Most people wait until January to make their big career resolutions. But if becoming your own boss is on the list, why wait until the New Year to start climbing the ladder?

A hundred days might sound like a tight turnaround for launching a business, but franchising can offer a head start. With an established business model, structured training and experienced people to turn to, those first few months can be spent gaining the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to get a new venture off the ground.

Of course, there’s plenty to get right along the way. From asking the right questions before signing an agreement to learning the ropes and winning those first customers, Liam Hobbs, managing director at More Than Loft Ladders (MTLL), shares what the journey towards franchise ownership could look like.

Do your homework before taking the leap

The excitement of starting a business can make it tempting to jump straight in. Before making any commitments, explore different sectors, understand the investment involved and consider whether the opportunity suits your skills, finances and long-term ambitions.

Speak to existing franchisees about their experiences, including the challenges they’ve faced. Examine startup costs, ongoing fees and working capital requirements and scrutinise the financial projections.

Establish what happens between signing and opening, particularly how long training takes and whether the proposed launch date is achievable.

Get trained and put your skills to the test

Once the paperwork is complete, it’s time to roll up your sleeves. A comprehensive induction should prepare franchisees for the practical work involved in delivering their service, alongside the commercial responsibilities of running a business.

Hands-on learning is particularly valuable, offering opportunities for new owners to practise unfamiliar tasks and receive feedback before dealing with customers.

At MTLL, our eight-day Academy programme combines installation techniques with commercial skills, followed by a practical assessment. This approach was reflected in our 100% score for Training & Support in the 2026 WorkBuzz Franchise Satisfaction Benchmark Survey – 27% above the industry average.

Build your business before opening your doors

As launch day approaches, attention turns to the essentials. Equipment, insurance, booking systems and payment processes all need organising, alongside a clear plan for managing customer enquiries.

Marketing deserves attention well before opening day too. Raising local awareness through community connections, social media and publicity can help introduce a business to potential customers before trading begins.

Find out what launch assistance your franchisor provides, who covers the costs and how enquiries will be handled. In our network, we’ve seen how early investment in local PR and promotional activity can help new territories generate interest, but it’s important to understand exactly what’s included in any franchise package.

Turn preparation into your first customers

There’s a real buzz that comes with landing your first customer or completing a job under your own business name. It’s also when everything learned during training gets put to the test.

Pay attention to enquiry conversion, job costs, cash flow and customer feedback to see what’s working and where adjustments are needed. Check whether your franchisor offers hands-on assistance during those initial jobs, as having an experienced person to call on can make unfamiliar situations easier to navigate.

Beyond day 100: Keep climbing

Getting a franchise off the ground is an achievement worth celebrating, but the first year brings fresh challenges around profitability, customer relationships, recruitment and growth. Regular business reviews, mentoring and opportunities to learn from other franchisees can help owners make more informed decisions as their responsibilities develop.

At MTLL, our franchisees receive first-year business coaching, monthly performance reviews and our regular Academy sessions. Having personally experienced the journey from franchisee to managing director, the value of that continued guidance has become increasingly clear for me.

For anyone hoping to become their own boss in the New Year, those first 100 days could be the start of something exciting. Make the most of the expertise available, put what you’ve learned into practice and give your new venture the best possible chance of success. For more information about MTLL and how to become part of its expanding group of ambitious franchise partners, visit https://morethanloftladdersfranchise.co.uk/