Name: Richard Jones

Franchise Territory: Agency Express Leicester

Year Joined: September 2020

Richard Jones became an Agency Express Franchisee during the 2020 COVID pandemic. Previously a manager within transport optimisation departments for logistics companies, Richard decided that it was time to take control of his future and fixed his sights on owning a franchise business.

“I always had an ambition to be self-employed but never had the big idea or invention. Franchising felt like a good way to start up for myself with the added support of an established business behind me.”

Whilst on furlough Richard made a plan to further research the benefits of franchising and the opportunities available. Following his extensive investigation via several franchise websites, Richard decided that the Agency Express van-based opportunity could be the right fit for him.

“Being on furlough allowed me to explore options for what I wanted to do with my career. Choosing the right business to work with can be a minefield, but from the first steps of finding out about Agency Express it was clear to me that I would be moving into a business that would reward me for hard work rather than offering empty promises. Agency Express have a business model that is proven and there is no promise of riches without work. I have no doubt that by using my skills and working with the team at Agency Express I can turn my business into a big success and something that I can be proud of.”

Following a series of virtual meetings with the Agency Express team, Richard decided that the Agency Express franchise opportunity met all his requirements and made the decision to become a franchisee, purchasing the resale territory of Leicester.

After successfully completing a comprehensive 5-day online training course and socially distant manual training, Richard was guided through the handover of his new business.

The whole onboarding process was very good, and the training was extremely valuable. Agency Express are fully aware that most new franchisees are coming in from an employed background, so the support and advice given to guide me into self-employment was really appreciated. Ongoing, there is always somebody available at head office to deal with any queries I have. I have also been really pleased to connect with other local franchisees who are always forthcoming with advice too.

Throughout his first 6 months and despite the pandemic, Richards business flourished, and his standard of service grew from strength to strength.

It has been a daunting experience in that it is the first time I have stepped into self-employment, and I am therefore in control of my own fortunes, good or bad. However, this responsibility is what I wanted and the potential to really achieve something in my career is exciting. The biggest enjoyment for me comes from the work itself which is completely different to what I did with my career before. The desk is a distant memory and I love being out in the countryside with the radio on!

Richards continued hard work and professional, approachable manner have enabled him to win new business and his high standards have safeguarded him the business he has dreamed of.

My immediate plan is to continue growing the business. It is easy to just focus on the day to day, so I need to push myself to achieve this goal, this is the key to me being successful. I have dealt with the bread-and-butter side of the job well and I’ve got to know agents. Now I need to find the window of opportunity to actively get out there and sell. This hasn’t been easy during lockdown, but I’ve been able to call on HQ for support.