With no background in plumbing, Stuart and Angela Randall decided to start their own plumbing franchise. Two years on and they haven’t looked back since
Having spent more than 30 years in the banking sector between them, Stuart and Angela Randall decided it was time to start enjoying the rewards of their hard work for themselves. Starting their own plumbing franchise with YourPlumber has lived up to their expectations - and more.
The first two years in business have been undoubtedly successful for the husband and wife team, whose takings in year one were almost double what they forecast in their original business plan. Having just completed their second year, their turnover increased by 61 per cent on the first year - a remarkable achievement in the current climate.
Frustrated
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Having just taken delivery of a third van and employed another new staff member, Stuart looks back on how their journey began: “As a business bank manager, I was becoming frustrated with the corporate world and the changes being made meant decisions and control were being taken out of my hands.
“We started looking at different options. Our careers at the bank had given us a lot of the key skills we needed to run a business and we felt it was time to use them. We also knew though that we’d need support moving into a new industry, which is why a franchise seemed perfect.
“Once we’d decided on the franchise route, we just needed a viable industry and a proven partner with expertise. We found both with YourPlumber. We knew plumbing had a reputation for high earnings but, equally important to us, was the nature of the business. We wanted something that was going to always be in demand and sustainable for our family and plumbing fitted the bill.
“The management franchise particularly appealed, not just because of our backgrounds, but because we were keen to grow a business that employed staff so we could enjoy higher returns than a business that was limited by just the two of us.”
The current economic climate might have put many people off going into self employment, but is was not something that deterred these two. Stuart reflects: “Leaving the security of employment and a salary was daunting for us. Our biggest fear was that the phone wouldn’t ring and we wouldn’t have any customers. As it transpires, nothing could be further from the truth. We’ve been busy ever since day one and the business has continued to grow. Angela actually stayed with the bank initially, but business took off so fast that she’s left now to work in the franchise full time.”
So without plumbing backgrounds, how have these two been so successful in running a plumbing business? Stuart attributes this to two things: “Being part of YourPlumber and the amount of hard work we’ve both put in.”
Angela adds: “The training and support we’ve received from head office has been fantastic. If we ever need support, all we do is pick up the phone, whether it’s for sales and marketing, IT, accounting or recruiting staff. Plus we can always call on the experience of other franchisees in the group who have been so helpful and supportive.”
“We’ve also had to work incredibly hard,” Stuart explains. “In fact, we’re only just about to take our first holiday for more than two years.”
That’s been a big difference from their previous careers, but not one they regret. Stuart says: “We knew a lot of hard work was going to be needed and still will be. But it’s different when you actually see the rewards of your own hard work.”
Standards
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The management nature of a YourPlumber franchise is something that appealed to Stuart and Angela from the start. “Service standards at YourPlumber are exceptionally high, which is unique in the plumbing sector,” Angela says. “As a managed franchise, we are able to ensure these standards are met. One man bands just don’t have the resources to do everything that’s required in growing a business and customer service is usually the biggest casualty. We’re able to instil the same beliefs in our staff, which is fast earning us an excellent reputation among customers in our area and has helped build a loyal base of customers who keep returning to YourPlumber.”
What does the future hold for this entrepreneurial couple? “Continued growth,” says Angela. “We’ve got a good team and solid foundations after two years to keep growing our business. Plus there are some exciting developments from head office that should open new markets for us in the coming months.”
When asked if there was anything they would change, Stuart’s reply was quick and simple: “I only wish we’d done it years ago. We could not be happier.”
