Career Background
I have a degree and masters in French and German Translation and Interpreting and after graduation I moved into Finance. I spent 9 years working for American Bank JPMorgan as a relationship manager, looking after 80 banks in Benelux.
Due Diligence
I knew about Lingotot as I went to secondary school with a former franchisee, and she introduced me to my nearest Lingotot centre in Kent. I started working for this franchise as a tutor and this developed into an operations manager role. Whilst doing this, I was able to learn about the brand, understand the methodology, I recognised a gap for language classes in Bexley and surveyed friends. I also spoke to EWIF South East Lead Anne-Marie Martin for her advice.
Support & Training
Lingotot HQ are incredibly supportive and always respond to my queries quickly. We are provided with a training framework, face to face training and onward training webinars.
Impact on Life
Becoming a franchisee has allowed me spend more time with my young family. Whilst working in banking I had a breakdown and couldn’t cope with mum guilt. Now I have much more flexibility to choose my hours.
Challenges and highlights so far
I have had numerous highlights such as award nominations. I have been a finalist at the Family Network Awards, AFA Awards and the What’s On for Kids Awards this year alone. I also won Network Contribution and Overall Franchisee of the Year at the 2019 Lingotot Awards. But by far the biggest highlight has been winning Best New Business at the Bexley Business Excellence Awards 2019 as it was judged by a panel and wasn’t open to public vote.
Being an employer is a challenge as there are so many different personalities to manage.
Advice to others looking for a franchise
• Do your due diligence
• Research local competitors
• Look into pricing…what will local people actually pay?
• Have a buffer
Future Goals
• to expand into offering language classes during curriculum time in schools
• to further develop Lingotot Generations
• to increase my profit margin
“Angela is fabulous. She has created a wonderful brand and cares deeply about it, and about her entire Lingotot family. She takes time for every franchisee, spends hours answering our questions, supporting us and giving us the best offering. During lockdown she has been amazing. Overnight we had new operations guidance to follow, she started creating online resources to accompany our Zoom classes and was constantly updating us on the latest government changes. I am so glad to be part of Lingotot through this pandemic as Angela has kept us going, kept our spirits high. All in all, an incredibly supportive franchisor.”
