Fabricating dreams of success
As a welder and fabricator, Paul Bloxham from Nuneaton had no experience of the automotive or tools sectors, but after a colleague of his built up a successful business as a Mac Tools franchisee, he decided to give it a go himself. Thirteen years on, he has not looked back.
"When I saw the success my colleague was having as a Mac Tools franchisee, I decided to find out more. The process started with me going out on the road and seeing for myself what it was like to sell a range of tools to garage mechanics from a van. The fact that I didn't have any experience in the automotive world, or in selling tools, didn't matter and Mac Tools has helped me every step of the way," Paul says.
"After a series of interviews, I worked with Mac Tools to develop my very own business plan which I then presented to the bank to raise the finance I needed. This allowed me to make a down payment which secured 'my patch' and bought my fully stocked 7.5 tonne truck," he continues.
Paul was given a territory and a comprehensive database of customers spanning the north of Birmingham which he has made his own – ensuring that he is always first on the forecourt when a new workshop opens. He visits garages, body shops and repair centres on a regular basis and has built up strong relationships across his area with a reputation for selling quality products. Key to his success, however, has been the ongoing training and mentoring he has received to get him started and to keep him growing. This has included everything from business planning and cash flow to selling techniques and the tools themselves. A dynamic new product development programme means that Mac tools, equipment and storage systems are always in demand.
Mac Tools has supported Paul with marketing support via advertising and sponsorships and a range of marketing materials which help create excitement about Mac Tools and showcase regular promotions on stock. As he points out, these are crucial in boosting sales: "My best-sellers come from the promotional stock. The promotions Mac Tools offers equate to 60% of my overall sales, so it is clear to see how important they are. A lot of my sales are impulse purchases, so the great reductions offered during various promotions really help to boost these types of sales."
Paul is optimistic for his future with Mac Tools: "I'm really pleased with how the business is going and want to continue building on its success. For me, the support and advice I've received from Mac Tools has been invaluable and this has made it very easy for me to move from the world of welding to selling tools and equipment with minimal hassle.
"I'd encourage anyone looking for flexibility and the chance to be their own boss to consider becoming a Mac Tools franchisee as it provides the best of both worlds – combining the freedom of running your own business with the support of a well known and highly respected organisation behind you."
Automotive ambition
Following years of wanting to be his own boss, William Briggs-Price, 29, finally began trading as a Mac Tools franchisee in January 2009. As he explains, he is relishing the chance to realise his dream.
"I've always worked in the automotive sector in main dealers as a technician. However, I've had the desire to be my own boss for much of my working life. After researching the options available to set up my own business, I decided to open a Mac Tools franchise.
"I chose Mac Tools because I had personal experience of the tools and storage equipment and I knew what great quality they provided. This, coupled with my technical knowledge from my previous work, gave me the confidence that I could make the business a success. However, anyone without this experience should not be deterred from setting up their own franchise, as the excellent training provided by Mac Tools ensures all franchisees have the necessary knowledge to go out and sell the tools.
"I was also very impressed with the support package offered to franchisees and I felt I wouldn't be on my own when 'going it alone' and that's very reassuring. All franchisees are provided with a brand new van, uniform and marketing literature to help make their business a success. In addition, the back office support and assistance with producing documents such as a business plan has been invaluable.
"I work in the Nottingham area and make sure I visit customers once a week. It is vitally important to build strong relationships with the mechanics and regular visits are essential for this. Mac Tools provides all franchisees with regular exciting marketing support and this really helps boost my sales.
"Becoming a franchisee has meant I get to spend much more time at home and I can be as flexible as I want. It's great to wake up every day and go to work for yourself. I thoroughly recommend it to anyone considering a career change!"
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Part of the world famous Stanley brand, Mac Tools is a leading manufacturer of professional quality industrial and automotive products. Franchisees receive extensive training, dedicated support and will be inspired to build a profitable business selling a comprehensive product range from a professionally equipped vehicle within a protected territory.
Sector: Direct Selling, Distribution
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Mac Tools
1582 | Mac Tools
Stanley UK,
Europa View,
Sheffield Business Park,
Sheffield, S9 1XH
Tel: 01142 917266
www.mactools.co.uk | Mr Paul Clegg
Tel: 08450 6000 60
franchise@mactools.co.uk |
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