#Star Pupil Joins The Jasper’s Franchise Network In Manchester

2012 has started with a bang for Jasper’s newest franchisee, Mark Blunt, who opened for business in Manchester as the New Year dawned.

In the first couple of weeks of January, he has already brought on board four new clients and is gearing up for a sit down fully-served lunch for 20 executives this week.

Mark comes to Jasper’s following a varied and established career in hospitality spanning three decades. He graduated from Hotel Management School as Student of the Year in 1979 then went on to management roles in West End Gentleman’s Clubs, for a leading Contract Caterer and then at Center Parcs where he spent 10 years rising up the ranks. His most recent role was as Director of Operations for Wales’ only 5 star Holiday Park – Bluestone National Park Resort.

Mark said: ‘I have wanted to do something for myself for a few years now, but wanted to be part of a team as well. Franchising provides the harmony of these two things.

“The decision to become part of Jasper’s was prompted by the passion and focus of the franchisors. They are fully engaged in the business with their own managed operation, and the development, growth and focus on solutions that comes from that was very tempting.

“When you add this to the product, which is first rate, and the innovation for 2012 - the network now has a Head of Food Development – the decision really was a no brainer.

“On paper there is a very high success rate of caterers who choose a genuine franchise, and success matters to me. Jasper’s is a member of the British Franchise Association, and this makes them highly credible. The tipping point for me though was the Business Management System. It really is first class. In effect, my investment into the franchisors’ BMS allows me to focus on business development, and not on distractions caused by a lack of process, often found in smaller businesses.”

Mark has opened his commercial premises in a suitably impressive location – underneath a railway arch! which means that Network Rail is his landlord. The 3,500 sq ft space in Millow St, Victoria, now houses a pristine purpose built kitchen that Metro commuters – and potential customers – will pass on their way to work.

Director of Jaspers, Nathan Siekierski, said: “We are expecting great things from Mark. His high calibre background in hospitality and management; his tenacity, ambition and drive; combined with his natural charm and energy, mean there should be no stopping him. The question is not whether he’s ready for Manchester but whether Manchester is ready for him!”