Q&A with new Northwood Maidenhead Franchisee - Lingam Raghulan

As a full member of the British Franchise Association, Northwood has been successfully trading since 1995. With a network of over 85 offices and 20,000 landlords, their experience ensures they are able to offer every new franchisee the best possible chance of success.

We spoke to Lingam Raghulan, who opened his franchise August 2015 in Maidenhead, to see how he found the process of becoming a Northwood franchisee.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to setting up your Northwood franchise business?

"I was working for McDonald's as an Operations Manager. I did this for best part of 20 years. I was in-charge of a patch of restaurants located in North and North West London and Hertfordshire and Berkshire."

What made you go down the franchise route? And why did you choose Northwood?

"I always had a passion for property and wanted to set up my business in the property industry. The question was whether I go it alone or do it with the support of a Franchise system. I chose the Franchise route as I knew I could rely upon the tried and tested systems that an established network like Northwood would have in place and the support that I would get would be invaluable in a competitive property market.

"As to why I chose Northwood, from my initial research it did not take too long to establish that Northwood stood out for the training structure and the support network that it had in place. The impressive training suite at Fareham impressed me from the very first visit and this stood as testament to the training and support structure that Northwood had in place."

How did you raise the finance?

"Through a mixture of bank loan and personal finance, the bank loan was assisted by Northwood proving support through a company called Franchise Finance."

What initial training and support did you receive?

"My initial training was carried out at Fareham at the head office and out on the field working with the Franchisees and their teams."

What is a typical day like for you as a franchisee?

"This would be hard to say as no two days are the same.... However, in general a typical day would include dealing with tenants, landlords, vendors and purchasers. This would largely involve going out meeting clients in their properties and on rare occasions in the office itself."

What would you say are the challenges you have faced?

"First challenge was to identify the right office location. Once this was done, when it came to opening the office it was all about acquiring the right calibre of staff to take the business forward."

What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to set up their first franchise?

"Do your due diligence on the Franchisor and be sure that you are opening the office in the right location.... And whatever the sector or industry you choose ensure you are 200% committed to it!"

In your opinion, what makes a successful franchisee?

"The hunger and desire for success, commitment and dedication to the business and perseverance."

What are your plans for the future?

"To grow my current business and be in a position to open a 2nd office in beginning of year four."

Last question Lingam, would you do it again?

"100% yes!"

This year, Northwood are looking for new franchisees to add to the Northwood family.