Jolanta Lavrenova and her partner Andrejs moved to the UK from Latvia in 2005 and now own a Dublcheck franchise.
Why did you decide to run a franchise together and why Dublcheck?
We decided that franchising would be the best option for us because of the support we get from the franchisor; we didn’t have any business experience so it felt safer option than starting from scratch. We wanted a management franchise in particular so that we could start by working part-time and gradually build up the business. Dublcheck seemed to tick all the boxes for us – no other franchise offered guaranteed turnover.
What strengths do each of you bring to the business?
It is great working together as we both know exactly what is going on with the business. Over time, we have realised which tasks are more suited to each of us. Andrejs is better at managing staff and doing the accountancy paperwork, while I’m better at maintaining relationships with clients and bringing in more customers.
How have you found your experience of working together so far?
We have very much enjoyed working together so far! It has been a life-changing move for us to invest in a Dublcheck franchise and it turned out to be the best thing for us to work together. The best thing about working together is the support we get from each other.
How do you fit work around family life?
Dublcheck has given us great flexibility; we can plan our schedule as we need and want. We have a four-year-old daughter and we are spending more time together as a family, which is great.
Would you recommend franchising as a couple to others?
I would definitely recommend franchising! We have had so much support from head office; they are always there if you need them and it doesn’t feel as though you are completely on your own. When you invest in franchise the system is already there!
