Name: Neil Harris
Company Name: Smart Cartridge franchise Arklow
Location: Arklow, Co. Wicklow, ROI
Length of time in operation: 2 years

Professional background before becoming a franchisee:
7 years working for a IT Consultancy, started of with field service, hardware software support - LAN WAN Installations, CAT5E, Fibre Optics moved onto office manager over all hardware builds and installation on pc's, servers and comms.

Why did you become involved in franchising: A proven successful package.

Why did you choose this franchise business: background history, no competition in the area.

How did you research the company before setting up:  Smart cartridge was the best package out of three franchises I contacted all doing cartridge remanufacture.

How did the master franchise help you starting a business in Ireland:  Business plan idea's, help with finding a store.

Does the master franchise continue to help you on an ongoing basis: Yes, ongoing support is given along with new products, services, marketing ideas, advertising and technical help.

What difficulties did you face starting off: Financing, and timescales.

How did you overcome these difficulties: Perseverance!

What advice would you give to others who have just started franchising or are looking for a franchise business in Ireland: 

Be prepared to wait when your dealing with auctioneers and banks, but stick in as it worth it.

For further information, please see our listing on this site.