Aspray are proud to announce that our very own Jack Parkhouse, owner of the Aspray (London South) franchise, has been shortlisted for the Next Generation Franchisee Award 2021 at the British Franchise Association HSBC Awards 2021.
Taking on a franchise is a challenge for anyone but being hit with a global pandemic just six weeks into trading could have derailed even the most experienced of businesspeople. But not Jack. Instead, he worked tirelessly, adapting his business model to reflect the ever-changing environment brought on by 2020 and his hard work significantly paid off in many aspects of his business.
What it means to be the Next Generation Franchisee?
The Next Generation Franchisee award is looking for “The Young Guns in Franchising”. Those shortlisted for this award have shown they have established a profitable franchise despite their age. Often without a business background, the nominees have shown drive and determination throughout a challenging year.
With a background in construction, Jack has taken on new and daunting tasks since taking on a franchise, often pushing him outside of his comfort zone. “Walking into a networking meeting with around 40 other people is something I’d never done before and it was certainly intimidating. However, I had faith in myself which allowed me to keep going back and ultimately achieve a fantastic result,” said Jack.
His faith in both himself and the business model is what kept Jack pushing to improve, diversify and ultimately, help his customers get their property reinstated after suffering insurable damage despite having many factors against him during the pandemic.
“Failure was not an option for me,” advised Jack “It was an incredible feeling when my hard work paid off and I achieved a first-year turnover of 125% above the company benchmark.
I am honoured to have been shortlisted for this award. As for most, 2020 was a tough year but I feel that working with the team at Aspray head office and being open to sharing ideas and best practise with my fellow franchisees, I have really pushed myself and my business far beyond what I could have imagined.
My wife and children have been behind everything I have done over the past 18 months and, more than anything, I am happy to be building something they can be proud of.”
Promoting Shared Practises
An important aspect of becoming a franchisee is the element of ‘owning your own business but not being alone.’ At Aspray we implement peer-to-peer support across the network, bring our franchisees virtually together as often as possible to discuss what works best for them and how these aspects can be implemented in other locations.
Understanding that the individual benefits from a strong collective brand, Jack has been an advocate for this support, helping other franchisees build their businesses and supporting them where he can along the way. “Since the start, I have taken part in the peer-to-peer support offered through head office. I feel it’s important to be engaged and involved with this type of support. I don’t want to see people in the network struggle and at the same time, it allows me the opportunity to learn and grow from others that do the same job in different ways.”
Who are the British Franchise Association?
Spanning over 40 years, the BFA are the largest non-for-profit trade association for franchising in the UK, whose core aim is to support and influence ethical franchising. As a full member of the BFA, Aspray have proven their franchise has a sustained trading, financial and franchising record.
‘Representing the Diamond Standard in Franchising’
Labelled as the ‘Oscars’ of the franchising world, even gaining a nomination from the British Franchise Association (BFA) HSBC awards is a massive achievement within the franchising industry.
With an expert panel of judges, all with a passion for franchising, the shortlisting really is a credit to the extraordinary success Jack has achieved during his time with Aspray.
The whole company are now keeping their fingers crossed for a win at the awards ceremony taking place on the 30th of November 2021 and for Jack to be crowned as the Next Generation Franchisee 2021.