“Flexibility, excellent income potential and the opportunity to manage your own business”

When Greg Towers' big idea never came, he began considering purchasing a franchise. Now 20 years later, the Business Partnership franchisee is ever so grateful it never did

“I’m proud to be the longest-standing regional partner in Business Partnership. I took on the franchise in 2000 and cover the South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire and North Nottinghamshire territory.

“Since leaving school I’ve done a lot of different jobs. I worked at a cycle shop as a sales and workshop manager, was facilities manager for Norwich Union in Sheffield for five years and then was a field sales representative for a number of different manufacturing companies.

“I’d always fancied working for myself and started searching for the ‘big idea’ and when that never came I began to consider a purchasing a franchise.

“I came very close to accepting a different franchise before joining Business Partnership. I’m so glad I didn’t choose the alternative as I’d have been under a lot of pressure, which didn’t appeal to me.

“Once I had taken on the franchise and undergone the initial training, I was out valuing businesses immediately and took my first instruction in my first week of trading. It took me about eight months to get my territory up and running properly and become established in the area.

“My wife Beverley joined me after a couple of years and we are equal partners in the business. We sell every type of business, from small retail businesses such as sandwich shops, cafes, gift shops and hair salons etc., right up to larger concerns worth £1m or more.

“The benefits of being in Business Partnership are the flexibility, excellent income potential and the opportunity to manage your own business without any undue interference.

“As long as you are operating legally, ethically and responsibly, you aren’t put under any pressure by the directors. There is no onerous fee structure based on turnover or profitability as with most franchises, simply a low fixed monthly management fee.

“The support network is excellent. There are twice-yearly national regional partner meetings, and support is readily available year-round. The senior partners are always there if you need help.

“I’m sure Business Partnership will be my last business and in a few years time, I will be thinking about retirement.

“To anyone considering becoming a franchisee, I would offer this advice. A franchise is a ready-made business but it will only be as good as you are. Of all the franchises I’ve seen and have been involved in – and we’ve sold many over the years – Business Partnership is by far the best. The fees are well structured and there is no one constantly on your back. You also get the fresh air to allow you to grow and thrive, and are given the support you need.”