“Investing my redundancy money in a franchise has been a great choice”

These Agency Express franchisees have bounced back by starting their own businesses

Being made redundant is a daunting prospect and those all-important next steps can be unclear. However, for Agency Express’ van-based franchisees redundancy opened up previously unobtainable opportunities. They turned redundancy on its head by investing in their future. Investing payouts into a franchise business has for many felt the most secure option and has also enabled ambitions to become tangible opportunities.

Always supported

Martin Shuker of Agency Express (Lancaster) says: “After being made redundant for the third time in one year, I needed control of my own destiny. Building a business from scratch is terrifying and rewarding in equal measures, but the benefit of being part of a franchise is that you’re always supported.

“For anyone who has been made redundant and has had the same fears and frustration as me, I would say, consider franchising.

“Investing my redundancy money into a franchise has been a great choice. I’ve now owned my Agency Express franchise for seven years. It’s taken hard work and commitment to get where I am, but I’m in control of my future and not having the fear of redundancy is a great feeling.”

Multi-award winning Agency Express is the UK’s largest provider of professional estate agency board services and has remained a market leader in the industry since 1998.

With 117 franchisees successfully operating across the country, the company services and maintains over 60 per cent of all UK estate agency boards.

The owner operated opportunity benefits from low start-up costs, low overheads and generates high returns, which makes it an attractive opportunity for redundancy investors.

Ben Brookes, Agency Express managing director, says: “Our business is simple, effective and accessible to people from all walks of life.

“The franchise model is easy to follow and offers tangible, profitable results. The key to our success is a well supported franchise network, who in turn deliver a market leading service. It is that simple.”

Agency Express believes redundancy is an opportunity to refocus and reassess. An opportunity to take control and start building a successful future of your own.

Affordable opportunity

Alex Sunjich of Agency Express (Falkirk), says: “After being made redundant from the petrochemical industry, I was looking for an affordable business opportunity when I came across Agency Express.

“A big factor was the relatively low start-up cost. However, the clincher for me was when I met the team I’d be working with. I felt confident I’d have the support I needed.

“Starting your own business is hard work. How much effort you put in will determine what you get out, but I’ve learnt that the key is to ask for help when you need it. The part I enjoy most about owning a franchise is I work for myself. There is no limit to how far I can take the business.”

At a glance Agency Express

Established:

1998

Number of franchised outlets:

117

Location of outlets:

UK-wide

Investment range:

£21,500

Minimum capital required:

£12,500

Contact:

Ben Brookes agencyexpress.co.uk