Case Study - Phil Pinkney and Greg Greatbatch
Belvoir's Andover franchisees, Phil Pinkney and Greg Greatbatch, have won a major accolade as the franchise's "Most Improved Office" for 2006, having bought an existing outlet in 2005 and tripled its turnover in just one year.
Announcing their award, Belvoir co-founder and CEO, Mike Goddard, said: "Phil and Greg's achievement is phenomenal. They have been dynamic and greatly expanded their original business, demonstrating their belief, dedication and passion."
Before becoming franchisees, Phil had enjoyed a 30 year career in travel, four years of which was with a travel franchise, giving him an insight into the franchising concept. Greg had spent 15 years in the motor industry, as after sales manager for Saab, Volvo and Chrysler dealerships. Co-incidentally, Phil and Greg are brothers in law.
Both were keen to run their own business and believed that the training, back-up and on-going support of a major franchise would ensure they made a quick start and would enable them to achieve their ambition to be the boss. They researched the market place thoroughly, reading all the relevant magazines and newspapers and visiting a franchise exhibition.
They were most impressed by Belvoir and were delighted when they were able to buy an existing outlet when it became available. Following intensive induction training, they were soon up and running, ready to take the reins and confident that there was plenty of support and advice if they needed it.
The business soon began to pick up and sales rose consistently, month on month. Belvoir Andover is now the preferred lettings agency for military establishments in the area, which greatly increases business from both tenants and landlords.
"What especially appealed to us about Belvoir was the strong brand and the consistent growth of the network, now with 97 outlets. We are enjoying the benefits of independence and being able to run our own business but especially value the support we receive and the "added value" business assets such as the bespoke legal advice line that Belvoir provide. It is imperative that we are always up to date with the law to give proper advice to our clients," Greg and Phil said.
Six months after they set up their franchise, Phil and Greg moved to a prominent high street site. Belvoir Andover has the distinction of being the only lettings specialist in the town with a proper town centre shop frontage. Being so visible has increased the business markedly.
