Sue Berry, with 2 children Alex 14 and William 11, talks to us about being an editor for Raring2go! in Barnsley and Wakefield.
I saw Raring2go! at a Franchise Show in Manchester initially
I looked at a few franchises but Raring2go! appealed because I could work round my (then) young children’s school day. It also played to my marketing strengths
I just love the name! I saw a way of building a business that I could work around my lifestyle and that I can be proud to be a part of.
Previously I have worked as a buyer then a brand manager for an fmcg manufacturer working on brands like Sharwoods, Bisto and Mc Dougalls. However I then spent 12 years working in retail for Asda where my roles included, buying, Marketing and New Business development.
I used my redundancy to fund the business start up
Being my own boss means I can manage the business to suit me. It does take a lot of discipline and at first it can be daunting setting up on your own and being responsible for anything and everything. It is great though to not have to worry about office politics!
Freedom to shape your own business.
For me personally, the discipline of working at home continues to be a challenge! I have to organise myself to minimise distractions and build in time to do those little jobs that suck your time away.
There rarely is a typical day. but I like to be in my office for 9.30am when I catch up with emails etc then from 10am onwards I’m either on the phone chatting to my regular customers, doing some calls to new potential customers or out visiting customers or networking. If I’m at home the dog gets a good walk at lunchtime which helps clear my head and think any issues through, then its back to the office to send out information/emails and get organised for the following day, do some facebook and twitter admin before 2 boys fall through the door just after 3pm
Yes, absolutely it does, but it also takes some serious planning to get there. Thank heavens for Head Office and my fellow Raring2go! Editors though.
"I have achieved so much in my confidence, building friendships, getting out into networking groups..."
"I desperately wanted to find a more child friendly career, where I could still work hard but where I was in charge..."
"I'm proud to be part of the Raring2go! national family and love what I do."
Claire Healey in St Albans and Harpenden has been a Raring2Go! editor since 2009.
Angela is the Raring2go! editor in Chorley & Leyland and lets us know how she’s getting on.
Helen Murray, originally from New Zealand, is the archetypal example of a Raring2go! business owner.
Vicky Norman runs her Raring2go! business in Sunderland and can now balance her working and family life.
Chris Cummings started his Raring2go! franchise 18 months ago and now looks after the Brighton, Brentwood and Billericay territories.
Swapping her sales job with Autotrader for editing her own Raring2go! magazine has been a great success for Birmingham-based Penny Beddows.
I’m proud to be part of the Raring2go! national family and love what I do. Every day brings something new and we not only help local families have fun and make the most of the local area but we help local businesses reach those families, helping our local areas thrive. What’s not to love about that? #Raring2go!Victoria Withy Editor Raring2go! - Aberdeen City & Shire
I have achieved so much in my confidence, building friendships, getting out into networking groups. If you’re thinking of working for yourself, to have a great job opportunity that is flexible around your family and lets you still do everything you need to do for your family then Raring2go! is for you.Kiri St George Editor Raring2go! - Worthing
I have never felt the value of being in a team more than in these last few months. Although I am my own boss, the support of our franchisor during lockdown, has been second to none. That support has seen regular and honest communication; training; practical advice; forward planning; and pulling together all editors to share ideas on how best to support customers and motivate each other.Sally Walters, Editor Raring2go! – Kidderminster & Stourbridge
A supportive franchisor who works in partnership with the franchise network
No childcare costs, no stressful commute, up to 13 weeks holiday per year
Part of an established, trusted and respected national brand