Having spent the last 30 plus years in Sales and Sales Management positions I found myself faced with redundancy for the third time in 15 years, a daunting prospect at the age of 57.

Despite my extensive experience and proven track record of helping businesses to grow I was not having much luck in finding another role with a company that would benefit from the enthusiasm, skills and work ethic that I would bring to them. The big question then beckoned. With 9 years to fill before retirement, what do I do next?

The answer to this question came in the shape of Jules White, franchisor of Business Development Specialists: The Last Hurdle. I was brought to the attention of Jules by the franchisee of Signs Express (Northampton) who was a member of the same networking group in Northampton. Following an initial phone conversation during which we established a good rapport and a subsequent meeting at company HQ in Towcester I knew that I could make a contribution to the growth of the business and build myself a successful business. Subsequently, after seeking advice from many people that I have worked with during my career, I signed an agreement to become Jules’ second pilot franchisee. Following in the footsteps of initial pilot franchisee Trevor Ray, who is now in his second year, could have seemed daunting but the welcome I received on my first visits to the office convinced me that I had made the right decision. The support and guidance is second to none, everyone is tremendously enthusiastic and it easy to see why Jules has been so successful.

Whilst it is early days and I have only just started my training my confidence is sky high and I know that any customers I bring on board will see positive results very early on.

Taking the decision to become my own boss was one of the biggest I have made in my life. Ask me in a year’s time if the decision was right and there will only be one answer. A big, fat YES based on my early experiences.

Tony Mills