B2B franchise owner

Nigel Botterill understands the importance of have a good team

BusinessesForSale.com: So, Nigel, what did you do before you set up TheBestOf.co.uk?

Nigel Botterill: I left school at 16, joined Barclays and was there for quite a long time. After that I went to work for John Cordwell, running part of his Phones4U empire, and my last employed job was with Car Protection Plan working as an MD.

Working closely with two very successful, self-made entrepreneurs really crystallised in my own mind that I wanted my own train set! So in late 2002 I took the leap and set up on my own, which, without a shadow of a doubt, was the best decision I’ve ever made.

BFS: So tell me a bit about the business franchise...

NB: I started the business eight years ago and there are a number of different divisions and brands to it now. Our head office is based in Solihull, West Midlands but we have franchisees right across the UK and in six other countries.

BFS: TheBestOf won Innovative Business of the Year – what’s the reason for this success?

NB: TheBestOf is the fastest growing UK franchise ever and we’ve got over 400 franchises. There are a number of reasons why it’s been so successful: it’s a very flexible business and it gives franchisees enormous flexibility around their working day, and if you are a social person and enjoy meeting people then it’s a brilliant business in that respect.

Another reason for our success is the earning potential – we’ve got lots of franchisees earning a six-figure income, which is very unusual for a franchise

Another reason for our success is the earning potential – we’ve got lots of franchisees earning a six-figure income, which is very unusual for a franchise.

Also, it offers a complete marketing solution and there’s no one else that does that, which makes this B2B franchise a very compelling proposition for franchisees to take out into the marketplace.

BFS: And I understand the Entrepreneurs Circle is another business in your portfolio – tell us about that...

NB: The world is moving very fast and things are constantly changing, nowhere more so then in business – and you have to keep up with this fast pace. I set up the Entrepreneurs Circle to mentor and coach UK business owners.

The Entrepreneurs Circle has become a resource centre where people can get whatever support they need to make their business a success, so business owners can enjoy and realise the ambitions they had when they first set out in business.

BFS: What do you credit as the biggest influence in your success?

NB: There are one or two people in particular who I’ve learnt a lot from, and I think learning is key. I’ve also got a very strong team around me now; there are over 40 people in our head office and I’ve got a management team of five guys and we’ve done a lot together.

No one achieves prolonged, sustainable success in business on their own. My team have been a key factor in everything we’ve achieved.

Passion and enthusiasm are also important. I love my work and I think that shows and people warm to that. If you can be passionate, have a dedicated work ethic and wake up early enough, you can have a lot of success.

BFS: Do you ever fear you may be stretching yourself to thin?

NB: Yes, that can be a danger. We’ve built five separate million-pound plus businesses in the last five years and launched another one last September, which had the most successful launch of all our products. But I’m in a situation now where I have a team of people who help to make these things happen.

I think all entrepreneurs love the bright, new, shiny things and that’s what keeps us going. New opportunities are all around us and I’m sure I’ll be striving to get my share of them in the months and years ahead.