18 years later and I’ve never looked back!
Gareth Simpson has been a franchisee with the Premier Education sports franchise group since its very beginning almost 20 years ago. One of the sports franchises longest-standing and most successful franchisees, with Premier’s franchise support he has managed to build a hugely impactful franchise and now provides over 40% of primary schools within his designated franchise territory of East Anglia with sport and physical activity programmes.
After developing an educational programme with Cambridge City Football Club in the 1990s - while studying sports science at university - Gareth was headhunted by the team at Premier to become an early franchisee and help establish ‘Premier Soccer’ - the company's first educational fitness programme. Having existing relationships with over 30 schools in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk, Gareth was the perfect person to nurture Premier’s vision and bring it to life, introducing extra curricula sport to countless children in the region.
“I believe I was the third franchisee to come on board,'' explains Gareth, “18 years later and I’ve never looked back! I had the privilege of really being part of the business development, particularly how it has evolved from Premier Soccer to something so much bigger.
“When new government funding became available for schools, my franchise had the opportunity to pilot the PE curriculum division for the whole company, which was incredibly exciting. We were able to get involved with a host of different sports, reach out to a range of qualified staff and recruit from different backgrounds. Not only has it proved to be incredibly successful, but has inspired better health and wellbeing for thousands of children in my community.”
As someone with a big passion for sports and physical education, for Gareth his franchise is so much more than just a job.
“If you are willing to put the work in it is so rewarding, but for me it doesn't feel like work. No day is the same and the independence and flexibility it allows means your home life can fit in with your job seamlessly. Being able to do what you love and have your own professional business is fantastic.”
Even though Gareth is managing a huge regional franchise and a team of 52, he still has the opportunity to cover for coaches or take part in inspirational assemblies, something he relishes. With the Premier Activate franchise, he gets to have a direct and positive impact on children’s development.
Gareth recommends considering becoming a franchisee rather than going it alone.
“With Premier Activate you are building a future, rather than just living day to day. Premier is always looking forward and evolving, helping you to keep ahead of the competition. They are the best in the country and you have the weight and power of that brand behind you, keeping you ahead of the game.”
“I am really proud of what we do. Premier Activate is a really successful business model and we build close relationships with a large number of schools. All the effort is worth it for the children you inspire!”
Please click here for further information on the children's activity franchise Premier Education