Here at FranchisingWorks, we are used to meeting people from a broad range of backgrounds facing unemployment. A surprisingly high number of people have been out of work for the long term, despite an impressive career record and a variety of skills. The message we receive is clear: people increasingly want to take decisions regarding their employment out of the hands of others by taking control themselves. And franchising can offer an attractive route to do that.
Mohammed Akhtar-Siddique, for example, had been off work from illness and then out of work for over 3 years when he decided to explore franchising. With a £10,000 investment from the FranchisingWorks Licence Fund and the benefit of our free and impartial guidance, Mohammed set up an Ovenclean franchise in November 2012. He says: “I chose franchising because of the proven systems and support that a franchisor can offer. I felt franchising could give me the confidence to do it whilst being very aware of the hard work required to make it successful.”
Mohammed expects to expand his business in its second year by taking one an employee. By years 3-5 he hopes to move towards a multi van operation, have 3 employees and operate across a bigger territory. He comments: “I am extremely grateful to FranchisingWorks for their help, support and guidance to get me where I am today…I am really enjoying it and can see myself doing this for the long term.”