‘Pigs might fly’ but hopefully ‘there’ll be no trouble ahead’ for James Hill, the man behind some of TV’s most successful ad campaigns, who talks to FranchiseSales.co.uk about running his own marketing franchise.

Before joining nxo, the UK's first marketing franchise, James, a marketing MBA, was UK marketing director for Zurich Financial Services. A 20-year career leading above-the-line campaigns such as Allied Dunbar’s ‘There May be Trouble Ahead’, Zurich’s ‘Flying Pigs’ and the Zurich Premiership Sponsorship programme.  James was therefore more than qualified to take the reins of a marketing franchise.

FS: What are the benefits of owning your own marketing franchise and being part of nxo?

James Hill: Every franchisee is free to determine their level of input into the business.

The nxo franchise network offers the franchisee access to expertise outside his or her area of experience.

This could mean acting as an account director or practising consultancy in his or her area of expertise.

With a full range of tactical marketing communications services delivered through the nxo Creative Hub, nxo franchisees take a more strategic lead with delivering services.

How do your clients benefit from working with a franchise as opposed to a non-franchised business?

It broadens my proposition and strengthens my delivery capability, providing greater credibility and confidence for my clients.

This unique ‘knowledge pool’ adds value to the nxo offer to franchisees and the franchisees’ offer to clients.

And what are the personal benefits?

I enjoy a high degree of personal and financial independence – but also a sense of being part of a team, belonging to a community of likeminded individuals.

I have the benefits of being part of a bigger business – but without the organisational or financial constraints.

Explain some of the challenges you face?

On occasions being a deliverer of marketing as opposed to being a specifier can be challenging and I have had to learn new skills – but it’s fun!

There is an adjustment required in working independently for a large proportion of my time.

What were the biggest surprises with owning a franchise?
 
I guess I’m surprised I didn’t do this earlier – with the benefit of hindsight I should have.

Any words of wisdom for someone contemplating buying a franchise?

Plan – but be prepared to adapt and learn.

Keep proper records of activity, monitor your time and be rigorous in assessing both.

Build relationships with other franchisees and share ideas and thoughts.

Check out the nxo marketing franchise opportunity

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