Cardiff couple explain why they chose a franchise supplying Colourfence’s unique weatherproof fencing product

Despite having no previous experience in business, Cardiff-based couple Jon Angle and Helen Taylor loved Colourfence’s unique weatherproof ‘fit and forget’ products so much they were eager to join the franchise network. They already had a strong desire to take control of their future, and they’d decided that franchising was the best route for them.

“I was fed up of working all the hours for a faceless company with little rewards. We wanted to do something together and reap the rewards from our own efforts,” says Jon.

Helen’s background in senior administration and Jon’s experience in management positions within the retail industry meant they had complementary skills, and so the couple felt they could work well together as a partnership. It was a big decision to take but, says Jon, he was far more comfortable joining a franchise than starting a company on his own.

“Franchising was attractive to us as it gave us a business model to follow,” he says. “It’s not quite so scary as starting from scratch with your own ideas. What’s more, I see massive potential with Colourfence and I feel so confident in the product. It’s been tested globally, is of a high-quality standard and is perfectly suited to the UK climate.”

Like any franchisees starting out for the first time in business, Jon and Helen relied heavily on Colourfence for guidance and support. “The company is very supportive,” says Helen. “They provided training on the business side as well as installations, and we also had support from a fellow franchise. We now have a dedicated Franchise Development Manager, as well as an on-line forum to ask questions, and the factory staff are always willing to offer advice and support.”

Adds Jon: ‘We have both enjoyed working for ourselves, and being masters of our own destiny is great. It’s long hours and there’s lots of problem solving, but that’s why I wanted to be my own business owner. I enjoy a challenge! Our franchise has grown from month to month; we started with one van and we now have two and our aim is to grow Colourfence Cardiff into a half-a-million-pound-a-year business within the next two years.” 

Colourfence requires virtually no maintenance, is designed to withstand wind gusts of 130mph and can be installed for a similar outlay to timber fencing. The company holds regular Open Days at its factory in Newport for prospective franchisees. The franchise, which can be run as a management operation, costs just £19,995 + vat.