From doom and gloom to a Belvoir franchise

Lee Shuell

“When I was made redundant last year it knocked me for six,” says Lee, who opened Belvoir Oldham in November 2008.

“I worked for a large mortgage company and when the market changed there were many redundancies. I was one of the unlucky ones and was devastated.

“I got the call when I was on holiday so I had plenty of time for reflection and my family supported me. Once home I rang around my contacts and registered with recruitment companies but although I had numerous interviews it just didn't happen for me.

“I'd always wanted to work for myself and the property industry interested me so I started considering investing in a property franchise. I've got my own buy-to-let property and plenty of contacts in the industry from my mortgage days. Plus, I knew there were a high proportion of rental properties in Oldham so a lettings agency seemed the perfect solution.

“After finding Belvoir’s website I had a chat with one of the team and was very impressed with the tremendous support they give to their Franchise Owners. I knew straight away it was the right company for me.

“ When I opened Belvoir Oldham last November I was nervous but it has been great. As soon as the phone rang for the first time I knew I'd done the right thing.

“I've gone from being an employee to an employer and it’s certainly challenging but I’m thoroughly enjoying it. Each day is busy, which is very encouraging, and I'm pleased with the number of properties I’ve taken on - and let - in such a short space of time.

“In the longterm I want to grow the business quickly, employ more staff and become the biggest and most recognised residential lettings agent in Oldham. I may eventually open sub offices around the Oldham area too...

"From out of the doom and gloom of redundancy can come great opportunities. There's currently such fierce competition to get a job you have to look outside the box and create an opportunity for yourself.

“Opening Belvoir Oldham really is the best decision I’ve ever made. I'm working hard but I'm working for myself and my family now and there's a lot of satisfaction in that. I’m really happy!”

Redundancy to franchise success stories

From redundancy to a Clive's Easylearn Pop Music School franchise

Having been made redundant twice in the last 3 years, it occurred to Sharon McCarthy that her destiny was not really in her hands but in those of someone else.

Find out more

Changing her existence through franchising with Oscars

After 23 years with the Bank, the last thing I thought I would be working with was pets. Redundancy was on offer and the family saw this as the opportunity to try something different. Dawn also wanted her own challenge as being a housewife and mother to our three children meant that a joint business venture would change her existence.

Find out more

Firing on all cylinders with Auditel franchise

In June 2009, Warwick-based Tim Latham launched a new career, joining Auditel, the cost & purchase management franchise. He spent 15 years in the automotive industry, working in various sales and marketing roles, most recently responsible for launching the award-winning Jaguar XF in the UK.

Find out more

The grass is greener with TruGreen franchise

Five years ago, husband and wife, Bob and Anne Anderson were presented with a life changing opportunity when Bob was made redundant.

Find out more

Dramatic change of life with Rosemary Conley franchise business

Elisa Clark, the Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs franchisee for the Wellingborough area, found that her life changed dramatically after she made the decision to become a Rosemary Conley franchisee in 2002.

Find out more

From redundancy to TaxAssist Accountants

Just five months after being made redundant from his well-paid finance job, Nick Brook joined TaxAssist Accountants moving straight to shop front premises in Huddersfield.

Find out more

Franchising After Redundancy

whichfranchise

British Franchise Association