Internet Franchise Attracting Financial Sector Refugees

Internet franchise ORCA Websites has noticed a surge in enquiries from the world of banking and financial services as professionals seek opportunities beyond the troubled sector.

The company, which provides search engine-friendly, big-brand websites to small businesses, reports a considerable increase on last year in enquiries from entrepreneurs with backgrounds in financial services. In the past three months Orca has handled franchise applications from several aspiring franchisees from the world of finance.

“We're getting enquiries from some extremely experienced individuals within the banking and financial services sectors," says ORCA MD Dean Watmough. "Many also have vital customer-facing skills and have managed the delivery of specific products and services.

“Undoubtedly the economic climate and huge changes in the lending market are behind the upsurge, but the men and women we are speaking to are also seeing this as a huge opportunity to put their knowledge and skills into running their own business in an area where there is real and substantial growth.”

Recent ORCA Website appointments from the world of finance include Warwickshire franchisee Alison Henderson, who hitherto was customer relationship manager at a corporate bank, and Northumberland franchisee Ken Hill, who recently decided to end his career in management accountancy after 25 years. 

Says Alison Henderson: 

“Orca's team of specialist website designers produces tailored sites to enhance the business of particular customers.

"There is never one-size-fits-all – all businesses have unique selling points and specific target customer bases.”

Says Ken Hill:

“I have wanted to run my own business for some time now and had been looking at an internet-focused opportunity because it's a growing marketplace and a powerful tool for improving a company’s results. 

“In the current economic climate it is even more important for companies, no matter how small, to have an online presence.  Even if they're not for selling products online it's a great advertisement for the business, as the first thing people do when looking for goods or services is to search for them on the internet.”

ORCA Websites has 60 franchisees operating across the UK and has a structured territory release programme which they plan to roll out over the next few years.

More information on the ORCA Websites franchise opportunity >>