Just over 12 months ago, at Grass & Holm Associates we welcomed our newest franchisee, Michelle Brownsmith to our franchisee network.
Undaunted by the beginnings of a global pandemic, Michelle knew she wanted a better work/life balance and took the decision to leave a position as an employee to set up her own practice.
Rather than set up as an independent, Michelle was attracted to the ‘brilliant compromise’ of her own accountancy practice within the hybrid franchisee model that Grass & Holm Associates offers.
In her own words she described it as being
“your own boss, the business is yours, but you also have a team feel as you have the support of both Fiona and other Franchisees.”
At the start, money certainly concerned her as the thought of not having a regular income was overwhelming. She also doubted her own abilities citing Imposter Syndrome as something that was playing on her mind.
However, with Fiona’s support, she set herself the ambitious target of having sufficient clients to cover her overheads and build her confidence.
And how is she doing, 12 months on?
We are so proud to report that Michelle is almost at full capacity. Within a year she has built her business to such an extent that she has reached and exceeded her client targets. She is still growing and loving every minute.
It just shows that with the hybrid franchisee model Grass & Holm offers, Michelle has felt supported throughout the year and been able to flourish and thrive.
And 12 months on she still stands by the advice she gave to anyone considering the Grass & Holm hybrid franchisee model:
“The first year will be hard. But, remember that the people you will meet through networking and the clients that you will service will be the people that will be eternally grateful. Most of my clients are small owner managed business and they ‘don’t do accounts’. To see their business succeed and come through this year, a year that has probably been one of the most challenging in all our lifetimes, gives you that warm fuzzy feeling that no employer will be able to give you.
I would also challenge anyone who is put off by the thought of buying into a franchise. The Grass & Holm Associates business model means that Fiona doesn’t take a percentage of my fees. Instead she charges a flat fee. In my mind, it is as if I’m renting the name and the brand, with the addition of the amazing support Fiona gives me.”
If you are interested in learning more, contact Fiona on 07835 832160 or via the contact page.