Franchising
News & Case Studies

NATIONAL ACCOLADE FOR EX-WING COMMANDER

Paul Voltzenlogel, a former wing commander who owns the MBE specialist business services centre in Andover, has been recognised as the most successful newcomer to the franchise's 72-strong UK network. MBE offers a wide range of postal, communication and business services - everything from individual photocopies to shipping and mail box rental.

Announcing the award at MBE's national conference, managing director Chris Gillam said: "Paul has been selected as our most outstanding new franchisee in recognition of his centre's excellent sales results, overall performance and general contribution to MBE in the UK. I am delighted to make this announcement and warmly congratulate Paul on his success."

After 25 years' service in the RAF, Paul opened his centre just a year ago and, already, is in process of buying a second outlet. He commented: "I was amazed to hear the announcement at the conference that we had received the best newcomer award. Naturally, I am extremely pleased and very proud. I expected that the business would start modestly and grow steadily but our rate of growth has been much faster than predicted."

Before leaving the RAF, Paul considered many options. He was very keen to work for himself but, whilst he had plenty of planning and administrative experience, he was accustomed to the support structure of the Services. He concluded that franchising might be just what he was looking for, with all the advantages of being self-employed but with the training, support and advice of a bigger organisation. "I wanted a business that would provide variety, a clean working environment, a reasonable living for my family and a good return on the initial investment. I also wanted more flexibility in my working life," Paul explained.

After exhaustive research, Paul chose MBE, which is the world's largest non-food franchise and has some 4,500 locations worldwide. "I thought I would be successful with this company because it offers an attractive and worthwhile range of services that people need and want to use," Paul commented.

Paul now employs three people, two of whom are former colleagues: manager Gary Petty, an ex-Army Major, who worked for Paul managing the Freight Centre of the Freight Operations department of the DTMA; and Maggie Turner, a former Squadron Leader, who also worked at the DTMA.