Mac Tools welcomes a further three new franchisees to their UK network. Neil Dulson, Andy Davies, and Steve Marchant are the latest additions to join the network of over 115 trusted Mac Tools UK distributors.
Mac Tools are part of Stanley Black & Decker, a £7 billion organisation employing over 30,000 people worldwide. They are also the owner of the world famous Facom, Britool Expert and DeWalt brands. Over the last three years Mac Tools have achieved 25% year-on-year growth in what is considered to be a flat market.
Steve has had a varied career as a qualified, highly-skilled health and safety and ergonomics consultant with experience of working in a wide range of industries and environments before deciding to join Mac Tools. He is also a trained mechanic and was in the merchant navy directly after leaving school. So he is now embarking on another adventure and is taking to the helm of his new Mac Tools business in Northampton.
“After initial approaches and investigations, I thought I could see an opportunity, at 55 years old, to improve my standard of living, improve my job satisfaction, improve my retirement outlook and hopefully build a business that can be kept in the family. After days out with other franchisees I saw what can be achieved after 1 year, 10 years and 12 years. The rewards, job enjoyment and satisfaction were obvious and lead to an easy decision to pursue the chance of becoming a Mac-man.”
The Mac Tools line consists of over 18,000 professional tools including ratchets, wrenches, and assorted air tools, as well as its own toolboxes. This is something that particularly appealed to Neil, who is a great vehicle enthusiast. He is collecting army vehicles and is a member of the Military Vehicle Trust. Neil likes nothing more than looking back at a job well done and is now applying his dedication to his Mac Tools territory in Chester.
“I wanted to start my own business following redundancy and, after examining the competition and other options, I decided my skills and knowledge were best suited to a Mac Tools franchise. It has been hard work so far but it has also been very rewarding and the support of Keith, my franchise development manager, has been great,” adds Neil.
At the heart of Mac Tools’ success is the comprehensive training offered to its franchisees. Andy has now taken to the road in Cheltenham after completing his initial training alongside Neil and Steve. They received in-depth product, sales and business training and ongoing support from a dedicated business development manager. Andy is so convinced of the business model that he has also brought his partner Judi on board, who now looks after his bookkeeping and the administrative side of his franchise.
“The training and support network make such a difference. They want me to succeed and, even though I have a sales background and no motor trade background, I feel very much at home at Mac Tools. My first month has been a learning curve and hard work but I have already sold my first toolbox, which was definitely my favourite moment so far,” explains Andy.
“I have been made redundant 3 times in the last 18 months and decided that I needed to be master of my own destiny now. I looked at various franchises and Mac Tools seemed to fit my sales background more than most. I am used to selling high-quality products and Mac Tools fits right in there. I believe that people buy from people, so customer rapport and service are key to long-term success,” adds Andy.
