#Activ Rewards Are Not Just Financial

Running an Activ Web Design franchise can be very rewarding - and not just financially.

Since taking on an Activ franchise in the Colchester area 20 months ago, Peter Slegg has helped nearly 50 small owner managed companies in his area gain a valuable online presence. And, says Peter, assisting small businesses and sole traders by enabling them to market and promote their goods and services on the internet is extremely satisfying.

Peter, who is 36, previously worked in the insurance industry for 13 years handling claims. However, he came to the conclusion that he did not want to work for someone else for the rest of his life and looked into the possibility of buying a franchise.

He said: “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do but did some research on the/ net to see what options were available. Activ ticked all the boxes so I decided to invest. Within a matter of weeks I had recouped my initial investment and 20 months on my earning are around 75 per cent higher than they would have been had I stayed in the insurance sector.”

But, says Peter, it’s not just the opportunity to make a better living and be his own boss which have made taking on an Activ franchise the right decision for him.

He said: “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 of the service Activ offers is just as important as the technical and creative aspects. 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 that 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. 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.”

Although Peter is happy to work weekends and evenings to meet clients’ requirements, he does value being able to take time off when he chooses and often works out at the gym when there’s a window in his diary.

He added: “My work requires concentration so staying in shape mentally and physically helps me stay focused. If I do have a problem or an issue though 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.