I wanted to take control of my own destiny, rather than be constantly looking over my shoulder for the next round of redundancies, so I decided to consider how I could run my own business.

Jim Foster, Bracknell

Why did you go down the franchise route? And why did you choose Antal International Network?

In 2003, The telecoms industry was moving towards contractors rather than employees so I was faced with a choice A) become a contractor or B) set up my own business.

I wanted to take control of my own destiny, rather than be constantly looking over my shoulder for the next round of redundancies, so I decided to consider how I could run my own business.

I considered a number of options which included; what I could do myself, franchising, and buying a licence.

I decided to go the franchise route as I felt it would give me the best chance to succeed. If I started on my own I had no real idea what to do or how to get going, the licence model provided no ongoing support. Franchising helps to get you going, provides ongoing support and gives you a framework for your business. In the case of Antal, there is also the opportunity to share business and work with other offices across the globe.

I looked at a property management & lettings, carpet cleaning and two recruitment franchises before choosing Antal International.

I chose a franchise in recruitment because it used my knowledge and experience in project management and IT.

What did you do before taking up a franchise?

I spent four years in the Navy before taking a role with BT(or GPO as it was known then) where I worked for the next 5 years before making a decision to go back into the Navy in the technical engineering electronics field.

On coming out of the Navy in 1994 I took project management roles with
Mercury Communications, Telewest, GTS and Energis. I accepted redundancy in 2003.

How did you raise the finance?

I utilised a redundancy package along with funds released when I re mortgaged my property/home to get me started in my business venture.

What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?

The two-week induction training was second to none and I have felt this throughout the nine years I have been with the business.

I employed an administrator to provide support from day one and for the first few months which really helped me in setting up my database.

Antal has provided ongoing training and constant support in helping me develop. There are some very good people at the end of the phone as and when I have needed them.

What is a typical day for you as a franchisee?

There is no single typical day, each day is different, has its own challenges and opportunities, however:

08:30 Arrive at the office and switch everything on. I have already checked emails (blackberry)
Open the Antal recruitment software, check on anything that needs immediate attention
Read news items

09:00 Kick off with the team– What’s planned for the day, what are our objectives

09:15 Business development.

12:00 Candidate preparation & debrief

12:30 Lunch

13:15 More prep, debriefs etc. up to around

14:00 Candidate search activity.

17:00 Planning and admin and team debrief, what did we achieve?

18:00 Go Home

What challenges have you faced?

I have faced the challenge that many small business owners face which is working in, rather than on the business. When you have to build your business it is far too easy to get caught up in the details of the day to day operation rather than concentrating on building your business plan and operating it.

Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?

Yes, of course it has, previously I was simply an employee. Actually when I was in the Royal Navy it felt more than just being an employee, I was part of something that made a difference. Now I run my own business, I have my own destiny in my hands, if I work hard, good things happen, if I don’t, they don’t. But whatever it is, it is for me, and I can build something that will have some value.

That I haven’t managed to achieve what I want so far is down to a number of things, but they are all things I can do something about, whereas as an employee I was at the whim of other decision makers.

Even the downturn, I could make decisions that would keep my business alive (and I did.).

For me that is what having my own business means, self-determination! The business being part of the Franchise means:

• I am not on my own
• I can present my business as either part of a larger global operation, or as a boutique operation
• I have support I can rely on; all I need do is pick up the phone.
• I get to share in all of our success

What advice would you give to someone thinking of buying their first franchise?

When you start a business remember that it is all about sales and this might be a transition for you. Making sure that you have the funds in place to not only start the business but to develop it in line with your vision.

And that means you have to have a vision, if you don’t know where you want to go, how are you going to get there, and how will you know when you have arrived?

What are your plans for the future?

I will be business planning to develop a larger team so I that I can diversify in terms of sectors, disciplines and therefore clients that we will work with.

Would you do it again?

Even at the worst point in the last 9 years I haven’t regretted my decision to take on this franchise. So yes, I would certainly do it again.