What Our Franchisees Say...

I have worked my whole career within Urban & Rural branches, working for many different offices and different directors, i soon reached a point where i felt i had the experience and know how to operate my own estate agency, I obviously looked around at various options with other franchise companies and the possibility of starting a fresh new brand. It was only after meeting with Craig & Mark that i knew this was 110% the right option for me, what helped with my decision massively was the support they gave me when opening a new franchise.

For me this side of things was very daunting but their help and experience was so valuable at the time, I knew how to operate an office and get a team hitting targets but everything else such as running costs, securing a premise’s, understanding the terms of a commercial lease among many other things these were things i was out of my depth with if i am honest, Both Craig and Mark were there to advise at all times right down to narrowing potential office locations, I can honestly say our business would not be where it is today without this initial support we had.

Safe to say this support is on going with regular meetings that we have with them to analyse our place within the market and to run through some fresh idea’s etc, some people will look at Craig & Mark as just franchisors but they are both fantastic estate agents with their fingers very firmly on the pulse which make them such a good sounding board for any ideas or initiatives we would potentially consider running as a branch, Having your own ideas is also the other great thing about Urban & Rural franchising, We genuinely get to run it as our own business, I think Craig and Mark very much understand that every area does vary with what works for them but the one thing that is always in place with all of our franchises is the structure, branding and support that we need to make a successful business.

It is not only Craig & Mark who offer support to us though, we have some great people working within the company with so much knowledge and experience, As one of the newer franchisee’s i have benefited hugely from being able to tap into this resource, I would like to think we are a very close knit group of people who are genuinely there to help each other when needed and share ideas that are working within our territory.

I can honestly say professionally and personally opening an Urban & Rural franchise is the best decision i have ever made.

David Russell - Owner (Dunstable & Leighton Buzzard branches)

What Our Franchisees Say...

To a future franchisee….

I was in your position 12 years ago, Shall I set up my own business? Will it work? Can I do it? What area to pick? Will I lose money?

I ran one of the top offices of a 23 office franchised company and was always told by others, you won’t make it etc etc but I knew I could and took the plunge. I have never looked back.

Why franchising?

Being in business alone is a bit like going to the gym or the pub. its not much fun on your own!

When you are in a franchise you have the best of both worlds, the ability to get out what you put in with the benefit of a recognised instant brand on the high street and online which opens doors straight away. If I was called Tony Inskip estates no one would ever really heard of me and would probably never think to call me out to value their property, so if you have no stock you don’t really have a business.

Why Urban and Rural?

In 12 years i can honestly say Craig, Mark and I have never had a cross word and they leave you to run your business without interfering in the day to day aspects. But they are there for a chat and serious advice when those quiet moments come and honestly they do come but they pass much easier when there is someone to talk to and share those times.

In the last 5 years and more importantly in the future Craig and Mark have been leading the way and embracing fast moving technology with new ideas and implemented no end tools for us to use which if I was on my own I would;

1: Not have the time to attend numerous seminars and learning groups which they do on our behalf.

2: Not be aware of these features and innovations as early as they bring them to us.

3: Not be able to implement as they would be too expensive as a single office business.

With their skill you will be able to concentrate on establishing your business while they take care of and invest in the brand for your benefit.

Most importantly on a personal note Craig and Mark are always full of enthusiasm and open to ideas, they have never said ‘’that won’t work’’ they always say lets try it!!

What impresses me most it that they are totally discreet and everything they do and know about their franchisees is held in the strictest confidence and remains that way. Integrity is a rare quality and they both have it in abundance.

Don't worry, you are not alone and I hope this helps you in your decision making.

Tony Inskip - Owner (Bedford branch)