Working with the Metropolitan Police as a radio engineer in a male dominated environment was always going to be a challenge for a woman, but the life skills Lorraine Verlander picked up during her 20 year stint as an engineer and later a manager, have proved invaluable in running her own No Letting Go inventory management business.
A gritty determination to succeed, a willingness to learn and adapt to changes in environment, coupled with proven communication skills all stood Lorraine in good stead when she made the decision to go it alone in 2009 as a No Letting Go franchisee.
Having risen to a managerial position supervising two teams, Lorraine recognised the limited career progression opportunities in her previous role, and felt the time was right for her to consider running her own show.
Franchising had always been Lorraine's first choice as a means to start her own business but she was keen to identify a franchise which would offer a chance to operate in a totally different culture from the civil service environment that she had been used to. Lorraine was also keen to establish her business in a market sector which presented significant long term growth opportunities.
It was a former Metropolitan Police work colleague who first introduced Lorraine to the No Letting Go concept. Chris Holmes was one of the founder franchisees of the No Letting Go franchise network, which has undergone massive growth.
Chris's enthusiasm for the business combined with the natural fit of Lorraine's skills and experience together with the impressive training and support on offer from head office made the decision making easy for the former engineer. Following a couple of weeks shadowing a fellow franchise owner and an inventory clerk, Lorraine's mind was made up and she signed up to take on the Bexley / Bromley territory on 18th June 2009 – a decision which she now claims is the best move she ever made!
The decision to set up a business via the franchise route has been ratified many times for Lorraine. "You really do get the best of both worlds, the chance to run your own show but with the support and backing of a well established organisation," says Lorraine.
And in terms of quality of life the changes have been equally gratifying "I used to spend three hours of my working day travelling, now I work from a home office, get to see my son off to school on a daily basis and enjoy a far great degree of flexibility in my working life. I had calculated that I might earn back my franchise fee in 11 months but in six months, I had already clawed back my investment and am earning a living out of the business consistent with my previous earnings – but with the added benefit of a greatly improved quality of life. Of equal importance to me is the fact that I now own a prosperous business which is poised to enjoy further growth in the years to come – so I have not only matched my original investment – my investment is continuing to grow – something which is very difficult to achieve in the current economic climate!"
Despite the pandemic hitting in 2020, Nigel was able to bring on new clients and achieve good consistent growth throughout the year” allow him to purchase his second territory in 2021.
Finding a property services business with a great track record and low overheads was the perfect fit, so after a series of meetings Rob purchased No Letting Go Kings Lynn.
In 2016 at the age of 21, Daniel from our Gravesend office bought his first franchise, closely followed by a second a year later.
Following a long career in banking Dominic Baines started his No Letting Go business in Manchester South in November 2014.
Following a long career in PR and then redundancy Garry Lockwood wanted a change of lifestyle so he started his No Letting Go business in Sutton & Merton.
Chris Holmes new business started in January 2008 and Chris was confident that once the company was up and running, he would be looking to recruit additional inventory management clerks.
No Letting Go has been incredibly supportive on the business and sales side. Nick and the team have helped me build the client base that now brings in an excellent regular income.Alan Percival, Leeds
After just over a year into operating my franchise in this specialised but growing market, I have managed to establish a sound personal client base as well as regular business via 'national contract' arrangements from the Franchisor.Mundeep Grewal, Docklands
Being new to the industry, the support and experience of the team was a major factor in our decision to take on the No Letting Go franchise.Gordon and Alan Hay, Glasgow South
The only lettings industry accredited franchised inventory business
Bespoke web based proprietary software system providing complete client management
Providing a service to an industry sector that is resilient to economic downturns