Really Awesome Coffee Swindon - Paul Bailey

Paul joined the Really Awesome Coffee network in March 2021 and has made a flying start running his own business alongside his partner Audrey.

Paul said "I was researching other opportunities and franchises and saw Really Awesome Coffee on a franchise internet page and as I had developed a coffee label in my previous life, this ticked all my boxes. In addition to that, the discovery day really confirmed that this was my future."

We caught up with him recently to find out how he found the onboarding process and how he’s finding running his new business.

 

 

Please tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to becoming a Really Awesome Franchisee?

I was a Regional Operations Manager, for a small contract catering company.

 

Why did you decide to run a business, and why Really Awesome Coffee specifically?

The role I held was made redundant during the COVID lockdown and as I did not want to go back into that industry, I decided to look at opportunities working for myself. 

Coffee was a large part of my previous role and was a close alignment to what I was doing prior. In addition, the App that was discussed on the discovery day is what clinched it.

 

Tell us a bit about your training at Head Office and your business launch.

The training in Coventry was great, everyone was really helpful. I wasn't nervous, I was excited to be starting my own business with the amount of support and from real people. 

As for the launch, once we got under way, it was great - I suppose it's like driving, you only really learn what it's about once you pass your test - Still loving every second, never a bad day on the van, only the wrong clothes!

 

How have you found the ongoing training and support? 

Great, no problems here, my Franchise Development Manager is great and so is the support from the Coventry head office.

 

What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to invest in their first franchise?

You have to have a big personality  - you are in charge at the back of the van, not the customer - the product is fantastic and can stand on its own, however, people buy people - if you are seen to be happy and knowledgeable about the product, they will come out, day in, day out.