Jul 22, 2013 | Clients in the Media, News
Mark Willgoose
A Sales Manager, Field Service Technician and a Diesel Fitter. What do they have in common? They are all off to a great new start in their dedicated Mac Tools franchise territories.
Coconut Creatives’ client, Mac Tools, is part of Stanley Black & Decker, a £7+ billion global organisation employing over 30,000 people worldwide and owner of the world famous brands such as DeWalt, Facom and Britool Expert. Over the last three years Mac Tools have achieved 25% year-on-year growth in what is considered to be a flat market.
Sales Manager Mark Willgoose has recently become a father and decided it was time for a change in career. He completed Mac Tools’ comprehensive training programme alongside Diesel Fitter, Andy Flynn, and Field Service Technician, Chris Wood. He then received hands-on support from his Regional Franchise Manager for the first two weeks out on the road as well as regular support from a dedicated team of staff at the European Headquarters in Sheffield.
“The Mac Tools package is a great opportunity to earn a good living. The training was very good and the ongoing support is just brilliant, no one is ever more than a phone call away. I felt very welcome and you don’t realise how much you have learned until you put it into practice. My favourite moment so far was my first day out by myself, making sure that everything I had learned comes into practice,” says Mark, Mac Tools Chesterfield.
Mac Tools franchisees are the trusted tool specialists for the professional technician at car dealerships, automotive repair shops, manufacturing units, and engineering companies. The Mac Tools line consists of over 18,000 professional tools including screwdrivers, ratchets, wrenches, and assorted air tools, as well as its own toolboxes. This particularly appealed to Chris.
“I have always wanted my own business, so I can be responsible for my own destiny and success. As a mechanic I always used the Mac Tools brand so I believe in the product I’m selling 100%”, explains Chris, Mac Tools Stroud.
Andy has worked in the Army for 22 years. His army career has taken him across the world and he is now looking forward to a new adventure with Mac Tools.
“I had just finished a 22 year career and I was looking for a challenging career for another 22 years. I went to the National Franchise Exhibition in Birmingham last October and came across the Mac Tools franchise. I had worked with their tools in workshops before but I wasn’t aware of their franchise opportunity. But it immediately appealed to me. It really fitted my profile and I knew the products were great. It was like starting a new era when I picked up my van last week. Now it’s real and that made me speechless – well almost! I am out on the road at the start of something new and exciting,” adds Andy, Mac Tools Darlington.
This press release has created wide spread coverage on franchise related websites and social media. It will also be included in upcoming print publications. To find out how Coconut Creatives can help you generate great PR why not contact us!
Jul 11, 2013 | Clients in the Media, News
Simon Youngs
Simon Youngs, pilot franchise partner of Coconut Creatives’ client Total Clean, has already closed the deal on his first two clients. Putting him well on track to meet the goals for his first year of operating his management franchise, Simon is now focused on delivering the first-class service for which Total Clean is so well known.
His first two clients are Sequel Group, an Islington based internal communications agency, and Denton SIPP, investment advice specialist. Together, their contracts have a total value of £15,000 per annum.
“The enquiries came in as a result of Google Adwords campaigns targeted specifically at bringing in warm leads, with great results!” commented Simon. “The early training and support I received was a vital component in winning my first clients as it taught me what to say about our services, how to say it, what to look for and how to submit a tailored, winning proposal. It is fair to say that contract cleaning is not a very complex sales process and the culmination of the systems in place for marketing and lead generation, sales progression and client on-boarding were very simply and thoroughly explained to me, essentially an industry novice. All of this has meant that I’ve been able to win business away from seasoned industry professionals.”
“Now my plan is to keep responding to the inbound enquiries that are generated by the various marketing activities we use at Total Clean and close more deals. My franchise is the pilot programme and Carlos, Total Clean’s Managing Director, is working closely with me as I progress. Together we are refining the systems and processes so that we can enhance our ability to make the franchise network of Partners as successful as possible. Over the last 4-6 weeks, we have built up a substantial pipeline of potential new business, which I am really excited about,” explains Simon.
With 25 years of experience in the commercial cleaning sector, Total Clean has created a client-winning formula comprised of their commitment to operational and service excellence. Proudly boasting a 95% client retention rate, Total Clean has the privilege of working with one client from their very first week of operation. Simon is replicating this success in his franchise and is looking forward to establishing a long-term relationship with his new clients.
Total Clean is now offering the full franchise package at an introductory rate of £19,995+VAT for the first two Franchise Partners. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to join a franchise with a great reputation for delivering excellent service.
This press release was featured on a variety of franchise related websites, social media and will be included in upcoming print publications. To find out how Coconut Creatives can help you generate great PR why not contact us!
Jul 8, 2013 | Coconut News, News
Sally Butters, Director of Coconut Media, had the great honor of presenting two awards at this year’s ActionCOACH UK Business Awards Gala in London on Friday.
The 2013 ActionCOACH UK Business Awards celebrate the business success and growth of ActionCOACH’s UK clients. Coconut Creatives proudly sponsored the Customer Service and East Anglia Business of the Year award categories. Sally presented Wauton Samuel, who provide a wide range of ICT services to clients in the education sector, with the 2013 Customer Service Award.
And, Climate Control, who have been supplying, installing and maintaining air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment for over ten years, with the 2013 East Anglia Business of the Year Award. Coconut Creatives congratulates all the winners and wishes them further growth and success in the coming year.
Jun 28, 2013 | Clients in the Media, News
Kevin Hadfield
A recent tragedy in Knott-end-on-Sea sparked Ringtons franchisee Kevin Hadfield to take action. Kevin became a true patron of his local community this month by donating a brand new defibrillator. The first of which goes to a local residential park where one resident recently lost their life.
Disillusioned with his former life as a successful Sales Executive, Kevin launched his franchise in March 2012 and as a result of his hard work and dedication, is already ranked as the second most successful franchisee in the Ringtons network!
When tragedy struck and a resident passed away at Willow Grove Park, Kevin decided to take matters into his own hands. He set about raising money and sourcing the valuable training required for this life- saving equipment.
“We are really isolated so it can take anything up to 20 minutes until rescue arrives in an emergency. Thanks to my success with my business, I’m in a position to be able to really give something back to my community. I have lots of loyal customers and friends at Willow Grove. I want to save people’s lives and this gift could do just that! I’m grateful to Ringtons as they have also supported me in this financially,” explains Kevin.
Kevin secured not one but two defibrillators plus training for the next five years from the North West ambulance service. The first is being donated to the Willow Grove staff. The second unit will be placed in a community hall in the local village for maximum effectiveness and coverage of the surrounding areas.
“Kevin is a real inspiration, not only a successful franchisee but a beloved and respected member of his local communities. We’re immensely proud of his achievements and his kindness and generosity really could mean the difference between life and death for local residents,” says Chris Clarke, National Franchise Manager for Ringtons
Coconut Creatives’ client Ringtons, a mobile tea and coffee business, doesn’t just deliver first-class products with exceptional service, it’s now one of the most exciting new business opportunities available! Founded in 1907, the business has a rich heritage of which it is immensely proud and the core business is still family owned to this day. Ringtons is expanding with unique customer-ready franchises in Dorset and Hampshire.
As part of the fully comprehensive training and launch package, new franchisees are guaranteed a minimum of 1,800 new customer orders from day one. The package also includes an exclusive territory, in-depth training programme, £3k of stock, a 3-month deposit on a VW caddy van plus all the equipment needed to successfully launch and run the business.
This press release was featured on a variety of franchise related websites, social media and will be included in upcoming print publications. To find out how Coconut Creatives can help you generate great PR why not
contact us!
Jun 11, 2013 | Clients in the Media, News
Alex Wray
Four new Mac Man have joined Coconut Creatives’ client Mac Tools this month. Alex Wray, James McMurdo, James McCue, and Steve Davis have just finished their initial training and are now off on the road in their respective new territories.
Mac Tools is part of Stanley Black & Decker, a £7+ billion global organisation employing over 30,000 people worldwide and owner of the world famous brands such as DeWALT, Facom and Britool Expert. Over the last three years Mac Tools have achieved 25% year-on-year growth in what is considered to be a flat market.
Training and support are key to the Mac Tools success. Their new development and training programme in Sheffield ensures that not only Mac Tool’s franchisees but also their support staff at the Mac Tools headquarters in Sheffield, receive continuous training that allows them to fully utilise their skills-sets.
“The initial training was very informative and has really increased my confidence in my abilities to run my own business. The ongoing support has also been very good. My business development manager is really helpful, he comes out on the road with me and we get along really well,” says Steve Davis, Mac Tools Worksop.
Mac Tools franchisees are the trusted tool specialists for the professional technician at to car dealerships, automotive repair shops, manufacturing units, and engineering companies. The Mac Tools line consists of over 18,000 professional tools including screwdrivers, ratchets, wrenches, and assorted air tools, as well as its own toolboxes. This really appealed to James McCue and James McMurdo and was key to their decision to join Mac Tools.
“I noticed the Mac Tools van out on the road and so I approached the franchisee, John Booth, who told me about everything that was involved. I am good at sales and passionate about tools, so it is the perfect franchise for me,” explains James McCue, Mac Tools Dundee.
“I was made redundant from my last job and so I applied for a variety of jobs but also looked into running my own business. When I found out about Mac Tools and learned more about the business model, I knew that’s what I wanted to do. I know that with the backing of Mac Tools and a lot of hard work I will be successful,” adds James McMurdo, Mac Tools Dumbarton.
The Mac Tools network of over 115 franchisees is united by a common interest in a variety of motorsports. Alex Wray also has a keen interest in anything with an engine and wheels and Mac Tools’ backing of the superbikes MSS Bathams Kawasaki team as well as the BTCC Dynojet Racing team was also something that appealed to him.
“During my last job as a motorcycle sales man I have been involved with events like the MotoGP. So the Mac Tools sponsorship of a British Superbike Championship team was just another box they ticked for me as they were putting something back into the market. The general setup of the franchise model was really appealing for me and when I met Chris, the Mac Tools Franchise Recruitment Manager, and the other guys in the team it just felt like the right decision. I was looking for something where I can bring all of the skills together that I have learnt in 30 years in the Motor Trade and the freedom of being out on the road by myself and to be my own boss also really appealed to me,” explains Alex Wray, Mac Tools Reigate.
This press release was featured on a variety of franchise related websites and also generated social media coverage. To find out how Coconut Creatives can help you generate great PR why not contact us!
Jun 1, 2013 | Clients in the Media, News
Michael and Claire Welham
Michael and Claire Welham, franchisees of Coconut Creatives’ client OPC, jumped at the opportunity to expand their Original Poster Company (OPC) business recently. They have been successfully operating the Twickenham/Kingston territory since 2010 and decided to build on the success from their first OPC franchise by buying the neighbouring territory as it became available for resale.
OPC is the world’s leading greeting card distribution franchise, operating in an industry worth over £1.4 billion just in the UK. Established in 1991, OPC’s franchise network has had complete UK coverage for over 20 years and is a full member of the British Franchise Association. In the UK, OPC is a great franchise for those with strong management and customer service skills. Over 90% of OPC’s franchisees surveyed agree that their home-based system gives them the flexibility to enjoy family life.
Prior to buying their first OPC franchise, Michael and Claire had become the proud parents of little Daniel, so they were both looking for an opportunity that would not only capitalise on their skills but also give them a great work-life balance. Claire had previously worked in fashion retail management and Michael had been working in the motor industry for many years as dealer principle, most recently for Land Rover.
“After having our son I mainly worked on a part-time basis and when Michael was made redundant at the start of the recession we were both looking for a new challenge. I was working as a merchandiser for OPC in the Twickenham/Kingston area at the time and I could see the potential in the area I was working in. After having a look into it we both saw it as a great opportunity to utilise my merchandising and his commercial skills. It also appealed to us that we would be in charge of our own destiny and decided this was the right next step for us,” explains Claire.
Some of OPC’s franchisees are currently selling their existing territories as they retire or move on to new business opportunities. So, when Michael and Claire found out that the South West London territory was available for resale they seized the opportunity.
“The South West London territory has a lot of development potential and it has a really big border with our current territory in Kingston. So it made a lot of sense for both of us to buy the territory to further expand our business. We can reach a lot more businesses but we don’t have to drive more, allowing us to also continue to grow the area we already have,” adds Claire.
Michael and Claire receive regular ongoing field support from a dedicated Business Development Manager (BDM) who provides them with all the support they need to grow their sales and keep overheads low, whilst achieving great profit margins in both of their territories.
“OPC helped us with the new stock purchases and the development plan for the new territory, which was really valuable to us. With our new territory it’s now all about building relationships and trust with the national account managers in the area to start stocking our cards in more stores. We now know what we are doing so we don’t need the hands-on support we received when we bought our first franchise but we know that if we need any help our BDM is just a phone call away,” explains Claire.
This press release was featured on a variety of franchise related websites and also generated social media coverage. To find out how Coconut Creatives can help you generate great PR why not contact us!
