Case Study - Paul Edwards

Paul Edwards has lived in North London all his life and is a fanatical Arsenal fan. He had worked at Top Corner since 2005, managing football leagues, but it was time for a new challenge.

"When the idea of running a Top Corner franchise was first suggested, I was immediately interested," says Paul. "I loved working for Top Corner, but I'd gone about as far as I could within the company."Paul spoke to friends and family who were lawyers, accountants and business owners, about whether it was a risk worth taking.

"I was quite scared, to be honest. It's a big step to leave behind a monthly pay cheque and all the security of a job. A lot of the advice I got focused on the negatives. On the other hand, there was the carrot of financial security and a better work/life balance."

After a great deal of soul-searching, Paul took the plunge and in September 2009 set out on his own, raising money from family and friends for a modest initial investment.

"I could have chosen a virgin territory with no Top Corner leagues in it," says Paul, "But I decided that by taking over existing leagues I could start off with a profitable business, and build on that. What appealed especially was that it was the part of London I knew best, where I grew up and where I live."

One year on, has it worked for Paul?

"Without any doubt, this has been a great decision! I love what I do, and it's opened doors that I thought never would for me." Paul's got even more plans to expand and is considering taking on an employee.

And for Top Corner?

"We're delighted with how Paul has fared, and it's fantastic to see him doing so well for himself," says Kevin Burns. "He achieved growth of 60% in his first year, which is far above what we expected or asked of him.”