I no longer wanted to work in a large corporate environment

Name: Nick Modha
Franchise Area: London North & East
Year business started: 2004
Members of Staff: 14

Your Background: “Senior management roles in sales, marketing and strategy in the automotive and telecoms industries.”

Why did you want to start your own business? “I no longer wanted to work in a large corporate environment with the usual company politics especially at senior levels. But, starting a business from scratch on one’s own is not easy and high risk and so the franchise route is very appealing as it’s a proven business model that lowers usual start up risks and has ongoing support.”

Why Countrywide? “Countrywide offered a very simple but compelling business model that had no limits to growth. The gross margins were/are also at a good high level.”

What do you enjoy most about owning a Countrywide business? “The great balance between being one’s own boss but with the full support from Head Office.”

Your greatest moment as a Countrywide Franchisee: “Being recognised as Franchisee of the Year made all the hard work and effort worthwhile and boosted confidence of all staff.”

What has Countrywide enabled you to do which you couldn’t have otherwise? “To have freedom being my own boss!”

What advice would you have for those looking into starting a franchise? “Apart from highly recommending Countrywide, I would strongly suggest not to work on the tools from the start if at all possible. Not doing so will allow good quality time to develop and grow the business and develop staff in a better way to manage themselves more than would otherwise happen if working on the tools.”

What have you learnt about yourself during your time as a franchisee? “I learnt that I can actually delegate after initial apprehension. Now, I can reap the benefits that allow me more free time.”

What do you like to do in your spare time? “I keep fit, play golf, pursue my passion for classic cars and travel.”

What are your personal goals for the next 5 years? “To reluctantly sell the business after over 15 years, so as to pay off my mortgage and ride off (in my classic car) into the sunset!”

How did you reward yourself when you hit your first business goal? “Bought new machinery to replace second machinery!”

Plans for the business over the next 5 years: “Achieve over £1m in t/o and improve even further profitability.”

How beneficial is the ongoing training? “I find them very useful and informative attending training such as Health and Safety, Same for attending regional seminars and the annual Reunion which is very motivating.”

How does the support from head office help you operate your Countrywide franchise? “The Franchise Consultant delivers a focus of business development. It is starting to have a very positive impact on my business.”

If you are on the advisory council, how much do you value this as a tool to connect franchisee with franchisor? “I haven’t been a member of the advisory council for long but it is a very useful forum to make a contribution business direction and growth.”

What is the biggest challenge you face/have faced as a business owner? “Managing staff and keeping them motivated was a challenge in the early days.”