Myles and Clare opened Speedy Freight Tonbridge in January 2014 and it has been the most demanding, exciting, and beneficial business they have ever done.

Why did you go down the franchise route? And why did you choose your franchise?
Having owned a successful skip hire company for many years, we were offered a good deal from a larger company to buy us out which we took. Not knowing what to do next Myles stumbled across the haulage exchange.

We joined this and bought a Sprinter van. We then happened to do a job for the Nottingham franchise and being a new supplier they asked if Myles could hang around to meet the Nottingham Manager to ensure the job ran smoothly, and Myles being Cornish got chatting away and the Speedy Freight franchise deal was spoken about, further investigation, numerous telephone conversations with William Timpany and then following a meeting in person with him at head office we decided to go ahead and here we are

What did you do before taking up a franchise?
Ran our own skip hire company.

How did you raise the finance?
Personal savings and the proceeds of the sale of our previous business.

What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?
We initially received 3 days training at head office, then 3 weeks in our branch when we opened. This gives you the initial confidence you need, and teaches you a general day in the life of Speedy Freight

What is a typical day for you as a franchisee?
Myles or I will open the office at 08.00. We undivert the phones, check emails, check any jobs that are going on, and wait for the next lot to come in.

What challenges have you faced?
My main challenges have been that I have never really had anything to do with the transport and haulage industry. I was very unsure of sizes of vehicles, weights and worried about pricing jobs incorrectly, however it has not been as hard as I thought, and of course we all make mistakes, but I have learnt from these and feel very confident now in what I am doing.

Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?
It has been the best thing we have ever done, it gives me a great feeling of excitement as every day is so different and so far we have had only 1 poor month out of 8, and have earned very well out of it.

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

What are your plans for the future?
To get bigger and better.

Would you do it again?
Absolutely. Yes.