Bee Smart is a leading and reputable franchise consulting firm operating in the United Kingdom. With a deep understanding of the franchising industry and extensive knowledge of the UK market, Bee Smart offers comprehensive guidance and expertise to aspiring entrepreneurs and businesses looking to expand through franchising. As a trusted partner, Bee Smart provides customized solutions tailored to the unique needs and goals of each client, assisting them in making informed decisions about franchising opportunities. Their current list of brands include PAUL, CUPP, Frurt, Raining Berries, Massage Co, Chai Green, Naan Staap, & Marco Pierre Whites. With a proven track record of success, Bee Smart Franchise Consultant is committed to empowering individuals and organizations to navigate the intricate world of franchising and achieve long-term growth and profitability. In this interview, let us meet the self-made man behind the company, Andy Hulbert – Managing Director of Bee Smart and find out what led to his journey into franchise world and how he remains successful.
1. How did you enter the franchise business?
I fell into franchising by mistake 8 years ago while working in a business development role. The company I was working for wanted to get into franchise and asked me to spend a year to make it happen.
Having spent the previous 20 years in food and beverage, naturally my skill set was aligned to that of food and beverage franchising. After becoming successful within the employed role, I had multiple requests by different companies to help them franchise their business. As a result, bee smart was created, and the rest is history.
2. What are the services that you provide to your clients?
At Bee Smart we offer full franchise ready services from idea, creation and launch to market.
Full marketing, interview & brokerage services.
Business review and troubleshooting.
Marketing and strategy reviews.
International launch
3. What are the criteria that you look for in a franchise brand to be part of your clientele?
As a person I’m very straightforward and black and white. I don’t have hidden agendas and integrity means everything to me. For me to work with a new company I’m looking for exactly the same values. I’m a positive and a nice person but I’m not here to be a ‘Yes Man’ and will always challenge when I believe my client is making a mistake.
So STRONG BRAND VALUES & IDENTITY
4. What makes your organization different from your competitors?
Personalised care and attention.
I get myself deep rooted into the fabric of the business.
I don’t need to sell the franchise opportunity as I become it’s ‘BIGGEST RAVING FAN’ and my passion then shows through.
5. What are the essential qualities that your clients look for in a franchisee?
Majority of Franchisors want some sort of business and leadership experience or some experience in the field they are looking at.
Ultimately you want franchisees with gumption and drive to want to do better. Franchise systems can teach anyone to run a system but no one can train a ‘good attitude’.
6. How long does it take, in an average, for your franchisee to realize their investment?
I would generally say between 18 months – 3 years.
7. What was the major challenge you faced in your career and how did you overcome it?
As an F&B operator for many years, the move up into an operations role is hard to achieve.
After a few rejections I decided to do something about it.
At the age of 30, with a 6-month-old baby and a full-time job I decided to embark on a 3 ½ year part-time Open University Degree in Business.
After graduating, the degree and experience of studying while juggling life helped me onto the path of where I am now.
The moral of the story is, if someone says no to you then work harder, smarter or better until you get what you want.
7.1 What is your best achievement?
Being a father to two amazing children.
8. How does your business day start?
Unfortunately, by wading through a tonne of emails, lot’s of tea then creating a to do list, catch up with Stephanie in the office and crack on with the day!
9. What was your best moment throughout your franchise career?
Probably being voted as a top 20 Hospitality influencer for 2023
10. Where do you see your company in the next 5 years?
I hope that we grow organically, still with the businesses that started with me. I like to see my clients as part of my family and share our success together.
I’d also like to be doing greater International business, especially in bringing International brands to the UK.
11. Any tips you want to impart to our readers who want to be in the franchise industry?
DO IT!!!!!
The ‘franchise family’ is full of great people and people who will give you their time and expertise.
There is no time like now!
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