From newcomer to Aspray’s top ten in year one

David Payne’s journey as an Aspray franchisee has only just begun, but after twelve months of success he’s already off to a phenomenal start

David Payne’s first year as the owner of Aspray Portsmouth has been nothing short of incredible. It has been a year of learning, growth, and, most importantly, successful claims management.

Ranking fifth for turnover for the final quarter of the year and securing a place in the top ten franchisee league table within the network is a significant achievement, and this milestone is just the beginning of what looks set to be a successful and exciting future in the Aspray network.

Turning challenges into triumphs

Over the course of the last year, David completed many claims. Each was unique and challenging in its own right, but one in particular stood out as a defining moment in his journey so far as an Aspray franchisee. It was a flood claim for two holiday lets, and it was especially significant due to the difficulties the policyholder faced before David and Aspray came on board.

For over four weeks, the policyholder struggled with challenges imposed by the loss adjuster, leading to mounting frustrations and an overwhelming sense of helplessness. The situation had not only affected the physical state of the property but had also taken a toll on the policyholder’s mental health. By the time Aspray stepped in, the policyholder was desperate for support and guidance, and that’s exactly what David provided.

Driving efficiency and meeting deadlines

Aspray’s involvement marked a turning point in the claim’s progress. The difference was immediate and clear – in just a matter of weeks, the strip-out and drying processes were underway, alleviating the pressure that had been building for so long. The policyholder had a target handover date of October to complete the reinstatement, and if this timeline wasn’t met, they faced the painful possibility of cancelling two long-term clients, who visited annually in November. The pressure was on, but David knew that with a well-organised schedule, the deadline could be met.

Ensuring that the reinstatement works ran smoothly meant driving efficiencies, particularly in terms of contractor scheduling and management. David spent time working closely with the contractors, making sure that they were aligned with the target date and had all the resources they needed to meet the quality standards required. This was key to ensuring that the work was completed on time, and ultimately, the deadline was successfully met.

Focusing on business growth and improvement

Throughout his journey so far, David has made it a priority to effectively manage the financial side of the business. Alongside his partner, Nicola, they have dedicated countless hours to overseeing this aspect together. They have been fortunate to receive invaluable support from Aspray’s exceptional accounts team at head office, who provided guidance and assistance whenever needed.

Recognising the need for specialised expertise, they have now decided to expand their team by bringing a bookkeeper on board. This move will not only ensure that the financial side of the business is in capable hands but will also allow David and Nicola to focus more confidently on growing and improving other areas of the business.

Reflecting on a rewarding first year

As an Aspray franchisee, David has learned that success in this business is not just about handling claims; it’s about managing expectations, delivering on promises, and building connections that last long after the work is complete. The challenges he faced in his debut year have only made him more determined to continue growing his Aspray franchise and to deliver outstanding service to each and every client.

Looking back, David’s first year with Aspray has been a rewarding journey, filled with valuable lessons, meaningful achievements and lasting relationships. One of the highlights was attending his first National Conference, which he found incredibly beneficial. It provided him with fresh insights, industry knowledge, and the opportunity to connect with others in the network. He’s proud of what has been accomplished, and he’s excited for what the future holds as he continues to break new ground in the Aspray network.

*Photo shows James Whittle (founder and director) with David Payne (Aspray Portsmouth) during his visit to head office, after signing a five-year franchise agreement.

*This is paid partner content.