From nothing to business-park owner - and now a Great British Franchisee Award
02-September-2021
Imagine giving up your well-paid job, handing back the keys to the company BMW, and starting out again with nothing.
That’s what Jonathan Hargreaves-Townson did when he became a Rainbow International franchisee - and now he owns seven more franchise territories as well as an entire business park.
An unsurprising recipient of the latest Great British Franchisee Award, Jonathan’s proud that his journey into franchising and the world of disaster recovery and specialist cleaning services has been recognised.
“We started from absolutely nothing,” he says. “I gave up my nice job as a national accounts manager on £45,000 a year, 21 years ago.
“I gave the BMW back and then it was just me, working from home, plus a Rainbow International van.
“But the business was profitable in only six months, I expanded the territory to the maximum eight areas in six years, and there are now 55 people employed because of that.”
Jonathan’s territory stretches from South Cumbria to Lancaster, Morecambe, Bowland, Chorley, Leyland, South Ribble and Mid Lancashire.
“Ninety-eight per cent of our work came direct from the franchisor at the beginning,” he says, “but having learned the skills to manage the business, we now generate 60% of our work ourselves.”
His franchise was less affected by the pandemic than many, as it was able to offer Covid decontamination cleans.
“Along with some of our other services, that gave us key worker status which prevented us from having to close the business - and, yes, in the middle of a pandemic, I helped three of my staff set up their own Rainbow franchises, too.
“In 2013 I’d helped two of my nephews start up their own Rainbow franchise and I continue to mentor them in their successful business.
“When you buy into a franchise you buy into a system. If you stick to it you will make money out of it and you will have the lifestyle when you become successful.
“It’s been hard work. That and dedication, and long hours. If you put it in, you’ll get it out. And it feels great, whichever trophy you win.
“We have trophy cabinets in our foyer with all the awards we’ve won over the years. When people are waiting to meet us and see those, they can’t believe what we’ve achieved.
“It’s recognition that you and your team have achieved something by working hard and giving back.”
The Great British Franchisee Awards recognise franchisees’ exceptional performance and business experience, ability to drive business growth, staff retention, customer satisfaction, community involvement, inspired leadership, and franchise involvement.
The awards are run by whichfranchise, supported by Lloyds Bank, BDO, AMO Consulting and Chantry Group.
• Read more about the awards at https://www.whichfranchise.com/awards
• For over 25 years, whichfranchise has promoted ethical franchise opportunities in the UK. Learn more at https://www.whichfranchise.com/