Richard Weightman came on board to run an Ed’s business in the spring of 2014. Let’s hear what Richard has to say about his first year with Ed’s.

“To be honest I can’t believe that I’ve only been an Ed’s Operator for just over a year. Although it still feels fresh and exciting, it is amazing how much my confidence has grown in such a short period – I think a lot of that’s been down to the success of my business. I would never have believed I could have done so well in such a short time.

I previously worked in agricultural research and when I told people what I was embarking on, there were some questions as to whether it would be mentally challenging enough. The truth is that it is – and more. I’ve really concentrated on growing my business in a very clear strategic, well thought out way and I’ve had a lot of encouragement and support from Ed’s in taking this approach.

I can now see the rewards of this filtering through – the foundations of my business are extremely robust. What’s more I love the fact that my job is now very tactile and physical but that I also have the big mental challenge of running the best possible business that I can. The best of both worlds really!

I think what makes Ed’s so unique as a franchise option is that there is a strong practical and personal approach and an impressive slickness of systems and processes – a very powerful engine to grow businesses.

That coupled with the fact that you feel like you are an individual within the team and that your views are listened to, valued and often acted upon. I feel like I have a win-win situation. I have the freedom to run my own show but the security of being part of a bigger supportive team.”