Our Franchisees come from a variety of backgrounds

Helen Wilcox (Preston Branch) was an independent Mortgage adviser, Rachael Webb (Longton and Tarleton Branches) was an IT Consultant, while Claire Barton (Longton and Tarleton Branches) was a housewife before she joined our team.

Claire Barton, Moving Works franchisee with a property marketing office in Tarleton, Lancashire, originally trained as an accountant. She changed career path when she became pregnant with her twin boys, seeking a better life-work balance. A job with Moving Works offered exactly what she was looking for, with its family-friendly business ethos.

Whilst working as a senior sales negotiator at the Longton head office, she realised her potential as a franchisee. She was an employee for three years before she felt ready to branch out on her own. She says: "I saw other people taking the plunge but I never really thought it was an option for me.

Then I recognised that I was in a really good position because, as an
employee, I already knew how the company worked from the inside and what a good proposition it was.

Moving Works supported Claire's set up and their comprehensive training programme equipped her to run her own business. After opening her Tarleton office in 2004, she quickly established a reputation for quality service and the business grew. Two years later she received the Franchise Office of the Year award.

At Tarleton, Claire launched Moving Work's bespoke Platinum Package, created by founder and managing director, Georgina Cox, to provide a superior marketing service for special and up-market properties. The service has been very popular with local residents, helping to build Claire's reputation for exemplary customer service.

Meanwhile, Tarleton has remained the top performing franchised office.
Georgina Cox says: "Claire's success story of moving from employee to employer shows that people can achieve whatever they dream of, so long as they have the right training and support and the determination to succeed.

Claire adds: "Being a franchisee has brought the lifestyle benefits I wanted and I thoroughly enjoy what I do. Moving Works offers great support but franchisees need to work hard to be successful, just like anyone running their own business.

Claire's clients obviously appreciate her too. In fact, one who bought and sold property through her office was so delighted with the service that he presented Claire with a silver trophy that said Moving Works was the best in town.

Now Claire has her sights on gaining Platinum Franchise Office of the Year for 2008. Having achieved her ambition to have her own business, she strongly recommends franchising as the way to do it. She comments: "Buying a franchise has changed my life. I am developing my career but with enough flexibility to enjoy time with my little boys too "