Franchisee Stories: Overseas Property Franchise

Having worked for Natwest bank for 27 years, Chris Whent was ready for a change.

His wife, Jane, left behind a career in payroll to join Chris in running a Murcia Villas overseas property franchise in La Torre golf resort, in the Murcia region of Spain.

Chris and Jane plan to run the business for at least five years before selling it for a healthy profit.

Starting a business offers many advantages, but improving work-life balance is not usually among them.

However, Chris has led a low-stress existence since buying a Murcia Villas franchise.

FranchiseSalesBlog: How’s life running a Murcia Villas franchise?

Chris Whent: This franchise has improved my life immeasurably.

While we are working hard to build the business, I also have time for golf lessons, Spanish lessons and relaxing at the beach.

Clients often ask us to recommend a good local restaurant. We eat out at least twice a week and go to a different restaurant each time to improve our knowledge of the area, plus it is great fun!

FSB: Any advice to aspiring franchisees?

CW: It is crucial to choose the right territory for you.

Murcia Villas has earmarked several key locations, all of which have vast potential.

We’ve found it beneficial to live within our franchise zone resort.

Being on-site offers more opportunities for networking and getting to know the area.

As a banker, I was always assessing clients’ attitudes to risk.

When we were considering this franchise, I looked carefully at my own attitude and realised that to make a success of this business, I needed to commit to it 100%.

For me, this meant making a clean break from the UK, being realistic and looking to build a
sustainable business over the long term.

FSB: Hugh James, founder of Murcia Villas, how do you think the Whents are doing?

Hugh James: Chris and Jane work well as a team, and teamwork is really important in building the business.

Splitting tasks and activities ensures that more progress in made.

Recruitment plans

Murcia Villas is looking to recruit only a small number of franchisees in 2008 so that key resorts can be serviced in line with the extensive opportunities identified.