Franchisee Case Study

A former haulage contractor and a former store supply manager are driving forward in new careers thanks to taking up the Minster Chauffeurs franchise.

Richard Crofthill, a former MD of a contract haulage company and Steve Wells, a former store supply manager became the first to take up Minster's corporate chauffeur franchise.

Following a knee operation, Richard, 62, of Newton Aycliffe thought he would retire after 15 years of running his own company. But like many people, he soon realised that retirement was not for him and began to look for a new business which seemed to have little risk.

Steve, 43, of Coulby Newham, was made redundant after the takeover of supermarket Safeway by Morrisons. He had worked for Safeway for 20 years, ending his days running a team of ten and responsible for deliveries to 195 stores across the country.

Knowing that redundancy would follow takeover, Steve began to look around for a new career and liked the idea of chauffeuring.

Both chose to go down the franchise route with Minster Chauffeurs and early signs are that they made a good choice.

After a week of intensive training, which included business skills, the pair were ready for business with the black Volkswagen Caravelle Executive MPVs.

Richard said: "I've always liked the service element of chauffeuring and I knew that there was more to it than met the eye, and how right I was!