Answering the call
WITH KENDLEBELL YOU GET TWO CHOICES FROM ONE WARD WINNING FRANCHISE

Award-winning telephone answering franchise, Kendlebell, now has two franchise concepts: a sales and management franchise that has a low start-up cost and the original operational franchise. You can take your pick depending on your circumstances and preferences. In these economically challenging times either one offers great potential to the right individuals as Kendlebell’s service has all the traits of a recession-proof business.

“The sales and management franchise opportunity will appeal to those that want to build a business around a tried-and-tested business format, but without having to invest significant sums in the infrastructure needed to deliver our service,” says Kendlebell managing director, Simon Carter. Kendlebell was established over 10 years ago in the UK and now has over 20 offices spread throughout England, Scotland and Ireland. Kendlebell won the prestigious ‘Best Emerging Franchise - 2008’ award from the Irish Franchise Association.

INVESTMENT
Normally a Kendlebell franchise costs £22,500 (plus VAT). However, the company’s new concept costs less than £10,000 (plus VAT). The role involves promoting Kendlebell’s range of services, which have very broad appeal to a wide cross-section of businesses. Franchisees will also be responsible for managing their own accounts and developing relationships with customers over a protracted period of time. "The great thing about our business is the satisfaction we get from working closely with each of our clientsrnsays Simon."We get hundreds and hundreds of referrals from happy customers only too pleased to recommend Kendlebell to other businesses and that helps enormously. We provide a very personal level of service in complete contrast to normal call centres and so we become an integral part of our client's business, which is really rewarding."

There is a cost in buying any franchise, but this opportunity costs less than most. It comes with a package of support that provides an ideal launch platform. Imagine how long it would take to develop your own systems, routines, marketing materials, price structures, operating standards and, above all else, brand.

Kendlebell, the UK's leading personal telephone answering and virtual ofice support service, offers its new franchisees training in all aspects of the business to ensure a positive start. Simon says it is important to look carefully before selecting a business from the range of options in franchising:"You need to be comfortable with the product or service because you're going to be living and breathing this. And you have to be confident in the franchisor too because they can be such an asset with plenty of free consulting advice and experience to offer."


Simon also says it is essential to choose a business in a market that won't leave you languishing as a glorified sales representative who always needs to find new customers merely to stand still.You want a business that can establish regular clients who can grow with you by using you more often or taking more of your services. In that way, he argues, you will have a real prospect of growth.


Simon's tip is to look for businesses that are in big, broad markets, where the quality of the work you deliver increases loyalty and offers you the satisfaction of retaining customers. He explains:"Easily the best way of growing is to expand because your existing customers recommend you to others'.