- Start Up Cost:
- Franchise Type:
- Sector Type:
- Investment Type:
- Market:
- £9,950
- Flexible
- Education & Tuition
- Start-up
- B2B, B2C
“Anyone can learn a language and everyone deserves the chance” is the simple motto at the heart of everything that Speak Like A Native (SLAN) does.
SLAN provides language courses for learners of all ages in the UK. The focus is on helping people become comfortable and confident communicators with lessons delivered in convenient venues including schools, cafes and businesses. SLAN has been operating for five years but the team behind it has been in language education for more than three decades. SLAN has a suite of unique products and services including “MFL Experts” for primary schools and 10/10 for teens and adults.
Speak Like A Native (SLAN) was founded in 2016 by a prize-winning team with 30 years in language education, business and franchising. The concept is to bring the best practices from around the world to the UK. The SLAN management team includes language and teaching experts as well as parents and language lovers
Our system was originally tested in London where we achieved all our desired outcomes . We replicated the system and most importantly training and opened our first 3 franchises in Cheshire.
This has led to a very successful start!
Training is not just about giving you information. It’s about getting to know you, making sure you have all the tools to build a successful SLAN business and forming a trusting relationship for ongoing support. We really are all in this together! Initial training is a blended approach with some online sessions and some time spent at our London office. We’ll also visit you in your territory. Together, we’ll look at all aspects of the business so you have the confidence to network, sell and recruit. At first it will seem like there’s a lot to learn but we’ll make it manageable and then when the initial training is over, we’ll keep in touch with regular calls and meetings. And to back up all the training, you’ll have the SLAN Manual, which will go into detail in all the topic areas from contracts to social media to branding.
Some of your time will be spent working on the laptop but you won’t be office bound. You’ll need to be active and out there; meeting people, looking for new opportunities and building your SLAN franchise into a successful business. And if you get all this right, when you’re relaxing at the end of the day or spending time with your family, bookings will be coming in and you’ll be making money
I’ve always had a keen interest in languages and having spent over 25 years in travel, it seemed the obvious choice to bring my two interests together. The SLAN concept and approach to learning excites me and focusses on a great customer experience, which is very important to me.
Can you describe the training you received?
Being the first franchisee has its benefits because I had one to one training that was detailed, informative and personal to me. Due to the Covid pandemic this had to delivered via Zoom, but the team and I still had fun and I learnt so much about the brand, the model and the focus for starting my business. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience in such trying circumstances.
Can you describe the ongoing support?
I have a great professional relationship with all of the team from SLAN, despite the fact we are at opposite ends of the country. I haven’t had the chance to meet all of them yet, but I honestly feel part of the team and that I’m not on my own. We are like a small work family. Should I need to ask about setting something up or how to plan my financial forecasts, I know I can just pick up the phone and ask. My franchisor and I are in touch regularly and it’s great to know I have the support, skill and approachability from him, should I require it.
How have the first six months been?
A rollercoaster of emotions! It’s like having a baby again! From the excitement, the nervousness, and the joy of getting started, to settling into the day to day running of clubs and hiring staff, to ensuring the financial side of things are working is thrilling but scary... and I love it! I’m so happy with my new role and would advise anyone thinking of becoming a franchisee to take that leap and go for it
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