Laura Procter - HJ's 2012 Franchisee of the Year
Laura Procter of Westrow, West Park talks about the winning formula that made her HJ's 2012 Franchisee of the Year.
Tell me about your career with Westrow before becoming a franchisee.
I
joined Westrow in 1999 as a stylist at its Victoria Quarter salon in
Leeds. I was there for a year before moving to the salon at 2-3
Thornton's Arcade, Leeds, where I was assistant manager for two and a
half years. I then moved to 18 Thornton's Arcade in 2003 where I was
manager for three years, until I opened Westrow West Park as a franchise
in 2006.
What attracted you to the brand?
I
was instantly attracted to Westrow as a brand - the staff looked cool
and I loved the creativity of the business and the buzz of the salon. My
interview was with director Steve Rowbottom who was so genuine and
talked passionately about the future. I had a gut feeling about him and
the company. It's opened a door that I can't ever see closing.
Why become a franchisee?
Directors
Steve Rowbottom and Marc Westerman have always instilled a passion
before profit approach to business and chose a sustainable business
model within a field that they are both incredibly passionate about. I
loved the ethos and as a result I have adopted the same discipline to my
business.
Why do you think you were awarded HJ's Franchisee of the Year?
I
am strategic in my development of the business and my team and
constantly encourage people to reach their full potential. To flourish
as a business, it's imperative everyone works together to accomplish the
same end goal. I am truly motivated by their success. Cultivating a
winning team is good for Westrow as a business and great for West Park
as a franchise.
How does being a franchisee have an advantage over being a totally independent salon?
Running
my own business was always my goal, but running it within the Westrow
framework has offered me measurable systems and training to ensure I
have the tools to run it successfully. After 26 years of experience,
it's a proven, award-winning business format with tried-and-tested
systems of operation.
What plans do you have for the future of the business?
Our
salon's win at the 2012 L'Oréal Colour Trophy was the result of months
of hard work, dedication and discipline that will pay huge dividends.
At
present, I am looking for the right unit to open my second franchise in
Street Lane, an affluent suburb in North Leeds. After that - the sky's
the limit!
