Craig is a brand new franchisee, running the Newcastle upon Tyne Redstones.

What is your career background?
I began my career at Northern Rock working in sales, and then working my up from team leader to sales coach. I then left NR to start my own agency as I was disappointed with the service I received from agents. I came out of my agency as I had underestimated the amount of investment needed to get the brand noticed. I then went to work for an established agency in Gateshead, before moving on to another agency in Jesmond.

Whilst I loved the job, every day reminded me of how much I wanted to run my own agency, so I decided to go down the franchise route rather than try to get an unknown brand with no systems etc off the ground.

What were you doing immediately before taking up your franchise?
Working in a lettings agency in Jesmond, Newcastle.

How did you discover franchising? When and where?
A friend of mine bought a successful mobile phone franchise five years ago and enjoyed great success. That was the first time I had considered it. And since then I had regularly been checking the BFA website for new opportunities.

Why did you chose franchising over an employed career?
Because I have a burning desire to be my own boss. To run a successful business will bring me great pride and satisfaction.

Why did you chose this franchise over others that are available?
For two main reasons. 1) I believe in the brand, it stood out against all of the other property fanchises available. 2) Redstones were the first to respond to my enquiry, and made it clear that they are serious about growing the brand, I wasn’t just another number. From our first contact it was clear that they share the same values as I do.

Is your husband/wife/life partner included in the running of your franchise?
No.

How did you raise the finances required?
I cashed in an investment from inheritance

How have you found the training and support you received from your franchisor?
First class. I enjoyed our initial meeting where all of my questions were answered, and the two weeks training left no stone unturned. I am only into week 2 of running the franchise so am still settling in and getting everything ready for launch, but whenever I have needed a question answered this has been no problem, and I’m sure that once I start trying to win business the support will be there.

What challenges have you faced while getting to know your new business.
Getting to know the systems and the procedures that I need to follow in order to deliver the standard of service that is expected from me. This will become easier over time, but requires 100% concentration at this stage to ensure I start off in the right way.

What ‘highs’ have you experienced in your new business?
I have spoken with a few landlords and a property development group, and when I have put together some literature for them, or directed them to my website they have all said how good the brand looks, and that they are happy to set up a meeting to see how we can work together.

What are your plans for the future?
To develop our customer base, I have set specific targets that I hope to reach through year 1. It is crucial that I bring enough landlords on board to start word of mouth referrals, and as I will also be selling houses, it is important that if I gain instruction, I am able to exceed my customers expectations. I will be starting our digital marketing campaign in week 2/3, which will gradually increase in line with increased revenue through the year.

What would your advice be to someone thinking of buying a franchise?
Do your research. Speak to every franchise in the market/sector you are looking into, this will give you a real feel for which franchise is best suited to you.