Derek Ward: finding a new future through franchising

After being employed for 30 years, I wanted to work for myself but I wanted the support of a franchise and the security of a proven business. I visited various franchise exhibitions looking for a business that would match my people management skills and my experience in sales and administration. The Molly Maid management franchise fitted my criteria. I liked the brand and the image of the Molly Maid cars, and when I visited the company they came across as being very professional and, equally important, very trustworthy.

When I launched my business in 2002 I wanted to put six cars on the road within two years and the business has developed in line with my plan. In my second year I purchased a second territory – Harrogate. In your first year as you are building your business you don’t make a profit but I can now honestly say we are now reaping the benefits. We have 350 customers and 10 cars ready to mop up additional business in 2007.

Within one year, my wife Elaine came on board and the following year my son, also Derek, joined the business. I retired from the oil industry at 50 with a nice pension but this is additional income, and with my son in the business it can go on. Molly Maid has delivered more in a way than expected and the incentives are very good. We’ve been on holiday to Cuba and Antigua, and in April will be off to the Bahamas.

Derek Ward, Yorkshire

 [story posted March 2007]