What is your background?
Most recently, prior to leaving the bank I worked as a Commercial Manager, and I was responsible for 200 high net worth Business Customers, with turnover from £550k to £5 Million. 

Can you tell me a bit about choosing to take redundancy and how this led to the Greensleeves franchise opportunity?
I actually took voluntary redundancy in Dec 2009. We were, following the financial crisis all asked to reapply for our roles. We were also given the opportunity to apply for voluntary redundancy. Whilst I was confident that I would be given a role following the re-structure, I thought it was an ideal opportunity to look at other avenues, as in truth I could not picture another 20 years working in the banking industry.
 
Where did you first hear about Greensleeves?
Following my decision to leave Lloyds TSB I attended a franchise exhibition in Birmingham and met David Truby, Phil Paddock and Jimmy Wilson Petch there.
 
What made you decide that Greensleeves was the franchise for you?
I was aware that grass care is a fast growing (excuse the pun!) market - at the time it was the second fastest growing franchise in the UK. I was impressed by the Directors - I met all three on the day. I appreciated their easy manner and they appeared very above board.
 
Did you consider any other franchises?
Yes I did - I actually visited the exhibition with a view to looking at finanace franchises - in truth the conversations I had made me go cold ( more of the same!
 
What made you want to own a franchise?
With a long career working for a large corporate organisation I had decided that - whilst I wanted to run my own business I wanted the help and support a franchise offers.
 
What do you like about running your own business?
Flexibility and not having to constantly answer to someone else!
 
What age are you? Do you have a family? Will they be getting involved in the franchise?
I am 44 years old . I am married with 2 children - Nathan aged 12 and Mia aged 7. In truth I cannot see either of them wanting to get involved with my business - but - who knows?
 
What were your first experiences of running a franchise like?
My first year was actually easier then my second from a financial point of view as I still had some redundancy funds left in year one. I was amazed how quickly the business grew - I was flat out within a month of joining!
 
What is your anticipated turnover for the year?
I am forecasting annual Turnover of £65K in year 2.
 
Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
The business will be coming up to 5 years old by then - I will be disappointed if I have not got 1000 customers (currently I have just over 300 ) and  hope to have 2 other vehicles on the road as well as mine.