Tell us a little about yourself. What do you like to do in your spare time, etc.
I’m a proud dad to a six-month-old daughter, who understandably takes up a lot of my time these days! When I do get some downtime, I enjoy following Derby County Football Club, playing the occasional round of golf and getting outdoors for walks around the stunning Peak District — one of my favourite places to unwind.
Career wise, what did you do before you became a franchisee?
Straight out of school, I started working part-time as a waiter at a local hotel. Over the years, I worked my way up through various departments until I became the Food and Beverage Manager. It was during this time that I developed a strong interest in stocktaking, thanks in part to the external stocktaker we used — who, funnily enough, is now a close colleague of mine.
What was the motivating factor behind purchasing your franchise?
I genuinely loved my previous job but I was ready for a new challenge, one where I could blend my passion for numbers with the hospitality industry and stocktaking offered that perfect combination. I was also drawn to the idea of running my own business, being in control of my own time and being directly rewarded for my efforts.
Has the income from your franchise been as expected?
Buying the franchise at just 23 was a big financial leap as I didn’t have the funds myself, but thankfully my grandmother kindly offered to loan me the money. It was a daunting start, but business picked up quickly thanks to a mix of corporate and self-sourced clients. I was able to pay her back sooner than expected and I now earn a comfortable wage that reflects the effort I put in. I feel proud of what I’ve built operating my own business.
Do you have a business plan and do you meet your financial targets?
I don’t have a formal business plan but my goal has always been to grow the business year on year. I’m pleased to say I have consistently done that apart from the understandable exception of the Covid period and I continue to look for opportunities to expand.
Have you enjoyed working with new customers? Have they given you any feedback?
Absolutely! One of the things I love most about my job is getting to visit new places, meet new people and really get to know how their businesses work. I genuinely enjoy being part of their journey and helping wherever I can. I recently received some lovely feedback from Cheshire Cat Pubs which was a great reminder of the value we bring.
Any situations where you believe you have made a difference to a customer’s business? And what did you do?
One area where I’ve been able to add real value recently is in highlighting supplier overcharging. It seems to be happening more often, suppliers billing more than the agreed cost price. By identifying these discrepancies, I’ve helped several customers secure significant credits, which can make a real difference to their bottom line.
Would you recommend the franchise to someone else?
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the franchise to others due to the solid support system and proven business model. Running a Stocktake UK franchise is rewarding, varied and enjoyable.
What advice would you give a newly started Franchisee?
Just get out there on the job and gain experience. We have an excellent network of extremely knowledgeable stocktakers. In the early days I benefited greatly from shadowing them, even if not earning a fee. It helps in both gaining experience and building a good network.
How would you describe the Franchisee/Franchisor Relationship?
I feel I have a good relationship with Stocktake UK. They have been a strong source of work and support over the years, and I know they are there when needed.
What are you goals for the next year and beyond?
My goal is to continue growing the business. I aim to secure more local work to reduce driving and increase efficiency, while steadily building my client base.
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