Those who buy coffee outside the office to consume at work will spend the equivalent value of a round-trip plane ticket to Florida every year.
Coffee shops and cafés are businesses that will withstand a downturn – especially if they’re competitively priced.
Cafe2U is the UK’s fastest growing mobile café franchise. Launched in 2005, it now boasts more than 45 franchises across the country.
Steve Dyson was happy to share how he jumped on the van and joined this pioneering espresso adventure.
I advise people looking for a franchise to not be too anxious or negative – if you find a business that looks ‘too good to be true’ don’t dismiss it straightaway; instead think ‘I’ve got a great opportunity here’
BusinessWings: What did you do before you bought a franchise?
Steve Dyson: I was a military photographer in the Royal Air Force, and travelled to Iraq and Afghanistan.
BW: What a transition! How did you manage to go from that to buying a franchise?
SD: When I reached a certain stage in my life I decided to leave my job at the RAF – I wanted to do something different, which would fit into my lifestyle, but I still wanted some enjoyment.
I love photography, but I also love coffee. I wanted to buy a franchise I would enjoy owning, rather then something I had no passion for. Also, this franchise gives me the opportunity to be on-the-go, I don’t like being in one place all day – I like to move about. You should always look for a franchise that suits you – this is imperative.
BW: How long did the franchise process take and how did you go about it?
SD: From researching online to actually owning my own franchise, it only took seven months.
BW: Did you find it an easy process?
SD: Actually it was an easy process, I attended a few meetings and the franchisor showed me around a few of the vans. He also took me out and showed me what the cafe business entailed before I made my final decision.
I advise people looking for a franchise, to not be too anxious or negative – if you find a business that looks ‘too good to be true’ don’t dismiss it straightaway, instead you should think, ‘I’ve got a great opportunity here.’
BW: So how did you make your final decision? What made you decide it was the right franchise for you?
SD: I think it was the professionalism, and the training Cafe2U offered. They provide day-to-day assistance, the van, and the set-up, which made everything a lot easier.
It was an attractive business opportunity, and when it came to the final decision I was 100% sure it was the right franchise for me. I think being a confident franchise buyer is important.
BW: What is a typical day for you now, being a franchisee? Do you feel your job fits in well with your lifestyle?
SD: I normally get up at 6:30am and load the van up with any food and drink preparations. The first van stop is about 8:30am, and I finish my day around 1:30pm. The job keeps you on your toes, and like any business you have to put the effort in to be successful.
However, there are perks to having your own franchise – if you learn to manage your time you can fit the hours around your lifestyle. It’s all about time management – because I’m 44 and have responsibilities, this business model is sustainable.
BW: What would you advise a prospective franchise buyer?
SD: The best advice, I believe, is to look at the business model, and consider what you want to get out of that business model in terms of income, job satisfaction, etc. Study the overheads and compare it with your realistic financial aim – keep in mind what you want to get out of the franchise opportunity.
