See what our franchisees have to say
It?s all about the back-up - that's the advice of former surveyor Chris Knight who has got off to a record start after buying into a Blazes franchise following the National Franchise Exhibition in 2005.
An intensive and aggressive marketing campaign provided by Blazes helped Chris get his Surrey showroom to a flyer and, despite a heat wave during the summer launch, his sales were quickly well ahead of his business plan.
"Blazes have been first rate right from the off," says Chris. "They've put a lot of time into the business model and a lot of investment into the brand. I've had regular visits from Michael the Managing Director and Stuart the Marketing Director and there's always somebody there to speak to seven days a week at whatever time of day I need them.
"I feel they've taken a real interest in me because my success is their success., Blazes are with you every step of the way and I’m incredibly optimistic about the future."
Having worked in the retail sector and business-to-business national accounts
over the past 25 years, I always had a desire to work for myself. However, I did
not have a specific idea of the business I wanted to be involved in, and therefore
had the opinion that business would be hard enough, especially if I went into it
with no direction.
As a result I contacted about 7 franchised businesses with Blazes being one of
them. I received new franchisee packs from the various businesses I had
contacted, but Blazes were the only one who actually followed up sending out the
pack, and I liked the fact they were eager to pursue my initial interest.
When I received their follow up call, I had already arranged an appointment to
meet Stuart Law and Michael Eyre, but as a back up for my gut feeling, I visited a
number of their showrooms to get an independent and unbiased opinion on
Blazes which confirmed my view that I had made the right choice.
Once my decision was made, I had to learn all aspects of the business which
was fully covered by the in depth training Blazes provide. I stepped into the
Sheffield store on the 20th August 2007 and with the help of the Blazes team I
began running my own business.
We had a very good start, and without the help and advice that was readily
available from Blazes this would not have been possible. I recruited two excellent
staff members, and with their help, we increased the target turnover in the first 12
months by 35%. We have been able to focus a greater level of advertising on the
central heating side of the business, and this has led to an increase in business
overall of 20% year on year. We have expanded our knowledge on all aspects of
the business and if we are at all unsure, then we pick up the phone to any
member of Blazes support team which usually means we can give a customer
the best advice and service in our industry.
I would not try to kid anybody that it has not been hard work, but it has been
really enjoyable and rewarding knowing that the decisions I make, along with the
help of my two colleagues, can make a significant effect on the business we generate.
The first two years have flown by and we are now focused on the future to
ensure we keep increasing our turnover year on year. I always try to keep a
positive mental attitude and remember my main core belief which has been
fundamental to the success of my Blazes Sheffield franchise.
"If you always treat people as you would like to be treated yourself, smile,
are helpful and friendly, as well as going that extra mile when necessary,
you will reap the rewards and be successful"
