Networking skills make it ‘seam’ easy for consultant tailor Tony Carr

For Tony Carr, there are times when his business feels far from hard work - he's used his love of making new contacts to great effect and says those people skills are the most important fit for Suit the City franchisees.

He says: “I'm networking several times a week and when you enjoy that, it doesn't feel like work at all! I love helping business people and networking, it's a lot of fun.

“You're not a tailor. When people ask me if I make the clothes, I say I ran Mothercare for 10 years but I've never given birth! It's a marketing and lead generation role. You need to be outgoing, professional and trustworthy.

“Winning new business in this franchise isn't about advertising, it's about building relationships. Every month I make lots of friends and new contacts and continue to develop those from earlier meetings. It's genuinely great fun if you enjoy meeting people and working with them.”

That feeling is helped by the relationship he enjoys with Suit the City directors Carol Rawson and Sallie Belton.

“It's a lovely franchise and you couldn't wish for more friendly franchisors,” Tony says. “Carol and Sallie are so committed to the business. They treat the franchise like their baby, you can see how much they enjoy it and the passion they have.

“They would bend over backwards to help you. Nothing is too much for them.”

As for the potential? Tony adds: “If you get it right, you can make a good return on your investment - recently I had a woman spend over £2,000 followed by another who spent over £1,500.

“That won't be the case every day though! There are peaks and it's important for franchisees to plan ahead and take care of their business and cash flow.”