Posted:04-May-2012
Belvoir franchisee finding success after only five months of trading
Finding the best franchise opportunity to suit your skills can seem like a daunting prospect. Simon Bell, winner of Belvoir’s New Franchise of the Year 2012 identifies the criteria that led to his success.
“Following a career in sales and marketing I decided to set up my own business,” says Simon Bell, who together with his wife Sally launched Belvoir Telford in January 2011. The couple have enjoyed extraordinary success, and developed a thriving business, breaking even within just five months of trading.
From the start Simon was clear about the key criteria for his new business. “Firstly, it had to be a recognised brand,” he explains. “Secondly, it had to be in a growth market. Thirdly, it had to have the ability to generate capital with strong cash flow. And finally, it had to be something that could utilise my existing skills.
“I met several successful Belvoir franchise owners and realised buying into the Belvoir brand ticked all of these boxes. Our success is undoubtedly down to being part of a successful franchise. The benefits are many-fold: on-going support, financial planning support and use of the Belvoir branding, which was absolutely fundamental. Importantly, too, was the training we were given – we knew nothing about lettings so we were taught everything. Being trained by experts at Central Office and having ongoing mentoring support when needed meant that we learnt best practice rather than bad habits.
“Being part of a franchise means that Sally and I can share ideas and learn from other franchise owners in the network. Their support has been critical as they have obviously been through launching a Belvoir business themselves. Their help and encouragement enabled us to have not only confidence but competence too.
“Winning Belvoir’s 2012 Gold award for New Franchise of the Year was fantastic and brilliant for our team. I am currently recruiting a fifth staff member and we are all proud to be working for such a successful organisation. Our vision for the future is very simple - we want to be the most admired and professional lettings specialist in eastern Shropshire.”
Belvoir Telford is certainly on target to achieve its goal. Dorian Gonsalves, CEO of Belvoir Lettings says: “Simon’s entrepreneurial characteristics and Sally’s passion for customer service have seen their business become one of the most successful Bevoir offices launched in recent years. Breaking even after just five months, and securing over 150 properties in their first year of trading made this couple highly deserving winners of Belvoir’s New Franchise of the Year 2012. We wish them every success for the future.”
Could opening a Belvoir lettings agency be the perfect opportunity for you? To help you find out more Belvoir is hosting a series of free, no obligation open evenings and Discovery Seminars around the country.
Are you considering investing in a franchise? Follow Simon Bell’s top tips for success…
• Talk to other franchisees in the network
• Plan, plan, plan
• Research the business thoroughly
• Think how you can differentiate yourself from the competition
• Listen to advice from the franchise support team
• Having invested, respect the brand, its values and standards
• Network with existing franchise owners
• Trust your instincts and deliver the deal
Interested and want to know more about Belvoir?
The Belvoir profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.
