Multi-unit franchise partner keeps family time a priority

Because of Pitman Training’s supportive structure and network, Chris Wyle is able to spend valuable time with the family while running multiple businesses

Throughout his career, Chris Wyle has always had a passion for helping people unlock their full potential. From delivering presentation skills training to becoming an eight-territory franchise partner with Pitman Training, Chris’s passion for training and development is evident.

Chris joined Pitman Training back in 2013 when he launched the Birmingham territory. Not being content with running just one training centre, Chris has now grown his own business portfolio to include eight Pitman Training territories.

“Joining Pitman was the perfect opportunity for me to help improve people’s career prospects, gain promotions or help them get back into work,” says Chris. “So, after doing some research, I decided to invest. It was too good an opportunity to miss. I’m now eight years down the line and would never have expected to also own the Cardiff, Nottingham, Leicester, Cambridge, Bishop Stortford, Clapham and most recently, Sheffield.”

Family first

Chris had initially thought that becoming a multi-unit franchise partner would see him working more than the usual full-time hours but he puts his great work-life balance down to the support of the Pitman team and his own amazing team, too.

“I’m very focused on being a good dad, walking the dog and doing the school runs on both ends of the day,” Chris explains. “Spending time with my family is massively important to me. The great work-life balance comes from having such a great team around me — both from the people I employ, and the people Pitman employs. It’s a real team effort, and even if you’re a one-centre owner, you’ll never feel alone.”

Pitman Training is the country’s leading independent training provider, offering world-class job-ready, office and IT skills in modern training centres to thousands of students nationwide. As a management franchise, franchise partners don’t need any teaching experience as you recruit a team to support delivery of self-paced vocational courses, making a real difference to the lives of people in your local community.

“Aside from the flexibility of being a franchise partner, another driving factor for me to invest with Pitman was that they were such an established brand. This meant it was easier for me to attract clients and stand out in the education sector. Because of Pitman’s already established reputation and great courses, I was able to focus my time engaging with potential customers and generating new business – something I wouldn’t have been able to do if I’d started my own training business from scratch.

“Since LaunchLife International acquired the Pitman Training brand back in 2019, the network has grown from strength to strength. LaunchLife has introduced new robust systems, like the MyPitman portal, which has helped develop how we do things in a really positive way.

“My advice for people thinking about becoming a franchise partner with Pitman would be that you should always look for multiple income streams. At Pitman Training, you can provide services to both private students and corporate clients, as well as supporting people through government-funded schemes.”

Pitman Training has a 180-year heritage, making it the leading British training provider since 1837. With over 80 local training centres in the UK, Ireland, and internationally, the company understands how to help individuals best run and market their locations.

At a glance

Established:

1992

Number of franchise outlets:

80

Location of units:

UK & Ireland

Investment range:

£40,000+

Minimum capital required:

£80,000+

Contact:

franchising@pitman-training.com or call 01937 865709