Working with the Metropolitan Police as a radio engineer in a male dominated environment was always going to be a challenge for a woman, but the life skills Lorraine Verlander picked up during her 20 year stint as an engineer and later a manager, have proved invaluable in running her own No Letting Go inventory management business.
A gritty determination to succeed, a willingness to learn and adapt to changes in environment, coupled with proven communication skills all stood Lorraine in good stead when she made the decision to go it alone in 2009 as a No Letting Go franchisee.
Having risen to a managerial position supervising two teams, Lorraine recognised the limited career progression opportunities in her previous role, and felt the time was right for her to consider running her own show.
Franchising had always been Lorraine's first choice as a means to start her own business but she was keen to identify a franchise which would offer a chance to operate in a totally different culture from the civil service environment that she had been used to. Lorraine was also keen to establish her business in a market sector which presented significant long term growth opportunities.
It was a former Metropolitan Police work colleague who first introduced Lorraine to the No Letting Go concept. Chris Holmes was one of the founder franchisees of the No Letting Go franchise network, which has undergone massive growth.
Chris's enthusiasm for the business combined with the natural fit of Lorraine's skills and experience together with the impressive training and support on offer from head office made the decision making easy for the former engineer. Following a couple of weeks shadowing a fellow franchise owner and an inventory clerk, Lorraine's mind was made up and she signed up to take on the Bexley / Bromley territory on 18th June 2009 – a decision which she now claims is the best move she ever made!
The decision to set up a business via the franchise route has been ratified many times for Lorraine. "You really do get the best of both worlds, the chance to run your own show but with the support and backing of a well established organisation," says Lorraine.
And in terms of quality of life the changes have been equally gratifying "I used to spend three hours of my working day travelling, now I work from a home office, get to see my son off to school on a daily basis and enjoy a far great degree of flexibility in my working life. I had calculated that I might earn back my franchise fee in 11 months but in six months, I had already clawed back my investment and am earning a living out of the business consistent with my previous earnings – but with the added benefit of a greatly improved quality of life. Of equal importance to me is the fact that I now own a prosperous business which is poised to enjoy further growth in the years to come – so I have not only matched my original investment – my investment is continuing to grow – something which is very difficult to achieve in the current economic climate!"
Joanne Wilsden was really impressed with the No Letting Go brand and training programme and purchased Mid Suffolk in 2018.
Rachel Farr is making a real success of her No Letting Go residential property inventory business in Bath.
Ann Ennis tells us that she backs 'Being Your Own Boss' second time around with No Letting Go!
Lisa Williamson's business has proved such a success that she is now working alongside Nick Lyons, Managing Director of No Letting Go.
After just over a year into operating my franchise in this specialised but growing market, I have managed to establish a sound personal client base as well as regular business via 'national contract' arrangements from the Franchisor.Mundeep Grewal, Docklands
No Letting Go has been incredibly supportive on the business and sales side. Nick and the team have helped me build the client base that now brings in an excellent regular income.Alan Percival, Leeds
I am proud to be the founding franchisee of what has proved to be a great brand, it was an excellent decision to invest in the young business and I have now taken on my second area which has enabled me to grow my business further and faster.Chris Holmes, Medway and Sevenoaks
Providing a service to an industry sector that is resilient to economic downturns
Bespoke web based proprietary software system providing complete client management
The only lettings industry accredited franchised inventory business