Owning it

Myles Bull achieved his goal of running his own business, thanks to Subway

Subway is the world’s largest franchise network, made up of thousands of entrepreneurs. Each Subway store is individually owned and operated by franchise owners, who are members of the local community and committed to contributing to their local economy.

Subway’s franchise model has helped many entrepreneurial individuals become franchise owners and take control of their own work-life balance. Could you be next?

Career plan

Myles Bull became a franchise owner at the age of just 26. For Myles, a career in franchising was always the plan and he began researching franchise opportunities while at Sheffield Hallam University, where he undertook a degree in business and enterprise management.

Myles explains: “I’ve always wanted to run my own business and franchising seemed like the perfect way to achieve this. In the first couple of years, many new start-ups fail and it’s very difficult to make a profit. With franchising you can hit the ground running using a tried and tested business model.

“What’s more, with a franchise like Subway there’s an established customer base and excellent brand awareness. There’s also a strong support network in place. It’s the ideal model for entrepreneurial individuals who want to start their own businesses, but with the added reassurance that they’re joining a proven system.”

Training and support

Like all franchise owners, Myles attended a two-week training course at Subway’s support centre in Cambridge, which included both theoretical content in the classroom as well as time in a store.

“The training was really helpful and it was fantastic to be able to put this into practice once the store opened,” he says. “But the support does not stop there. The ongoing advice and guidance provided by the business development team is invaluable. They are always there at the end of the phone or email, whatever time of the day or night, to respond to questions and provide assistance.

“The business development agent and business consultants are very experienced and more than happy to share their knowledge to help every franchise owner get the most out of their businesses. They regularly visit the store and even helped with training my staff.”

Subway franchise owners work hard, particularly in the early stages, to get their stores up and running.

“I have much more responsibility than I did as an employee, but I definitely have more freedom and flexibility too,” Myles says. “I’m investing the time and hard work now and planning for my future, so hopefully I have more time and financial security when I’m older and have a family of my own.”

Advice for would- be franchisees

Myles has the following advice for anyone thinking of joining the Subway franchise: “Make sure you undertake due diligence. Once you’re sure it’s the right franchise business for you, you need to find the right location for your store. Consider the property, its location and the likely footfall. You also need to think about where your staff will be coming from.

“I certainly have no regrets about becoming a Subway franchise owner and I’m optimistic and excited for the future.”

With new and existing store opportunities available throughout the UK and Ireland, Subway is keen to hear from hard-working, entrepreneurial individuals who want to join one of the largest and most popular franchise brands.

At a glance Subway

Established:

1965

Number of franchised outlets:

43,000 globally

Location of units:

worldwide

Investment range:

£85,570-£221,240

Contact:

call 0800 0855 058 (UK) or 1800 413 076 (Eire) subwayfranchising.com