Running a Magazine

What is the business? Raring2go! is a local magazine and national website that provides the definitive guide of what to do and where to go for children aged up to 11.

As a franchisee you will produce a glossy, A5 magazine every 3 months, which will be distributed through school book bags, nurseries and libraries. You will become your own editor, journalist and account manager - recruiting relevant businesses across your local area and building relationships within your community.

Investment required: £5,000 + depending on area

Earning Potential: £25,000+ per annum (working very part-time and with all school holidays off.)

Is there training/support for franchisees? Absolutely - some of the best training in the industry

Best suited to: Mums with children aged 2 upwards who have bags of enthusiasm and personality and who can get on well with other people.

For more information: SPECIAL OFFER - Call Phil or Gail on 0121 765 3405 and ask them about the 'Mum and Working' August offer. You can find out more about the company online here - www.getraring2go.co.uk

Name: Victoria

Location: Aberdeen

Family: Married with 2yr Old Daughter, Natasha

How often do you work?
Three days a week and some evenings.

How does the job fit around your family life?
I can work whilst Natasha is at nursery three days a week as I don't think you can run any business with your children around you all the time. The best thing is the flexibility, I can spend time with Natasha when I want to and have time off to fit in with my husband's holidays.

How much roughly did the franchise cost you?
I paid £10,000 +

What did that investment buy?
You obviously receive the exclusive rights to run the territory of your choice within your local area. The important part for me was knowing that I would be receiving three days of comprehensive training on all aspects of the business. With so many franchisees running across the UK (over 80 now) they utilize tried and tested practices from the network and pass that on to new starters. You also receive manuals as guidance and a startup stationary pack including sample magazines and business cards etc. plus everything you need to know around pulling together the magazine - and all the printing is taken care of.

Do you get support/training?
The ongoing support is brilliant, if I am having a bad day or need advice on the best way to get an advertiser onboard then I can call the team at head office for a chat anytime. Apart from the induction training there is also the opportunity to attend a number of advanced training courses to suit your needs as your business develops.

Are there on-going costs?
The main cost is your publication fee which includes your magazine print cost and license fee. This is a quarterly fee when you go to print with your magazine. This is dependant on the size and distribution of your magazine and the number of pages within it.

How much do you earn (roughly)?
About £3,000 profit per magazine, and I'm publishing four magazines a year. The profit per edition is growing as the magazine becomes established and more advertisers come on board so I expect this to continue to go up for quite some time yet.

Do you advertise?
I don't advertise but I build my business through a lot of networking and PR. I just speak to people all the time about my magazine, much to the embarrassment of my husband! It takes time to establish your business by building relationships with advertisers.

What is the best thing about Raring2go for you?
I love the flexibility. I love going out and talking to people!

Are there any downsides to the job?
It can be stressful getting your first magazine together but it's a learning curve that is supported by the team at head office and with all the training you receive.

Would you recommend this franchise opportunity to other Mums?
Yes - If you have kids its ideal. You do have to have a business head and work hard. Hard work can be fun though!