Mail Boxes Etc. (UK) Ltd., (MBE) part of the global franchise Mail Boxes Etc. Worldwide, is proud to announce the opening of the 1,000th store in Europe under the Worldwide brand.

The store in Fulham, South West London, is owned by 28-year-old Vladimira Ondruskova, who came from Slovakia 11 years ago specifically to learn English. In 2004, after four years working as a nanny, Vladimira joined a printing company and moved into a creative design role.

She said: “I always had an ambition to have my own business but realised that I lacked the right experience and knowledge to start a venture entirely alone. I knew that franchising would provide the perfect opportunity to learn about running a business and also enable me to acquire new skills – all with training, on-going support and encouragement from experienced people.

“In fact, as a Mail Boxes Etc. franchisee I can use the skills and experience I already had of printing and graphic design from my previous job. I have learned a host of new ones about all the other aspects of the franchise, from packing and shipping to mailboxes. Mail Boxes Etc.’s comprehensive training and support has given me great confidence.”

Vladimira continued: “There is so much variety in the franchise that one day can never be like any other. We offer a wide range of services and the store is in a vibrant location right in the middle of a main route between two large shopping and business areas, so we are attracting customers from the diverse local business community and residents alike.”

Mike Hawkins, recently appointed Sales and Marketing Director at Mail Boxes Etc., commented: “It is excellent news that Mail Boxes Etc. Worldwide has grown so quickly in the very recent past and of course we are thrilled to be joining the celebration of the milestone 1,000th store here in the UK.”

Chris Gillam, who heads MBE’s franchise sales recruitment, agreed. He said: “With a network of over 120 UK stores now, we are enjoying an incredible level of applications for franchises in the UK. This key event is likely to encourage even more.”

Vladimira commented: “I am very self motivated and determined to succeed. I am ambitious and eventually would love to open another MBE store if all goes well. The interest in our new MBE store was keen, even before we opened the doors officially, with people coming in off the street to find out what we do and how we can help them.”

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