Case Study - Louise Morgan

Kent-based Louise Morgan, enjoyed a successful career in a senior management position at the Bank of Scotland for 18 years, until she felt that it was time for a change.

Using her skills of business analysis, Louise thoroughly investigated the franchise industry looking at many different options before deciding to find out more about X-Press Legal Services. One of the things that appealed to Louise was the relatively low investment needed and the possibility of growing a substantial business from her home.

Louise read industry magazines, spent time on the bfa website, as well as contacting other franchises, before making an appointment to meet the principals of the business at their head office and training centre in Warrington, Cheshire.

Deciding she liked what she heard, Louise went away and studied the financial projections, she researched her local marketplace and produced a sound business plan, which resulted in X-Press Legal Services awarding her the franchise in 2008.

Louise recalls: "X-Press Legal Services particularly appealed to me as it is an established business with over 40 franchises operating in a dynamic and challenging market."

Louise states: "A huge benefit I found when starting my business, was that X-Press Legal Services provided me with intensive training for two weeks, as well as continuing to provide me with ongoing technical back up and continuous sales and marketing support."

Louise quickly established herself in her local area, with a number of solicitor clients providing regular repeat business. As a consequence of this hard work and persistence she has seen strong growth in her business and is starting to build a team around her. She admits to being able to enjoy the benefits of having her own company and being in control of her own destiny with the added benefit of flexible working conditions.

Louise commented: "The franchise allows you to be your own boss but at the same time there is always someone to offer help and advice if you have a problem or meet a situation you haven't encountered before. Which is especially important when you first set up a business in something you've never done before."

She continued: "There is a lot of interaction between the franchisees and I have met numerous like-minded individuals who are becoming good friends, which adds even more enjoyment to the working day."

X-Press Legal Services Limited have a 40 plus strong nationwide network and provide a business to business service that involves dealing with professional clients including solicitors, with a low risk proven business model and a first class product, resulting in regular repeat business.

Louise is pleased to say, "To date my business has exceeded my initial expectations and I am going to continue to work hard to build the business further."

Louise's hard work and commitment has been recognised by her franchisor as she was one of the finalists for the Newcomer of the Year Award hosted at X-Press Legal Services Limited annual awards evening in January.

Commenting on Louise's nomination, Franchise Development Director, Dan Archer said: "Louise has been extremely thorough, committed and has a keen understanding of her clients and the market in which X-Press Legal Services Limited operates."

As a member of the franchise panel at the recent British & International Franchise Exhibition, Olympia Conference Centre London in March, Louise was able to give aspiring business owners the opportunity to hear about the realities of making the transition from being employed to working for themselves first hand from a successful franchisee. She offered advice to prospective franchisees on the day to day aspects of running their own business and an insight into the successes as well as the challenges that she faced when starting her own business 18 months ago.

Louise talked about the initial benefits of running your own franchise, including working from home and minimising initial overheads as well as providing flexible working conditions, enabling you to grow your business at your own pace at the same time as being able to regulate the hours that you work around the needs of a family.

Louise recalled: "I was happy to share the experiences that I had with others when starting up my own business. As well as providing a true insight into the day to day activities involved when running your own business, to those who wished to follow a similar path as mine."

Dan Archer, Franchise Development Director concluded: "Louise's seminar was well attended, demonstrating that prospective franchisees are keen to get sound, realistic advice from successful franchisees."