Last month, we held our annual Access4Lofts franchise conference, and it was the biggest one we’ve ever had. Looking around the room, I was struck by just how much the network has grown, and by how much our franchisees have achieved along the way.
Every year, we bring everyone together to catch up, share ideas and look at what’s coming next. There’s plenty of business to get through, of course, from marketing updates and new tools to our plans for the year ahead. Days like this are a big part of the support that comes with being an Access4Lofts franchisee, rather than being handed the keys to a business and left to get on with it alone.
These aren’t just dry, corporate events, however. Yes, we do have a lot of business to get through – updates from the head office team, the latest on our marketing, a look at the new tools we’re bringing in and where the franchise is heading next. That’s a very important part of the support we offer anyone who is part of the Access4Lofts franchise. You’re never just sent off in your van with a cheery wave and a “good luck” – we’re always working hard to make things better for everyone in the network.
However, a very important part of the day centres around old friends catching up, new faces being welcomed in, and franchisees swapping the kind of practical, hard-won advice you only really get from someone who does the same job as you. You may be your own boss, but a day like this is a good reminder that you’re part of a much bigger network, with plenty of people in your corner.
One of the highlights every year is recognising our top performers, and this time we celebrated our £1m club: six franchisees each turning over more than a million pounds a year. A very impressive achievement, but the amazing things is that this group aren’t exceptional. They’re leading the pack, for sure, but there are actually another 12 close on their heels who will likely also be part of the club by this time next year.
Perhaps even more importantly, every single one of those franchisees started out exactly where you are now – ready for a change, looking for the right opportunity, and trying to decide what the next move should be.
All of them were once reading an email just like this one, and wondering if they could ever be that successful.
Could you be one of them one day?
I’m not suggesting you’ll be turning over a million pounds by next year’s conference. Building a business takes time, hard work and the right approach, but you could be taking the first steps towards something of your own, with the backing of an established franchise and a network of people around you who want to see you do well.
Our next training course is in January, so now is a good time to have an initial conversation. We can talk through the investment, the support you’d receive and what it really takes to build your own Access4Lofts franchise, so you can decide whether it’s right for you.