Vince Gordon has a true passion for sport and vast experience of working with young people.

That’s why he was determined to realise his dream and own a Premier Sport business. With a £5000 investment and a little help from a government backed initiative, he’s now able inspire the next generation of sporting superstars in Kings Heath, Birmingham.

We caught up with Vince to ask him a few questions about how he first made contact with Premier Sport and the process of purchasing his business with only £5000 to invest.

Vince Gordon lives in Kings Heath, Birmingham with his wife and young son.  He’s launched his Premier Sport business in Kings Heath, Birmingham after first making contact with Premier Sport in April.

For 25 years Vince has been involved with the development and training of young people in the local community.  He’s passionate about seeing young people achieve their potential and has held a variety of roles throughout his career to help achieve this outcome.

He’s work for 25 years for Connexions in Birmingham as a personal advisor.  This challenging role involves developing career education programmes for young offenders.  He also has a wealth of experience going into secondary and SEN schools delivering career education sessions and general mentoring programmes.  Vince has also delivered employability and sports leadership award to 16-25 year olds not in education, employment or training (neet).

We’re very excited about Vince joining the network as he has a wealth of experience in the education sector plus his warm and friendly manner will allow him to build a successful business. 

We caught up with Vince to ask him a few questions about how he first made contact with Premier Sport and the process of purchasing his business....

Why did you want to run your own business within the sports industry?

Since the age of 17 I have had various opportunities to start my own business, but none of them appealed to me. So this opportunity to run my own business using sport and education dovetails nicely with working experience and my interest in sport.

Where did you first hear about Premier Sport?

I was in the position of my current employment being only a one year contract. So I was looking ahead to what my options might be. So as I was delivering a Sports Leaders course and my coaching background, I thought a job as a coach would be enjoyable. I applied for a job with Premier Sport on Indeed. I was then browsing the website and saw the opportunity to have my own business as a Premier Sport franchisee.

Did you speak to any other franchise organisations before choosing Premier Sport?

I did my due diligence before choosing Premier Sport. I went to presentations for other sport franchisees and looking at the franchise model and discussion with a friend who has one with Cash Converters. After this, Premier stood out for me as they weren’t just going to take my money, I would have to pass an interview, before they took my money!!

What was it about Premier Sport’s offering that made you choose them?

The marketing material produce looked really professional compared to others and the fact that they have been in the business the longest. Also the training programme was much more comprehensive than the others.

Did you receive any financial assistance to help you purchase your business?

 Yes. I had £5000 to contribute.

If so, how did you access this and what was this process?

To raise the remaining capital, I went through the government led Start up Loans scheme. As I was applying for top end of the amount you can borrow, I went through a very stringent assessment.

I was given very good support by my business adviser and Franchise Finance, ensuring I was able to gather all supporting evidence, along with a very good business plan and the strength of the Premier Sport Brand.

How did you find the initial contact with Premier Sport and the due diligence process?

Meeting Phil at the Discovery Day has changed my working life. He gave me a great feel for Premier Sport what they were about and what opportunity was available. He kept in touch with me throughout the process and with last part of my loan application questions, he said to me “I am on it” so thank you Phil.

How did you find the initial Premier Sport induction training?

The whole of the induction was why I choose Premier Sport. None of other organisations were offering such a comprehensive training package. From the sales to the finance and the practical training, All the new franchisees I have meet on the induction, has also been fantastic as we all have a common goal of running a successful business. With utilising successful franchisees on the delivery of the induction, gave me the feeling I can also be successful, as long as I put hard miles into my business.