With vast experience in the transport industry, specifically freight and third party logistics, David Murray was ready to take on a new challenge and build something for himself. David knew his skills would lend themselves perfectly to an InXpress franchise and, having decided to do something for himself, he’s been running his own business in Coventry since May 2008.
He said: “When I went back to university the second time to complete my master’s degree, I felt as though I wanted to start something on my own. I had the opportunity to take redundancy from my previous job so I took it and started working as a consultant for a couple of years advising companies on how to manage their supply chains. While I was doing that it occurred to me that I could make more money doing the physical operations so I started to look at franchise opportunities.
“I chose to go into franchising because with the way this industry works, franchising was the only way we could get the backing of the big carriers. You also have the backing of a brand so you’re not starting from scratch. You can turn to other franchisees for help because you are part of a network. InXpress had everything I needed at the time. It fitted with my expertise in the industry and the only bit I needed was the backup of the carriers – that was the final piece in the jigsaw.”
Although David was well paid in his previous job, it just wasn’t providing him with the rewards and flexibility he was looking for. Working for himself has provided all this and more…
He explained: “My previous job was well paid so my initial goal was to get to that level as quickly as possible. A typical consultant only works six months of the year and the other six months is spent looking for new opportunities. InXpress gave me the additional security of being able to work all year round.
“I knew I could make a success of the business because of my previous industry background. I’ve always dealt with customers in this context. In terms of work/life balance, in my previous job I was travelling a lot and now my commute to the office is less than 15 minutes! I can go and see my son’s music concerts because it gives me the flexibility to take time off when I need it.”
Although David had previous experience in the industry he knew that he would need added support to help him push his business in the right direction. Being a bit more forward thinking, he decided he would start his business to give him a head start in the business.
“My training consisted of sales training at a one-week boot camp. However, I had decided to start the business prior to the training because I needed to find out everything I didn’t know so that I could ask the right questions. It was a massive help for me and I think the training has now moved on even more.
“Ongoing, the support has been pretty good. InXpress have even more resources allocated to support now and there are more franchisees so even more people to turn to. I’m also now in a positon to offer my own support to new franchisees.”
Of his initial launch, he added: “When I first started the business I was scared! It was hard work to get it started but it would be unusual if you didn’t find it difficult at first. InXpress now partner with more carriers than before and they’re investing more into the franchise system.
“I’ve never looked back since opening my business. I was doing well before but now I have the flexibility to go and see my son play in his music concerts.”
As for his thoughts on others looking to follow in his footsteps?
“My key advice to anyone looking into franchising would be to research thoroughly and make sure you understand what the franchise is all about. Talk to existing franchisees and find out what a day in the life is like. Don’t underestimate the time it could take you to establish your business and make sure you’ve got living costs put aside.
“My plans for the future are to continue growing. We set up an apprentice scheme and have now recruited our first apprentice which is going really well. We’re now number seven or eight in the league tables and I want to be in the top five. With apprentices we can be more creative with how we market the business and we’re looking to raise our profile even more to attract more customers.”
