Training franchise growing in numbers

Pitman Training Group announces three new appointments to its headquarters team and 10 new franchise partners in the space of six months

As Pitman Training Group marks the 176th anniversary of the leading, independent training brand, it has showcased the franchise model as a prosperous legacy, announcing the appointment of not only three integral members of its headquarters franchise support team, but also 10 new franchise partners - all within the first half of 2013.

Simar Bharaj has been welcomed back to a new role as financial director, having rejoined the business after six years away. Simar says: “Returning to the group head office, I see a business that is fully embracing and investing in new technologies to achieve efficiencies and enhance the business offering. There has also been investment in developing highly capable teams to support franchisees with all their marketing and customer support needs.”

Momentum
————-

New franchise development manager Gary Norgrove adds: “There is support from all areas of the business at every turn and cooperation to help the momentum of each individual business. This was particularly evident at the recent regional meetings, where a host of new products and services were announced to the franchise base.”

Joining the product development team, Anna Rozyk is an ex-training manager from one of Pitman Training’s busiest London centres. She explains: “The training materials are comprehensive, clear and easy to follow, with pre-recorded audio to guide students through their studies. It’s this high standard of guided material that assists franchisees with the day-to-day running of their centres.”

Pitman Training managing director Claire Lister is delighted to report network growth through new franchise partners in Harrow, Cardiff, Swansea, Birmingham, Chelmsford, Croydon and further new centres opening within the coming months in Islington, Crewe and Coventry. In addition, the company has enjoyed some exciting global developments, with recent business agreements in place for Budapest, Tripoli and further international expansion expected to be confirmed shortly.

“Pitman Training Group have a long and proud history,” Claire says. “Having been franchising for over 20 years, we offer new partners the opportunity to join a mature franchise with a well established reputation for outstanding product development. Our strong marketing team dedicate their strategies to making sure we drive business to our network.

“Our centres are supported by a highly experienced sales-oriented team of franchise development managers, who are in place to aid the new franchise partner as they go through the initial trading phase, and they will be there for them throughout the term of their agreement, advising them on all aspects of their business.

“Meanwhile, back at head office our team of customer support advisers are there to assist you in any aspect of both our course delivery or any other day-to-day business matters - and even outside normal working hours our management information system is always there to support you whenever you need it. Our commitment is exemplified by the recent formation of an operational board, bringing together the experts in the prime areas of our business to better support and build business for our franchise network.”

Qualities
————-

What qualities does Pitman Training require from new franchise partners? Are you business-minded and financially aware? Do you appreciate the importance of sales and marketing? Would you say you were customer focussed? Do you want to be a business builder? Are you willing to commit and participate in a strong franchise partnership?

Strong sales skills would be an asset, although not a prerequisite, as franchise partners come from a range of backgrounds, including sales, marketing, leadership, teaching, business ownership and the armed forces. Everyone has something they can offer the business, according to Pitman Training, and what they don’t have the company says it can train.

Franchise fees start at £22,500 and rise to £35,000-plus, depending on the size of the franchise territory. Pitman Training has a number of UK franchise and resale opportunities available, as well as a rapidly expanding international terrain.