Posted:04-February-2009
Dominos look to a New Year and New You
This month we look at how the start of the year can be the busiest for franchisors, with more and more aspiring entrepreneurs contacting them to kick start a new career in franchising.
Many people see January as the start of a ‘new year, new you’ – a time to reflect and re-evaluate. This month is a great opportunity to make changes and having returned to work after a festive break, now may be a good time to reinvigorate your career. In the current economic climate, what better way to take control of your own destiny than becoming your own boss.
People are becoming increasingly drawn to the franchise business model, which is lower risk than starting up independently, offering greater security and a stronger business foundation. While businesses across a wide range of sectors are making redundancies and moving to short time working, franchises are reporting ongoing success and sales growth despite the tough trading conditions. Domino’s Pizza for example, has just announced its like for like sales were up by over 10 per cent in 2008.
Andy Hirst, head of franchise development at Domino’s Pizza, comments, “We work closely with the British Franchise Association (BFA) to promote the benefits of franchising to aspiring entrepreneurs and are constantly looking for ways to inspire people to consider the business model. Franchising can be the most rewarding and fulfilling career choice for individuals who are willing to invest time and commitment in developing their business.
“Many people may have tended to stick to corporate life in the past but as the current climate shows, there has never been a better time to take charge of your career and become your own boss. This January has been even busier than last year for enquiries about opportunities at Domino’s Pizza. We’re putting this down not just to increased interest in enterprise, but also the exceptional support and training Domino’s Pizza offers.”
Pizza People
Domino’s Pizza franchisee Peter Thompson is an example of a franchisee who took the plunge to become his own boss and hasn’t looked back.
Peter previously worked for Shell International for 15 years and was based in countries throughout the world, most recently in Australia. He had always wanted to run his own business and while he was working for Shell, Peter started to build up capital to kick start his new career.
Peter began looking at franchising to see if there were opportunities available that could provide a sound business model, while offering the global brand recognition and high principles that he had become accustomed to working with at Shell. “I wanted to start a business that offered a good return but I knew the advantages of choosing a global brand, which already has systems in place and operates to good principles,” said Peter. “Domino’s was the perfect fit as it allows you to run your business and yet still be fully supported in terms of key areas such as training, IT and marketing activity.”
Within six months, Peter had opened his first Domino’s store in Warrington. “The support I received to help open my first store was outstanding – Domino’s offered an almost turnkey operation and the whole process was completely painless.”
Peter now runs three stores in Warrington and Widnes with his wife and two sons. Following his success, Peter plans to open a total of eight stores in the next two years.
“Running my own business is everything I’d hoped it would be,” sums up Peter. “I can now benefit directly from the fruits of my labour and not only am I receiving a salary from my franchise but I’m also building a sustainable business for the future. I miss the Australian summer but there is no way I’d go back to working for someone else again!”
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