The Activ franchise: "ticks all the boxes"Running an Activ Web Design franchise can be very rewarding – and not just to your bank balance.

Franchise owner Peter Slegg has helped 50 small owner managed companies gain a valuable foothold on the web.

Peter, 36, bought his web design franchise in Colchester 20 months ago. He assists small businesses and sole traders by helping them market goods and services on the internet.

Peter previously worked in the insurance industry for 13 years handling claims. However, he didn’t want to work for someone else and looked into the possibility of buying a franchise.

FS Blog: How did you come across the Activ franchise opportunity?

Peter Slegg: I did some research on the net to see what options were available and Activ ticked all the boxes, so I decided to invest.

FS Blog: How’s it going so far?

Peter: Within a couple of weeks after buying the franchise I saw a return on my investment, and in 20 months I’ve earned 75% more than I would have if I stayed in the insurance sector – so its going extremely well.

FS Blog: In your experience with Activ, what aspects do you enjoy most?

Peter: I love working with people and helping them achieve their goals. Most of us prefer to work with people we like and trust, so the personal element Activ offers is just as important as the technical and creative aspects.

FS Blog: Tell us more about what the job entails…

Peter: In the past few months I’ve built websites for a vast range of businesses including architects, a gardening business, bouncy castle provider, children’s nursery, a plumber, an electrician, and a football club, a powder coating company, a local politician and a wedding planner.

In fact, there’s even a former rock star on my books! I cover virtually every sector and find everyone’s needs are different; some want an e-commerce site, others just want a standard website, while quite a lot want their sites to be regularly updated.

FS Blog: What marketing techniques do you use to attract clients?

Peter: I am now at the stage where much of my business comes from referrals so I don’t need to advertise, although networking through groups such as BNI has certainly helped me win new clients.

FS Blog: What are your working hours?

Peter: I value being able to take time off when I choose, but also happy to work weekends and evenings to meet client requirements – I make up my own hours. And in my time off I go to the gym as I believe my work requires concentration, so staying in shape mentally and physically helps me stay focused.

FS Blog: Are you happy with the support this franchise opportunity gives?

Peter: Definitely. If I have a problem or an issue I know I can always speak to Simon Rickett and Dillon Boivin at Activ’s head office, whose help and support is second to none.