There are few people better placed to understand what a franchisee needs to grow a successful business than those who have been there themselves.

This is why Countrywide Signs is proud to announce that former Bury St Edmunds franchise owner, Sue Jamil, has been engaged to handle all new franchisee training and revamp its online training support structure.

She says her sales and marketing training background, combined with her insider knowledge of the Countrywide Signs systems and business model, provides a key insight for new franchisees joining the network.

Sue explained: “I’ve acquired hands-on experience that you simply can’t get without having ‘been there…done that’. Often when talking with successful franchisees you’ll get lots of anecdotes – I want to add value with new franchisees because having done it myself previously, I know when they should could be doing certain things in the lifespan of the business that can help to build it a lot.

“It’s important that the training is not just covering the practical aspects of the business such as putting the boards up, but also everything from winning new business, efficient management, maximising income, and so on. It’s the sales and marketing angles in particular where I feel I can add value through our own experiences as franchisees.

“I’m going back to where I used to be, and of all the jobs I’ve had in my working life I’ve always said training was the area I loved the most. I’m honoured and excited to work as part of the team.”

Justin Pearce, Franchise Development Manager, said: “Training and support are two of the words most closely associated with good franchising, and who better to provide the knowledge that counts than a professional trainer turned franchisee?

“Sue has already proved how invaluable her experience is during her first training courses for new franchisees. It’s the little things, the parts that you only know about when you’ve run the business yourself, that make a big difference. We’re thrilled to have her on board and we know she’ll have a huge impact for future Countrywide Signs franchise owners.”

Sue has already received praise for her approach after her first training sessions, which included helping Martin and Jo Pitts start out in their new Gloucester and Worcester franchise.

“Their feedback was so positive,” she says. “Martin and Jo told me how extremely useful the new style face to face training was, which shows this is a positive move for all concerned. There are things that have never been formally written down but I’m incorporating as much of it as possible now into all aspects of the training materials for new franchisees, and to support existing ones too! It’s bringing it all to life for people and making sure they have the best possible start and growth with Countrywide Signs.”