James Tildesley - CHIPS Chester Le Street

Why I chose franchising?

For a while I had been thinking about the possibility of starting up my own business, but was a bit wary of the risks involved. It became obvious that franchising dramatically reduced the risks involved in starting up a new business.

What I did before taking up franchising?

I worked for a small company selling largely imported and retro videogames through mail order. Going from this into a CHIPS franchise was a logical step for me to take.

How I raised the finance:

Part of the finance came from a loan from my father, the rest was borrowed from the bank.

The training and support I received from CHIPS:

I received two weeks initial training prior to opening, one week in the Middlesbrough store, the second week in the Hartlepool store. Support was also provided by Chips during the first week of opening. Ongoing support is always at hand from anyone at the Chips Head Office, or from any of the existing franchisees who are always happy to help.

The challenges I have faced:

The challenges I've faced have ranged from simple things like getting used to working a six-day week, to keeping on top of the business accounts and completing VAT returns etc. Coping with the busy Christmas period for the first time was also a big challenge, but at the same time, getting through that period was very rewarding.

My advice to someone thinking of buying their first franchise:

Make sure you choose the right sort of business, although taking on a franchise reduces the risks involved in starting up a business, a great deal of commitment is still required to take on the franchise and run it successfully.

My plans for the future:

I want to run Chips Chester Le Street as well as I possibly can and to make is as successful and as popular as possible. In the long term, there is always the possibility of opening up a second store, if the right circumstances were to arise.