job was challenging, this should not be underestimated by new franchisees. Especially if you are buying an existing territory. The initial workload can be overwhelming at times, until you are able to get up to pace. It took about 3 months to fully get into the groove of the business”
With the support of Agency Express Head Office and the helpful guidance of neighbouring franchisees, David quickly adapted.
"The support desk, finance, sales and marketing and other franchisees have all helped out. Everyone was on hand when needed."
Perfecting his own routine, David prefers to begin his day before sunrise.
"Being a morning person, I’m out the door by 5:30am with a full flask and packed lunch. I load the van and ready for a full day and miss the morning rush hour. I’m home each day 4pm giving me time for rest and relaxation. I love the freedom and stress-free lifestyle the business permits and some of my rural and coastal routes have spectacular scenery and magnificent sun rises.
For David customer service is a priority and delivering an efficient and speedy service is key. In under a year, he made impressive strides. He now employs a part-time family member, has reviewed and increased his pricing, secured a major client with a two-year contract and has become a service provider to his 21 year old son who works as a local estate agent.
Looking ahead, David is eager to further expand his business.
"My aim is to purchase further territories and increase my fleet of vans. In five years, I see myself taking a take back from the manual side of the business to really focus on growth and building strong partnerships with my customers.
" There is not much I would change but looking back, only, minor tweaks. I would have fitted out my unit completely differently, so spend some time planning and organising your storage, and I should have got a bookkeeper much earlier, this was a real game changer"
"If you are not afraid of hard work, are customer-focused, and enjoy working outside all year long, then do it! It can give you a great lifestyle with minimal stress. Also, spend several days with existing franchisees to see the business at the sharp end. Watch how they plan, pick and fulfil jobs each day"
"From the first contact I have been impressed with the integrity and no-nonsense honest approach from the team at Agency Express. The onboarding process smooth and the training both effective and informative and is delivered in the classroom and in the field.
Being self-employed can be lonely but you are never on your own; from launch week support to the ongoing back-office support, it’s first class.
They’ve built a reputation for excellence—winning the best board award at ESTAS and being recognised as BFA Franchisor of the Year. That doesn’t happen by chance. They are very good at what they do."
Youngest franchisee joined Agency Express in September 2020Venturing into the world of franchising at the age of 24 Riccardo Mudrak is among Agency Express’ youngest franchisees.
Bert Bigaignon Launched his Agency Express Franchise in September 2018Following a 15-year career in the supply and maintenance of fitness equipment, Bert Bigaignon decided that it was time for a new challenge and a change in his work-life balance.
Gemma Vettraino launched her Agency Express franchise in November 2017Previously a Human Resources Manager of 15 years Gemma Vettraino felt it was time for a complete change of direction.
Steve Macqueen Became an Agency Express Franchisee in January 2017Steve Macqueen runs his Agency Express franchise in Yeovil and Dorchester.
James Tipton launched his Agency Express franchise in August 2016James Tipton's professional, approachable manner enabled him to win new business and his high standard of work safeguarded him a busy first year with Agency Express.
Alex Sunjich Launched Agency Express Falkirk in August 2015After extensive online investigation Alex Sunjich decided that the Agency Express franchise opportunity met all his requirements.
Peter Waters Became an Agency Express Franchisee in 2013Peter Waters runs his Agency Express franchise in Reading and has developed a solid client base.
John Burke has run a successful Agency Express franchise since 2004John Burke has grown his Agency Express business and moved from a single van operation to multiple vans and in 2016.
Neil Chapman Joined Agency Express in November 2012Neil Chapman chose Agency Express as he was ready for a new challenge and a change of direction.
Phil Harrington has run a highly successful Agency Express franchise since 2007Previously a HGV driver of 18 years Phil found the transition to becoming an Agency Express franchisee a natural and progressive step.
Steve Warren has run a successful Agency Express franchise since 2013Steve Warren has run his Agency Express franchise in Chelmsford since 2013.
Paul Jenkinson joined Agency Express in February 2013After much research Paul Jenkinson choose the Agency Express franchise opportunity as the most suitable route to take.
The support is still fantastic and you are never left alone when you need help. There is always someone on the other end of the phone to assist with whatever the problem may be. Agency Express staff are more like friends and family that you can just ring for a chat and that is a rare benefit other companies do not have.
A big factor was the relatively low start-up cost of the Agency Express franchise. However, the clincher for me was the people when I visited head office in Norwich. I felt a connection, everyone was very friendly and helpful but also professional. I thought to myself I could work with these people.
I was filled with confidence from the professional way my enquiries were dealt with by the Agency Express Team. The strength of the franchise package, the impressive growth of the business in the last 12 years and over 100 franchisees proves that the model clearly works.
A low-cost, low-overhead business
Head office invoicing and payments system
Simple to operate
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