With the previous franchisee retiring, Paul Watkins takes over the successful showroom
Kitchen and bathroom renovation specialist, Granite & TREND Transformations, has seen its Nottingham showroom change hands. With the existing franchisee now enjoying their retirement, it was Paul Watkins who purchased the franchise.
Although he has no formal experience in kitchen and bathroom renovations, Paul has a long-held passion for DIY. Prior to taking over the franchise, Paul actually worked as a management consultant for a leading accountancy firm.
He said: “My previous job was very up and down, depending on what was happening with the market and especially recently, but this is a much more stable way to make a living. Also, I really wanted to spend a lot less time on video calls and more time doing practical things.”
With a TREND Transformations franchise, Paul will definitely be getting involved hands-on with the business as his own boss, but he will also enjoy all the support of being part of a franchise network.
He said: “This franchise strikes a great balance. You’re never on your own, never left adrift – you’ve always got the franchisor there to help and the rest of the network to lean on. Since joining Granite & TREND, I think about my working life in a much more positive way. I feel like I can solve any problem, finally make all the important decisions and be in control of taking the right action – something that is always missing in corporate roles.”
Taking over a pre-existing franchise, Paul already has a large base of customers to serve, but he is clearly not one to rest on his laurels. He has set himself an ambitious but achievable goal of increasing sales by 50 per cent over the next year.
Like many customers, Paul was attracted by the quality of the products available at TREND Transformations, such as the Top that Fits on Top and an extensive range of worktops, flooring and glass.