An award-winning national franchise is now looking to recruit the ideal person to represent the business in theLondonarea thanks to a rapid growth in demand for its services.
Multi award-winning Simply Bows and Chair Covers – specialists in hiring bespoke chair covers, table linen, sashes and other accessories for weddings, private parties and corporate events- was established four years ago by entrepreneur, Sarah Pittendrigh. The franchise operation launched in 2010 and already has 11 franchises in areas including Berkshire, Harrogate, Aberdeen and Dundee and across the North East of England.
Sarah, who has gone from being bankrupt to running an award-winning franchise business in just two years, established Simply Bows and Chair Covers in 2008 after discovering a gap in the market for stylish, high-quality chair covers and linen whilst helping to organise her brother’s wedding.
Until recently, Sarah- who herself runs the County Durham franchise and has already carried out over 200 events this year- was managing London enquiries herself. However, due to a rapid growth in demand, this is no longer possible.
Simply Bows and Chair Covers’ management team has started conducting interviews with people interested in running the London franchise and looking after a number of high profile venues and 5* hotels.
Sarah Pittendrigh explained: “Since the start of the year, enquiries from London-based venues have dramatically increased and I can no longer cope with the level of interest myself. The London area is a ready-made market for the right franchisee as there is very little in the way of competition and we’ve started to meet with people who are interested.
“However, we’re yet to find the right person to represent the brand and deal with some of the most exclusive hotels and venues in the UK. We really need someone with the skills, experience and understanding of the competitive London marketplace.”
In the last 12 months, Simply Bows and Chair Covers has experienced a 50% increase in the number of new enquiries from potential franchisees- mainly from people leaving the corporate world seeking a better work-life balance, wanting to run their own business but with the support of an established brand.
Sarah Pittendrigh, who is now on target to open 30 Simply Bows and Chair Covers franchises by 2015, has won a series of awards since establishing her business in 2008*.
Next month (November), Sarah will represent the North East England region in the finals of the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) Chamber Awards 2012 inLondonin the Most Promising New Business category thanks to her ongoing success and growth over a short period of time.
Sarah, who is Mum to 13 year old William and is also a passionate about horse-riding, has these tips for success:
- Write a clear business plan and thoroughly research your market – identifying potential competitors and defining your USP.
- Create a brand with clear brand values and stick to them – you need to stand out from any competition and remain consistent.
- Identify any local funding/grants to support you at the start-up stage and through the growth stages.
- Passion sells your brand – if you don’t believe in your product why should anyone else?
- Don’t totally absorb yourself in your business. It is important to have ‘me’/ ‘family’ time, allowing you space to come back to your business fresh and clear in mind.
- Set regular objectives/mile stones and evaluate your success and progress.
- Keep on top of your accounts – cash is King!
* Awards include:
- Newcomer of the Year in the North East Business Awards which recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements of companies across the whole of the North East of England. Sarah beat off competition from hundreds of entrants for her bold decision to franchise her company.
- Franchise Marketing Awards- best website finalist, second only to McDonalds.
- Winner of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum’s Business Growth Award 2011.
