Susan Lake - Stafford

Why I chose franchising
I was looking to set up on my own, but could not decide which route to take. I sent away for the British Franchise Association's franchise pack and after reading through it, I decide that franchising offered great support and expertise. Though a little more expensive at first, I thought I would be more likely to succeed as a franchisee.

What I did before taking up a franchise
I was already self-employed as a Driving Instructor. I was used to long hours and hard work but decided I needed something which could involve my family.

How I raised the finance
I already had my husband's backing, but I still needed to raise the extra capital. It is always nervewracking to talk to a bank manager, but Steve Shaw at the Nat West Business Centre looked over the business plan CHIPS arranged for me and was more than happy to give the bank's support.

The training and support I received from my franchisor
Everyone at CHIPS has been great, from Joint MD Don McCabe sorting out the stock to fellow Joint MD Nik Agar overseeing the shopfit. My son Andrew and I did two weeks pre-opening training at head office which was invaluable and we had Nik and a manager with us when we first opened. Help is always only a phone call away, although in the early days they had to go through it all step by step. CHIPS organised everything and all I had to do was walk into my shop and start trading.

The challenges I have faced
Starting a business is always a worrying time, you have to go over all the "what ifs". Personally, my biggest challenge at first was product knowledge. I knew nothing about video games but between CHIPS, my son Andrew, who manages the shop for me, and the customers, a year on my knowledge is expanding rapidly.

My advice to someone thinking of buying their first franchise
There is no shortcut to long term success. Being self-employed you must be prepared to work hard and make a few sacrifices, but having a lifeline like CHIPS to back you up helps you to sleep a little better. Franchising is not for everyone so you have to do your homework and make sure you find the right one for you. Franchising is like a marriage both sides have to be able to work together for the benefit of all.

My plans for the future
Later my son would like me to open more CHIPS stores, but just for now I am happy to build on the success we have already.