Simon Fraser

Inverness

Having now completed my first five year term with the franchise, I can honestly say it has been an incredibly rewarding journey. As the most northerly franchisee, covering the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, I have built a thriving business in a unique and diverse market.

Before joining Business Partnership, my background was in commercial finance, working in a High Street Bank, followed by commercial property sales, where I specialised in valuing and selling businesses in the hospitality sector.

While I had always aspired to run my own business, the opportunity crystallised when Raymond Blin (Glasgow) successfully handled the sale of a business for a family member. The professionalism of the process stood out to me, and I immediately saw the potential for bringing that same level of expertise to the Scottish Highlands.

The initial training was incredibly thorough, equipping me with everything from valuation methodologies to marketing strategies. That foundation gave me the confidence to get off to a strong start, and over the past five years, I have continued to refine my approach. The variety of businesses I have worked with has been remarkable—ranging from small leasehold coffee shops to multimillion-pound manufacturing and engineering firms. No two days are ever the same, which keeps the work engaging and dynamic.

One key lesson I have learned is the immense value of building and maintaining relationships. From the very beginning, I leveraged my existing network and continually expand it, forming strong connections with accountants, solicitors, and IFAs. These relationships have been instrumental in driving business growth, and I would advise any new franchisee to prioritise networking as much as possible.

Looking back on the past five years, I have no hesitation in recommending this opportunity to anyone seeking a fast-paced, interesting, and lucrative career. The franchise has provided me with the perfect balance of independence and support, and I look forward to continuing to grow my business in the years ahead.”