Franchising - Case Studies

John Miller

In 1990, after a 10-year career, tactical systems submariner Sub-Lieutenant John Miller left the Navy: ‘To have a lifestyle change, pursue a commercial career and enjoy a better work-life balance; to be in charge of my own destiny.’ He had achieved an exceptional grade in his specialist training as a Leading Seaman and was commissioned shortly afterwards.

Now aged 45, he values an ‘ability to empathise with individuals, to treat everyone with respect irrespective of background, the ability to manage the very best from people, a hard work philosophy working smarter not harder, and the ability to communicate clearly and lead a team. I think a Service career prepares you exceptionally well in terms of your ability to adapt to ever-changing set of circumstances.’

His first job was as branch sales manager for a truck and trailer rental hire company, but he is now the business founder of Atlantic Business resources plc, a cost reduction and cost management company. He has been doing this for just two-and-a-half years and says that ‘it’s not a job – it’s a lifestyle.’

His aim is ‘to lead the company to provide an efficient cost reduction service, with the highest levels of customer service, for companies and organisations using our £5 billion annual purchasing power in 27 areas of indirect costs such as gas, electricity, stationery etc.’ He also intends to ‘create and develop a business which adds real value to a clients business and which empowers our franchisees with a real opportunity to strike a work-life balance with a high standard of living at the same time.’

Published February 08

Michael Manuel

Ex-Corporal Michael Manuel left the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment in 2003 after a 14-year career in which the reconnaissance specialist completed operational tours in Northern Ireland, the Middle East and Bosnia. A knee injury and a desire to spend more time with his family were the principal reasons for leaving while, as an employer, he now values the discipline and leadership skills that he developed in the Army.

He attended a Career Transition Workshop and a basic paint spraying course with Smart Wise, before taking ‘some driving work to keep some money coming in while I set up my business’. For the last three years, Manuel has been running Paint My Ride – a motorbike and car refinishing business that specialises in standard and custom paintwork, airbrushing, art and repairs, to all makes and models, including helmets.

‘We also teach people by running a course in this field and helping them into the business. I like to see the look on a customer’s face when he sees his custom paint masterpiece for the first time.’ He reports ‘less routine in my current job; every day is different. I need to make my own structure now and I find life more stressful as it’s easy to take the Army for granted on how well they look after you. However, I get more freedom and have the ability to plan ahead. I now earn triple my Army salary, but spend it quicker as there is more to pay out for.’

Published March 08