Career Change

Take advantage of the ‘fresh start effect’ by becoming a SUBWAY franchisee

Many people dream of starting their own business and becoming their own boss, but have yet to take the plunge.

The New Year is one of the best times to start a new career. Known as the ‘fresh start effect’, tying a career goal to a temporal landmark makes you much more likely to succeed.

Changing career and particularly starting a new business can be a daunting prospect, stepping into the unknown from the relative comfort of regular employment and financial stability.

Attractive alternative

Franchising can offer an attractive alternative, providing the autonomy to run your own business, but with the added reassurance that you’re working within a tried and tested business model.

Franchising is growing in popularity and one franchise business that’s benefiting from this growth is the SUBWAY brand. One of the largest and best known franchise brands, there are now over 2,300 stores in the UK and Ireland and more than 44,000 stores in over 110 countries.

Its successful franchise model is enabling thousands of ambitious and entrepreneurial individuals to fulfil their dreams of becoming their own boss.

New SUBWAY franchisees are provided with robust support and training to get their ventures up and running. Every new franchisee attends a comprehensive two-week training course at the UK and Ireland’s SUBWAY training centre in Cambridge.

In addition, regional development agents provide support and assistance on the ground with site selection, leasing, operations and store development. There are also regular opportunities to meet with fellow franchisees and share best practice.

Luke Kendall, a SUBWAY franchisee who owns two stores with his brother, Ryan, and mum, says: “One of the reasons we decided on a SUBWAY franchise was the level of support it offered, which was very reassuring for Ryan and I, especially as we’d never worked in the industry before.

“The SUBWAY brand supported us from day one with everything from the shop fit-out plans to sales growth. If we ever had a question or problem, our field consultant was on the other end of the phone to help.

“If they couldn’t, they’d find someone who could. You always have support there when you need it with the SUBWAY brand - it’s like a big family.”

Starting a new business requires commitment and motivation. Successful SUBWAY franchisees are self-motivated, organised and hardworking. Willing to get involved in all areas of the business, from serving customers and local store marketing to human resources and recruitment, they’re also passionate about the brand.

Expert advice

Stephen Coulter, a SUBWAY franchisee in Belfast, says: “My advice to anyone considering buying a franchise is simple - just do it, but be prepared to work hard and that means being very hands-on in your store, especially in the early days.

“It’s hard work running your own business, there’s no doubt about it, but it’s one of the best things I have ever done and, what’s more important, I really enjoy it. We’re learning new things every day and making the most of all the opportunities.”

The SUBWAY brand is continuing to expand and is always looking for ambitious, hardworking individuals to become part of its success story.