For some in the franchise industry, there has been a downturn in recruitment since the pandemic hit last year. However, sectors have been impacted in different ways. Countrywide Signs has continued to ride the wave and has maintained, not a trickle, but a healthy stream of new franchisees joining the network over the past year. In fact, three new operations opened last month.
The newest franchisees to join have been Duncan and David Sands, Countrywide Signs Bedford and Stevenage; Alison and Ian Cooke, Countrywide Signs Shropshire and Dave & Karen Marshall, Countrywide Signs North Nottinghamshire.
Meet Duncan and David Sands
Father and son team, Duncan and David purchased a greenfield territory area covering Bedford and Stevenage as well as taking on a small slice of Cambridge as part of the surrounding area. Duncan was previously an Operational Director at a Volkswagen dealership and David worked in management for a large corporation.
Having worked in the motor trade for 30+ years, Duncan wanted a franchise opportunity where he could pursue his own path rather than the agenda of a large organisation. David chose to join his father early in the recruitment process. Their ambitions are very much aligned. They both wanted the ability to create a business with the potential to grow in value and one which would be mentally rewarding.
Meet Alison and Ian Cooke
Husband and wife team Ian and Alison purchased Countrywide Signs Shropshire, a greenfield opportunity where they could start fresh and build their customer base in an area where Countrywide Signs hadn’t previously operated. Both parties were looking for a new business opportunity they could embark on together after taking redundancy.
Ian had taken redundancy from his position as a Production Manager, and Alison from her position as an Office Manager. Ian also has a background working in the signage market, giving him an already clear understanding of the industry. Their combined skillsets mean that Ian is perfectly placed to manage the day-to-day signage installations, business planning and their supply chain, while Alison takes on the administrative and marketing duties required for running a small business. A great balance for their husband-and-wife partnership.
Meet Dave and Karen Marshall
Finally, we have the second of our husband-and-wife teams, Dave and Karen Marshall. Dave came from a long career as an appliance engineer. The now owners of Countrywide Signs North Nottinghamshire, also purchased an area of Countrywide Signs Lincoln, as part of a resale from the previous owner. Both Dave and Karen were looking for an opportunity where they could run their own business and achieve the ideal work life balance.
Our new franchisees have great ambition as business owners. Each brings with them a multitude of skill, drive and enthusiasm to the network. We wish them much success and our continued support as they embark on their Countrywide Signs journey.
If you would like to learn more about becoming a Countrywide Signs franchisee, please Get in Touch.
Photo: Duncan and David (left), David and Karen (top right), Ian and Alison (bottom right)
0 Comments