Case Study - Alf and Rachel Martin
Husband and wife team Alf and Rachel Martin will open Belvoir Sale in 2010. The couple have worked together before and believe they have the necessary complementary skills to run a successful business.
"Before joining Belvoir I was sales director for a protective clothing company," explains Alf. "Rachel has a financial background, having worked for many years in catering accounts and administration in the hotel industry. I wanted to set up my own business because I've had my own businesses before, plus I've got a Business Studies Degree and a Master's Degree in marketing. Rachel and I decided to set up the business together as our skills complement each other well. I like meeting and greeting people and doing deals while Rachel's great at the finer details and administration – we make a good team."
Why Belvoir?
"I didn't want to start completely from scratch on my own and felt investing in a franchise would be a leg up the ladder in an environment where I could nurture the relationship as a business partner," explains Alf. "A few years ago I researched other franchise opportunities but wasn't impressed. Then I found Belvoir. I particularly wanted the Sale territory, as it's where I live and where all my contacts are. When it became available Belvoir approached me knowing I'd already expressed an interest – and I couldn't wait to take up the opportunity."
Was the training course helpful?
"The intensive training course was very good," says Alf. "It helped prepare me to launch a lettings business and re-enforced my initial thoughts that Belvoir was the right company for me. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the Central Office staff and other Franchise Owners. It was good to network and there was plenty of camaraderie– I've kept in touch with several since completing the course."
Vision for the future:
"We can't wait to open the doors of Belvoir Sale and aim to get the business into a break even and profit situation as soon as possible. When we reach a certain threshold of managed properties we'll recruit extra staff. Initially we will concentrate on Sale and Altrincham but ultimately hope to open a second office.
