Slice Of Success

Becoming your own boss is something many of us dream about. One route to operating your own business is via a franchise – something Aberdeen pizza boss Ian Smith thoroughly recommends.

(Friday, December 19, 2008) - IAN Smith from Newmachar in Aberdeenshire spent 18 years in the oil industry before he decided to pursue a career with more of a commercial focus.

Since taking on his first Domino's Pizza franchise he has never looked back.

He had been looking into various brands that he could become involved with, and the national pizza chain jumped out at him as at the time, there were no outlets in the north-east.

Being his own boss was something that very much appealed to 48-year-old Ian and still remains as a key influence for him.

Ian and his wife Miriam invested £250,000 in each start-up, beginning in 2003 with a Domino's branch in Kittybrewster, an outlet which is regularly named best performer in the UK.

Domino's Torry opened in 2005, followed by another store in Inverness in 2006 which he sold a few months later so he could concentrate on his Aberdeen branches.

A third branch opened on the Lang Stracht, and he has plans to open a fourth outlet in the northern side of the Granite City next year which will allow him to deliver to every address in the city centre.

Ian, who now employs more than 100 staff said: "I have really good management teams in each of my stores that I can rely on to keep each store running smoothly.

"I only live 15 minutes away from any of the stores and meet regularly with the staff to ensure we're communicating and the business is operating successfully, for customers and staff alike."

On running a franchise he said: "It means I have a flexibility that I wouldn't have had in any other job. I can come and go as I've got a manager in each store who knows I'm only a phone call away.

"I would definitely recommend taking on a franchise.

"It's really hard work, especially in the early years, and takes a lot of commitment but it's definitely worth it.

"To be a successful franchisee you need to keep your staff and customers happy – it's a very simple formula.

"After travelling extensively for many years, laying my roots back in the north-east by setting up a business here was something I was very eager to do.

"It's been a phenomenal few years for me and my staff. Owning one of the top-performing stores in Scotland makes me immensely proud."

Domino's Pizza currently has 38 stores in Scotland, owned by 17 franchisees. The first store opened in Scotland in Glasgow's west end in December 1996. The first Aberdeen store was the 17th to open in Scotland.

The company is on the hunt for new franchisees to take on stores across the UK.

With unemployment on the rise and many companies laying off staff, Domino's is keen to speak to anyone interested in taking their career in a new and tasty direction.

Head of franchisee recruitment, Andy Hirst, said: "As part of our expansion programme, we are looking to recruit talented people who are interested in taking on a Domino's franchise.

"Applicants will need drive and enthusiasm, be great with people, and have a commitment to delivering fantastic customer service.

"The cost to a new franchisee is around £250,000 and applicants will need access to around £100,000 of their own money. The good news is that as we have a proven, successful business model, banks are still keen to provide the additional funding required."

For further information visit www.dominos.uk.com/ franchising or contact Dawn Power on 01908 580657.

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