ChipsAway invests further in Franchise Development Support

Press release date: 10-Dec-2010

ChipsAway, the UK’s leading minor automotive paintwork repairer, has invested in providing further support for franchisees with the appointment of two Franchise Support Managers, Jamie Simmons and Doug Johnson.

Starting a new business can be a daunting prospect for anyone, but at ChipsAway the addition of new Franchise Support Managers Doug and Jamie, will ensure that franchisees have even more support. New recruits already enjoy one-to-one mentoring from existing franchisees, who are appointed to advise and support them during their launch and in the early days of operating their new business. Now dedicated Franchise Support Managers will provide additional, on-going support for franchisees wishing to grow and develop their businesses.

Doug is the new Franchise Support Manager for the north of the UK and Jamie will concentrate in the south. They each have responsibility for around 175 franchisees and it is their job to help them achieve maximum turnover, generate new business leads and ultimately expand their businesses.

Jamie is a former highly successful ChipsAway franchisee. Having spent seven years operating his ChipsAway business before joining the management team Jamie brings a unique first hand insight into the potential challenges and opportunities from both ‘sides of the fence’.

Doug previously worked as a Franchise Support Manager for another franchise company. Commenting on his and Jamie’s new roles at ChipsAway, he said: “We work with a variety of franchisees at all levels – some operate alone from their mobile workshop, some have more than one vehicle and employ staff, others have expanded into ChipsAway CarCare Centres and are looking to build a management franchise. Whatever the level and format of the franchise, we can provide the appropriate guidance, advice and support needed.”

Jamie comments: “The comprehensive training I received when I first joined ChipsAway was excellent. I then had the support of an experienced Business Mentor, who helped ensure my launch as a franchisee was very successful. I’m well aware of the challenges franchisees can face, so I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences with new and developing franchisees and hopefully contributing to their future success!”

ChipsAway holds regular informal Open Days at its Midlands based Head Office. Potential franchisees have the opportunity to meet the management team, try out the unique ChipsAway repair system and chat with existing franchisees, who are on hand to answer any questions.

Martin Smith, ChipsAway Franchise Director and former member of the Franchise network himself, was Jamie’s Business Mentor when he first started with ChipsAway.

Martin concludes, “I believe ChipsAway has the best support structure in the franchise industry. We have over 30 employees at head office who are on hand to offer help and advice on everything from carrying out repairs to marketing activity, as well as over 20 business mentors helping new recruits during their first months of trading. Jamie and Doug will be great assets to the team and I look forward to working with them to help further develop the network over the coming years.”