Case Studies

Franchise case study - Sara White

I worked in the travel industry for over a decade, first in sales and then as a copywriter for travel brochures and magazines. I was rarely without my camera, and although I loved taking pictures and seemed to get some decent results I certainly didn't have any great technical understanding or ability.

After having twins in 2004 and relocating from London to Norfolk I dabbled as a freelance writer, the pinnacle of which was writing for the Saturday Times. However I found it increasingly tricky to balance work and family life. The onset of recession meant that commissions became rather unpredictable. One day I would be writing about climate change and the next trying to enthuse about the merits of making jam.

My 'Eureka moment' came while sat at the kitchen table – my brother in law phoned to ask if I would consider photographing his wedding. It was a conversation which ended up completely changing my career direction.

I did some research and discovered Barrett & Coe was only just down the road. What's more the tutors seemed to know a thing or two about photography having won the odd award between them!

Early on I decided I should commit whole heartedly and go down the franchise route - the photography business was totally new to me after all and I felt if I was going to make a success of things that it would be beneficial to tap into a network of people who knew the pitfalls of the business.

One month later I was attending my first seminar at Thorpe Road. Before the month was out I had a sizeable business loan in place, had battered my credit card in Warehouse Express and had posed my whole family many times, including the dog. Before I knew it I was preparing to sit the Barrett & Coe portrait and wedding diploma exams over consecutive weekends prior to Christmas.

They say 'timing is everything' and it was precisely at this time, completely out of the blue, that I was offered the studio space in Norwich – it was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse.

I found the courses well structured, providing solid foundations to build on. They armed me with the essential practical skills to move forward, and gave me grounding in how to make my photography commercially viable in a fiercely competitive market.  I accepted right at the start of this process that there would be a degree of compromise required if I was going to follow a franchise model. Yes, at times this can be frustrating, but in my view any compromise has paid off with my turnover exceeding my expectations. 

One year on, I firmly believe I made the right decision. I have a profession that can grow with my family and I have been able to utilise my people skills to huge advantage.  It's hard work - the business doesn't just walk in the door but advice is on hand and I feel confident about the future and my ability to develop my own style within Barrett & Coe.