Thinking about running your own business, but want to understand what it would actually involve? A franchise Discovery Day gives you the chance to meet the people behind an opportunity, explore how the business works and ask the questions that matter to you.
For anyone considering a career change or researching franchise opportunities in the UK, it can help turn an initial interest into a more informed decision.
In Episode 5 of Local to Leader, Phil Harrison and Dave Paulson introduce NIC Local’s Discovery Days at head office and regional sessions in London and Lincoln. The focus is on an informal conversation, with space to explore the opportunity without the pressure of a hard sell.
What is a franchise Discovery Day
A franchise Discovery Day is a meeting where you can learn more about a franchise business before deciding whether to take your interest further. It gives you an opportunity to speak directly with the team, understand the support available and consider how business ownership could fit your goals.
You might arrive with a list of detailed questions. You might simply want someone to explain how franchising works. Either way, the aim is to leave with a clearer understanding of the opportunity and what you still need to find out.
What happens at an NIC Local Discovery Day
Our Discovery Days are designed to help you explore what owning and managing an NIC Local business involves. You can talk through your circumstances, raise concerns and ask our franchise recruitment team for more detail.
Understand your role as a business owner
NIC Local operates a commercial cleaning and facilities management franchise. Your role centres on managing service delivery, building client relationships and growing your business, with support from a Business Development Manager.
This makes the session useful if you are trying to picture a move from employment into ownership. Ask what you would spend your time doing, how the early months are likely to differ from an established business, and which responsibilities sit with you.
Explore the NIC Local business model before your visit.
Explore the support behind the business
Support is easier to assess when you understand how it works in practice. NIC Local provides initial training, ongoing business development support and administrative assistance, including invoicing and credit control.
Use the conversation to find out who you would work with and how that support would help you get started. Bring examples from your own experience, particularly any areas where you would want guidance.
Read more about our franchise training and support.
Discuss recurring income and business growth
NIC Local’s model involves providing services to clients through regular commercial cleaning contracts. A Discovery Day is a useful place to ask how those relationships are developed, how contracts are managed and what goes into retaining a client.
Look beyond potential turnover. Ask about the work and costs involved in delivering the service, as well as the time needed to build a customer base. Recurring revenue still depends on winning clients, maintaining service standards and keeping those clients over time.
Who should attend a Discovery Day
A Discovery Day could be useful if you are considering a change of direction, exploring how to become your own boss or comparing different business opportunities. It can also help if you like the idea of ownership but need to understand the practical responsibilities before going further.
You do not need previous cleaning experience to explore NIC Local. Our franchisees come from different backgrounds, with training and support available to help them develop the skills they need.
Think about the experience you could bring, whether that involves managing people, working with customers, organising operations or developing relationships. The session is a chance to discuss how those skills could translate into running a business.
Questions to ask at a franchise Discovery Day
The most useful questions are the ones that help you picture your own situation. Start with these and add anything you need to understand before making a decision.
- What would my responsibilities look like in the first three months?
- What is the total investment, and what ongoing fees and operating costs should I allow for?
- What training will I receive before launching?
- Who will support me once the business is running, and how will we work together?
- How do franchisees find new clients and develop their local business?
- What would I be responsible for when recruiting and managing a team?
- Can I speak to existing franchisees about their experience?
- What challenges do new franchisees commonly face?
- What happens after the Discovery Day if I want to explore further?
Make a note of the answers and any follow-up information you need. If you are comparing opportunities, asking similar questions at each meeting will help you make a useful comparison.
How to prepare for your visit
Read the prospectus and write down what you want from owning a business. Consider your preferred location, your timescale and how the move could affect your working life. Be open about the areas you are uncertain about so the conversation can address them.
It is also worth deciding what you need to learn from the session. For one person, that might be understanding the owner’s daily role. For another, it could be finding out how much support is available during the launch.
Discovery Days in Leeds and regional locations
NIC Local’s head office Discovery Day sessions are held in Leeds. Regional sessions, including those in London and Lincoln discussed in Episode 5, offer another way to meet the team and explore the opportunity.
Contact us for the latest dates, venues and availability, and to find out which session best suits you.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an NIC Local Discovery Day last?
Our standard Discovery Day sessions typically last around two hours. Regional events may have a different schedule, so confirm the timings when arranging your place.
Do I need to be ready to buy a franchise?
You can use a Discovery Day to explore whether the opportunity is right for you. Tell the team where you are in your research so they can help you understand the next steps.
Will I be expected to decide on the day?
The sessions are intended to help you learn and ask questions without a hard sell. NIC Local encourages you to take time afterwards to reflect on the information and decide whether you want to proceed.
What happens after a Discovery Day?
Review what you have learned and follow up on anything you still need to clarify. If you decide to progress with NIC Local, the team can explain the next steps, including support with developing your business plan.
Explore your next step with NIC Local
If you are thinking about business ownership, start with a conversation. Meet the team, ask your questions and take the time to understand whether NIC Local could fit your plans.
Find out more about NIC Local Discovery Days or contact our team to enquire about attending.