Agency Express Franchise

Meet David Harfield, Agency Express Franchisee from Southampton

25th November 2011

Name: David Harfield
Location: Southampton

Why did you choose franchising?

Always thought I would suit this type of business being self-employed for most of working life.

What did you do before taking up a franchise?

I was a director of a building and civil engineering Company for many years until it was taken over by a larger company. I then decided to go it alone; installing block paved drives and patios for a couple of years until I stopped for health reasons.

How did you raise the finance?

After selling my house I had the capital to invest in a new business and I had been thinking about this a few years. I decided to gain more information by going to an exhibition in London.

What training and support did you receive initially and on-going?

Before starting the franchise, I did a course at the Head Quarters in Norwich into all the rules and regulations for a week and then spending two days with another area operator so I knew exactly what was expected of me. Even to this day I get great support from head office with any queries or questions I have !

What is a typical day for you as a franchisee?

After logging on to the website and printing off my work sheet I leave to collect the boards and slips I need for the day. Once completed; I log back on by my mobile to see what work has been entered and try to complete some of these too!

What challenges have you faced?

In the early days you become very dependent on technology and use your Satellite navigation to go to each job, as you are unsure of where the addresses are. If this malfunctions you need to resort to maps which is not very time effective. Also, some other board service companies like to play games and cover up your boards with their own!!

Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?

Yes, I believe I have job satisfaction after taking on a franchise. I enjoy the everyday challenge of keeping the customers happy! If routes are congested I can change my work around to miss the problems !

What advice would you give to someone thinking of buying their first franchise?

I would suggest to anyone they must expect to have plenty of working capital for unexpected costs that may not be in your initial start-up costs. It takes a while to get customers, but if you believe in your product and you are consistently doing a great job they soon see the light !

What are your plans for the future?

I want to grow and expand my business to a multi-van operation taking as many agents on as possible! Although this will be hard work, it is not impossible. Many others from other area have done so and made it a success.

Would you do it again?

Still early days for me but I would do it again. I think you have to stay positive and go for it. You get great support and enjoy going to work every day!

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Further Information

Franchise Information

BFA Membership Status
Full

UK Years Established
12 years

Current UK Coverage
80%

Franchisee Support Staff
10

Personal Investment Req.
£0

Total Startup Cost
£18,500

'Territory management' business location

Business to business services

Franchisee operates individually

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