8th July 2020
A SMART car body work repair franchisee is celebrating after renewing his franchise following 25 years in the business.
Steve Giles was one of ChipsAway’s first franchise partners in the UK, setting up just one year after the brand was established in 1994. Following a quarter of a century in his mobile business, which covers the Farnham, Camberley and Fleet areas, Steve, 58, has committed to another five years with ChipsAway.
Despite having to close his doors during the lockdown of Covid-19 – which he deems the most unpredictable challenge of his franchise career so far – Steve remains confident about future trading conditions and cites increased support and business training from parent company Franchise Brands plc as being integral to his future growth.
He said: “After being made redundant from a previous job as a welder and fabricator, I attended an employment fair and came across ChipsAway. It was relatively new then, but the main attraction was being able to work with my hands, work outdoors and be my own boss. Back then you were very much a sole trader; there was a minimal amount of advice from head office on how to build your business and you had to go it alone.
“Since Franchise Brands took over in 2008, myself and other team members have received huge amounts of training and support in terms of finance and marketing and that has made me even more confident about renewing.”
And though his five-year renewal will take him close to retirement age, Steve has such passion for the business that he struggles to envisage a time he won’t be involved in it.
He said: “Having to step away from the business for eight weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic made me even more keen to continue working. I’ve built a strong team and over the years have expanded my footprint to cover a sizeable area of the region so even when I reach retirement age I won’t step back fully.
The vision now is to spend the next five years developing the skills of my team, Ryan and Graham, so that when the time comes, I can do less of the physical, day to day delivery of bodywork repairs. But I’ll always keep one foot in the door.
Running a franchise is about hard work and living and breathing what you do and sell. You need to be passionate about it, be fully committed and when it’s an outdoor job, like ChipsAway, be prepared for all weathers. I’ve got a kettle and a good set of gloves in my van which always come in handy!”
ChipsAway’s Managing Director Tim Harris said: “We’re incredibly happy that Steve has decided to stay with us for another five years. His experience, knowledge and skills in car bodywork and repairs are invaluable to his customers, and his commitment makes him a role model for those who are considering a career in franchising.
Steve still loves what he does every day, and that’s what it takes to make a franchise business a success. We know that he will continue delivering an outstanding level of service for the next five years and beyond.”
30th October 2020
The UK’s most trusted car repair franchise, ChipsAway, has this month reached 20,000 Trustpilot reviews - and has marked the occasion through a random act of kindness.
14th September 2020
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17th August 2020
A comprehensive new marketing strategy following the easing of lockdown restrictions has created a surge in demand for ChipsAway’s services, with the company celebrating a record month for consumer leads generated for the UK-wide network of franchisees.
8th June 2020
Following a surge of enquiries for their services as the UK emerges from lockdown, Robert, who owns thethe ChipsAway Car Care Centre in Lincoln, is hopeful 2020 will be his most successful year to date.
4th February 2020
Young apprentice, Jessica Peck, jump starts her career in the automotive industry.
I’m absolutely thrilled with the way my business is going. I wanted something flexible, that was not massively expensive and which had the potential for growth. ChipsAway fit the bill and has proved to be everything I’d hoped for. ‘It does what it says on the tin’, and if you follow the business model you can’t go wrong!Andy Cornell, franchisee since 2011
I could see the flexibility of ChipsAway’s business model would work for me. Working for myself as a franchisee is a world away from my life before.Neil Dobson, franchisee since 2013
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