Friday 22nd March 2013

"I joined Premier Sport from BCR Associates where I have, over two years grown their franchise network by recruiting 19 franchisees.  Over my 13 years experience in franchising I have recruited over 150 franchisees in a variety of business sectors from accountancy to business cost reduction and not forgetting garden design and construction! For the last two years I have proudly undertaken the role of chair for the British Franchise Association (bfa) South West forum. As a passionate believer in the benefits of franchising, I am 100% dedicated to the promotion of ethical franchising via the bfa.

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to join the Premier Sport team and build upon the success Jonathan has achieved over recent years. When I am not talking to people about the benefits of franchising I am an avid swimmer plus I enjoy being splatted in mud whilst riding on my mountain bike. I was born and bred in Ipswich and yes I am a tractor boy and now live in Martock Somerset."

The fact that 40% of new franchisees last year found out about Premier Sport via an existing franchisee, coach or parent is great news because it confirms that our existing franchisees are happy to refer. Also, changes to our recruitment process means that the calibre of the new franchisee is high as they have a greater understanding of what the opportunity entails and have the attributes to be successful.

Please don’t hesitate to call me if you know someone who may be interested in becoming a franchisee with Premier Sport as I will be delighted to reward you for the introduction.

As a Premier Sport franchisee it is quite easy to continue with your busy work schedule undertaking daily routines and not be aware that there are hundreds of people who desire a change in their career and own a Premier Sport franchise. Here are some numbers that confirm that the Premier Sport franchise opportunity continues to be the leading sports coaching franchise.

• We have received over 700 enquiries about a franchise so far this year
• Did you know as a minimum we engage with well over 100 interested people to award one franchise
• Yes we are fussy and say “No” a great deal more than “Yes”!
• On average it takes just over 3 months for someone to complete the recruitment process and join the network – we are thorough!  

Its worth remembering that every time we launch a franchise business it adds value to your existing Premier Sport business as we continue to expand the network.

The impact of the Government’s funding announcement at the weekend has had a positive effect on recruitment.  Here is a quote from a secondary school teacher who came to see us this week and is planning to join us in the Summer.

“I was also glad of the opportunity to chat with David Batch. David’s parting remark about this being a perfect time to set up a sports’ franchise clinched it for me and after running a few figures through my head on the way home and  thinking it through during the evening, I have decided that I definitely wish to take out a franchise with Premier Sport. “

In addition to this I was speaking with a guy this week who attended a recent discovery day and he told me that he was woken up very early on Saturday morning by a friend who was saying you must look at the BBC news now as the Government have announced over £100m worth of funding for PE – what fantastic timing you have got to go for it!

A key part of the franchisee recruitment process is the Discovery Day.  This is where the interested people are invited along to gain a greater understanding about the franchise proposition.  In return we meet them and find out whether they are right for us. Our Discovery Days are held regularly throughout the country at Birmingham, Manchester, London and Premier Sport HQ.

To offer a real insight into a day in the life of a Premier Sport franchise owner I have been fortunate to have franchisees support me.  My thanks go to Ade Osilowo who operates our Bromley franchise, who kindly helped me last week in London. 

I am looking for more franchisees who would like to join me on future Discovery Days. Please give me a call if you would like to help out.