Starting a new business in a completely different industry takes confidence, resilience, and a willingness to learn quickly. We recently caught up with Jay Garratt, a Speedy Parcels franchisee based in Crewe, to hear about his journey from finance recruitment into the world of logistics and what the experience has been like so far.
Jay’s story is a strong example of what it takes to build a business from the ground up. From early nerves on Day 1 to managing real customer challenges and landing new deals, his experience shows both the opportunities and realities of running your own franchise.
In this Q&A, Jay shares what a typical day looks like, the skills that have helped him succeed, and the mindset needed to grow a successful operation within the Speedy Parcels network.
What was going through your mind on Day 1, and how did the initial training prepare you?
Day 1, I was pretty nervous but excited, entering a completely new career in logistics and shipping after working in finance recruitment for four years prior. It was a big change and there were a lot of unknowns going in.
After the first day of training, I instantly felt in safe hands with Pete, Chris and Jon guiding me through an intense two weeks. What I thought would be extremely complicated turned out to be quite straightforward, as long as you focus on gathering the right information from the start and asking the right questions.
That early support made a big difference and gave me confidence very quickly.
When did it first start to feel like “this is my business now”?
That moment came when I helped my first customer install a DX label machine and watched the first label being printed. Knowing that had just made my first 64p made it feel real.
It might sound small, but that was the point where it clicked that this was my business to build. From there, everything became more real and more motivating.
What does a typical day look like for you?
No two days are ever the same, but here is what a typical day can look like in practice.
Morning
- Two meetings booked at 10am and 11am
- First meeting to onboard a new customer
- Full system demo
- Label printing and tracking setup
- Carrier tracking walkthrough
- System access checks
Midday
- Customer issue comes in during the first meeting
- Missing parcels and carrier concerns
- Quick holding response sent before next appointment
- Second customer meeting completed
Afternoon
- Call back existing customer to resolve issues
- Identify incorrect label usage
- Provide guidance and best practice
- 15 door knocks in the local area
- Return home and continue resolving customer issues
- Book follow up face to face meeting
- Complete quote from earlier meeting
- Chase around 20 emails
- Support international team with shipment planning for 15 pallets from China to Stoke
It is a mix of sales, problem solving, customer service and follow up all in one day.
What part of the job do you enjoy most on a day-to-day basis?
I enjoy the variety the most. Every day is different, which keeps things interesting and means you never fall into a routine.
I also like having full control over how I plan my day and week. It comes with responsibility, but it means your effort directly drives your results, which is something I really like.
What tends to happen in your day that most people would not expect?
Things can change very quickly. You can be having a really productive day and then suddenly a collection fails or a driver does not turn up.
At that point, you have to stop what you are doing and deal with it immediately, no matter what time it is. It could be mid afternoon or late on a Friday.
You quickly learn that being responsive is essential. Always answer your phone because things move fast.
What is the most unexpected or memorable client account you have won so far?
This week I won a new customer who actually came from my very first meeting back in September.
It shows the importance of staying in touch and building relationships over time. Not everything happens quickly, but if you stay consistent, people remember you when they are ready to move forward.
What skills do you find yourself using most in the role?
People skills are the most important. Building relationships and being personable makes a huge difference.
I strongly believe that people buy into people. If you can build trust and communicate well, everything else becomes easier.
Can you share a moment where your persistence or people skills really paid off?
I had been trying to speak to one customer for around five months. I visited the warehouse multiple times and met members of their team, but the decision maker was never available.
I stayed consistent with follow ups through visits, calls and emails, and eventually got the opportunity to speak directly with him.
I have now met the customer and have a quote pending. His response summed it up well:
“Hello Jay I give you top marks for persistence!
I would like to give you an opportunity. I’ll have to keep to email for now. I’ll get back in touch shortly with some ball park pricing”
It proved that persistence really does pay off.
What has been the biggest challenge in your first few months, and how did you overcome it?
Leads do not find you, you have to find them.
Some opportunities can come quickly, but most of mine have taken time. They are built over weeks or months through consistent follow up and relationship building.
Staying organised and disciplined with my pipeline has been key, along with making sure I do not let opportunities drop off.
How supported do you feel now, and what kind of ongoing support makes the biggest difference day to day?
The support is excellent.
Chris Mullin and Jon Sharp are always available, with Jon focused on operations and Chris providing sales advice or even joining meetings when needed.
Peter Ferris, our Customer Service Manager, has also been a huge help when dealing with issues like missing parcels or claims. That support behind the scenes makes a big difference day to day.
What is the most challenging part of running your own Speedy Parcels franchise?
Everything is on you.
You have full control over your success, but that also means you need to stay disciplined and accountable. Time management and consistency are essential.
What keeps the work exciting and motivating for you?
The excitement comes from landing new deals. Every time a label is printed, that represents income, which is a great feeling.
My motivation comes from my family, especially having a young daughter. I am building something for the future and creating long term security.
Long term, I want to grow further and potentially purchase a second location.
What has been your proudest moment since becoming a Speedy Parcels franchisee?
Winning a customer in my first month was a big moment, but I am also proud of the consistency.
I continue to show up every week and put the work in. Over time, that effort is starting to turn into results, with more customers coming through.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about taking the same step?
If you have strong interpersonal skills, can build relationships, and stay organised, this is a great opportunity.
There is real potential to build your own business with uncapped earning potential, but you need to be willing to put the work in consistently.
Thinking about becoming a Speedy Parcels franchisee?
Jay’s journey shows what is possible when you combine persistence, discipline and strong relationship building. While building your own business is not always easy, it can be highly rewarding when you stay consistent and committed.
If you are considering franchise ownership, Speedy Parcels offers the opportunity to build something of your own with the backing of a supportive and experienced network.
Get in touch today to learn more about current franchise opportunities and see if this could be the right next step for you!
