The UK’s leading brand in SMART automotive repairs, ChipsAway, is actively recruiting new franchisees to satisfy growing demand.

After a life of camaraderie and routine, many ex-members return from the forces and struggle to settle back into civilian life. However, there is one career path where they seem to thrive. Franchising provides the perfect combination of support, guidance, freedom and flexibility. It’s a proven business model and safe bet for individuals looking to be their own boss.

ChipsAway has been established for over 20 years and are the originators of minor automotive paint repair (SMART repair) technology. In that time, we have built a fantastic reputation for providing high quality SMART car body work repairs such as: minor paintwork scratches, bumper scuffs, dents, and alloy wheel repairs.

The franchise package not only includes unrivalled, comprehensive practical training, but also business mentoring from an experienced franchisee, ongoing franchise development from a dedicated support team, and full marketing and advertising support including national TV campaigns.

As a result of our extensive national marketing campaigns, regular national television advertising, and ever-increasing brand awareness, last year alone we were able to send our franchisees a record-breaking £75,000 worth of leads on average. The rewards for hard-working franchisees really are unlimited. The flexibility of the stable, tried and tested business model means that franchisees can expand as their ambition grows.

So, if you’re driven, ambitious and not afraid of hard work, a ChipsAway franchise could be perfect for you.

Case studies

ANDY DARBY: One such case is Andy Darby. A former Royal Engineer in the Forces, Andy launched his ‘man and a van’ business fifteen years ago. After 11 years in the army, Andy was concerned about the transition from military to owning his own business. Although it seemed daunting, by following the proven ChipsAway business model and taking advantage of the available training and support, Andy had a smooth transition. He was able to expand his business quickly and has now built up a multi-van operation and team of employees to serve his three territories.

“Whilst I had been very self-assured in the army, I knew that running a business was going to be a completely different challenge” Andy said. “I have always been passionate about cars and motorbikes, so ChipsAway seemed like a business that I would enjoy running, even if things got tough. ChipsAway offered everything that I wanted – a great product, excellent training and support along with the potential to grow and expand. It was also important to me to get out and start earning from the moment I finished training and with ChipsAway I was able to do that.”

Andy now enjoys a great lifestyle, drives a top of the range sports car and estimates his net earnings are over three times more than his previous salary! “I’m really happy with the way my business has developed. ChipsAway are a huge organisation with the capability to really support their franchisees well.” Andy enthuses. “I began by doing the initial research, meeting the people involved and taking home the information to mull over. Once I’d decided to commit, I undertook the training, which was excellent. At the end of it, I felt confident and supported to get out into the field and begin work.” As part of their training, new franchisees spend an initial 4 weeks learning the repair process, they are also mentored on a one-to-one basis by experienced franchisees. The initial course is then followed up 3 months later by a further week of more in-depth dent repair techniques. Furthermore, there is also a sales and marketing module which provides a good grounding on selling and running your business.

Within a couple of months, Andy was already earning the same level of income he had as a soldier! But that was just the beginning. Andy now admits to making ‘serious money’ as he heads up a multi-van operation spanning three territories, with a ChipsAway Car Care Centre (fixed-base workshop) and a team of trained technicians providing high-quality automotive paintwork repairs to a growing customer base.

“I really enjoyed being a soldier,” he says, “but I have no regrets whatsoever about my subsequent career choice. I’m more financially stable now than I have ever been! I certainly chose the best franchise and have been very happy with my decision to expand. Being my own boss is great, the rewards are there if you’re prepared to work hard and the satisfaction of seeing your business become increasingly successful is absolutely fantastic!”

Want to find out more about a ChipsAway franchise? ChipsAway hold regular, free, find-out-more Open Days at our West Midlands based Head Quarters. Open Days are very informal and require no presentation or input from you – we simply allow you to make your own evaluation. You will get to see and try out one of our repairs first hand and have the chance to meet a number of franchisees – both new and experienced. Please call 0800 731 6914 to book your place, or visitwww.chipsaway.co.uk/ franchise