Simply Bows and Chair Covers Supplier Spotlight: Berkshire Based Steven Etheridge Wedding Photography

 

 What is your company name?           

Steven Etheridge Wedding Photography

What is your line of business?
Wedding Photography

  How and why the company begin? 
I have worked as a photographer since leaving school.  I began by working in a photography studio and shadowing the professionals there when they photographed weddings and portraits, being promoted after a few months to assistant photographer.  I then used the training and experience that I had gained to start up my own business 15 years ago and I haven’t looked back since!

Tell us a little about your wedding....
I married my wife, Elaine, in June 2010.  Because we spend nearly every weekend at weddings (in a photographic capacity!), we kept our day relatively low-key and relaxed.  It took place at Mannings Heath Hotel with around 50 close friends and family.  We had a Caribbean steel band playing on the sun terrace overlooking the lake and kept the traditional wedding formalities to a minimum - deciding against the conventional speeches and first dance.  Our evening disco (FoxRox Discos) was fantastic and kept people dancing well into the night!

Why do brides come to you?    
I believe it is important that the bride and groom feel relaxed around their photographer because this will obviously result in much more natural, flattering photographs on the wedding day.  I always aim to put potential wedding couples at ease during the initial meetings and really try to get to know them in order to create a more relaxed atmosphere on the day.  I also think that our photography packages represent genuinely good value.  Unlike some photographers, we are fully transparent on the price of our photography and exactly what is included in each package.

What is your favourite design and why?
My favourite type of album which we produce are our “deluxe storybook” albums.  These are top of the range, hand-bound coffee table books produced in Italy.  They are available with a range of photographic covers including solid alloy and a beautiful crystal finish.  They are presented in a high quality personalised wooden box printed with your choice of photograph.  I believe that these albums really offer the best format to show off your wedding photos!

What is the most popular item you supply and why?
The deluxe storybook albums described above are our most popular album, but our wedding couples tell us that their favourite item is the preview prints which we include in our packages.  Every single image from the wedding day is printed off to A5 size and presented in boxed ivory preview albums.  There are no watermarks or “proof” text on these images and they are yours to keep.  We also present all of these images on a high-resolution CD which is printable and free from any copyright protection.  The preview prints, high-resolution CD and your choice of finished album are all included in the price.  Our wedding couples seem to like the fact that they end up with a full set of “real” photographs as well as the digital images on a CD for emailing or uploading to photo-sharing websites etc.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
My wedding couples themselves often unknowingly give me inspiration for new ideas - seeing the way different couples behave towards one another and interact together gives me ideas for new romantic poses to try out.  In terms of artistic and reportage photographs, it is really a case of having a keen eye and seeing the day “through a lens” in order to instinctively know the right angles, composition etc to create beautiful photographs of the wedding couple plus all the tiny decorative details that will have been organised.  But a large amount of our photography is unposed.  Capturing those spontaneous moments (be it a stolen kiss between the happy couple, little flowergirls playing with confetti or a joke shared between groups of guests) is what we pride ourselves on.  These types of photographs are almost always the favourites of our wedding couples, as they give a real impression of the atmosphere and emotion of the day.

What is in store for you in 2013/14?
2012 was a bumper year for us in terms of bookings and 2013 is already going the same way.  Most of our wedding couples book us around a year in advance, but there are generally a few late notice bookings to fill any remaining gaps in the diary!  Many of our bookings come from recommendations or are the friends and family members of couples that we have already photographed.  This is especially nice when we photograph the weddings of several brothers and sisters plus their friends for example, and you really get to know the family well.  I am also often called upon by my previous wedding couples to offer portrait shoots in my studio when they go on to have children.  This is obviously really lovely to see, so I look forward to a few more jobs like this in 2013!

Who would be your dream client, and what sort of design would you envisage for them?
Anyone who enjoyed having their photograph taken and was willing to experiment with some more artistic, creative shots!

What would be your top tips for brides when searching for a supplier in your industry?
I have prepared a free download containing some top tips for anyone looking to book their wedding photographer - it can be found at http://www.sephotography.co.uk/8-questions.php

Tell us something super interesting about you or your business that we wouldn’t already know…?
I enjoy performance car track days and I am a keen scuba diver.

Where are you based and where can you supply?
I am based in Loxwood, just on the border of Surrey and West Sussex in the centre of Farnham, Guildford and Horsham.  We cover weddings all over the UK and internationally, so there really is no limit on where we can supply!

How can I get in touch to discuss my requirements or place an order?
Please feel free to contact me for a no-obligation chat, on either 01403 753775 or 07748 066972.  Alternatively, my email address is se_photo@hotmail.com.  Full details of my services can be found at www.sephotography.co.uk.

Why do you like to work with Simply Bows and Chair Covers?
Simply Bows & Chair Covers always go above and beyond to make the space being dressed look absolutely amazing.  Our most recent wedding with them was at Farnham House Hotel and we have never seen the ceremony or reception rooms look so stunning.  The chair covers, sashes and table runners had a much higher “quality” look to them than other similar products that we see at weddings, and the finishing touches were impeccable.  A first-rate company.

Simply looking for fabulous people: National Franchise Opportunities

Simply Bows and Chair Covers are frequently receiving enquiries for events in areas where we don't have an office... this is incredibly frustrating for both us and our brides/ event coordinators.

Our main hot spots for such enquiries currently are Edinburgh, Berkshire and Surrey.

Are you looking for a exciting new challenge our lifestyle business has to offer?

 

 Recruiting Franchisees

Our recruitment process has been designed to be informal and completely transparent so that you have all of the information about our franchise that you need to make an informed decision before there is any commitment.

The recruitment process takes place over two meetings. The first is to explain how the business operates and to give you some background information.

The second is for when you have decided the franchise is something you wish to pursue. Here we ask you to sign a confidentiality agreement and we will then disclose our contract supported by financial information.

Franchising

Franchising is now a well established industry with a successful track record, and you’re possibly already aware of some of the general potential benefits franchising offers, such as funding arrangements with most of the high street banks, operating your own business but with the ongoing support from the franchisor. As the franchise network grows additional benefits will include greater brand awareness which in turn generates more demand for your service. You’re in business for yourself but not by yourself.

The Simply Bows & Chair Covers Franchise

The franchise is described as a ‘lifestyle’ business because it allows you to have the flexibility to have a great lifestyle whilst working from home. Franchisees need to be confident about their business the service provided, and they must also enjoy meeting people, socialising and talking about the benefits of the service they provide. Our franchise is based around a franchisee working to provide the service in specific territories. Franchisees will be responsible for promoting the business as well as delivering the service. Each territory is protected, and this will allow individual franchisees to build up their businesses over the long term.

Our business format has been designed to be as simple and straightforward as possible therefore be managed by most people given the right training.

Our service

We provide high quality chair covers and table linen with a creative edge for people who wish to add a touch of glamour to their events. The UK has a vibrant and varied events calendar. Our clients range from event organisers, venues to private individuals booking their own wedding. Our services are in demand throughout the year and we have built up a preferred supplier status with many of our clients through the great work we have done regularly in their venues. We also get many referrals from our brides and other service providers in the industry.

Personal qualities required

We are dedicated to providing a high quality service that regularly exceeds customers expectations because we want repeat business and we want satisfied customers to tell others about our service. Our prime concern is to ensure that customers get value for money with a service that reflects well on their event. In order to succeed, you must have high personal standards and a commitment to providing a quality service.

In addition, you need to be organised, self motivated and have a determination to succeed. If you go ahead with this business, then the onus will be on you to manage it properly, giving it the attention it deserves. We will assist you with training and support, but you must be ready to work to develop and maintain the business at all times.

 Am I suitable?

Ideally, you will have some business experience, attention to detail, and of course understand the principles of good customer service. However, we offer a full training and support programme to assist with the development of these skills. You do need to be prepared to work hard, follow our systems and be fully committed to developing the business off the ground in your area.

What does the Simply Bows & Chair Covers Franchise offer?

The franchise offers all of the initial training and support that you need to help get your business off the ground. The first twelve months of any business is crucial, and our comprehensive franchise support service includes:

• Use of the unique Simply Bows & Chair Covers brand
• Pre opening support to establish the business
• Assistance with the production of a business plan and raising finance, if it is required
• An in depth induction training programme
• Comprehensive local launch strategy, including marketing and promotional activities
• Ongoing advice and support, with access to our in depth knowledge and experience
• Stock
• Marketing Collateral
• A business operating manual (containing details of our operating systems, marketing, administration, etc)
• Initial stationery pack
• Uniform
• Point of Sale

As a franchisee, what is my role?

As a franchisee, you will be responsible for the delivery of the Simply Bows and Chair Covers service. Marketing the business, dealing with client enquiries and of course solving any problems that you encounter are all part of the role of the franchisee. There is also an accounts and administration role which you will need to deal with effectively to ensure that the business is run smoothly. Most franchisees will appoint an accountant to support them in this area.

Do I get a defined territory which is also protected?

Everyone has their own defined and protected territory. We know the size of area that is required to make a viable business and will provide you with all the relevant information. As a franchisee you will be expected to respect the territory boundaries to protect your own business and that of your colleagues. 

If you would like more information on our franchise opportunities please contact Sarah on enquiries@simplybowsandchaircovers.co.uk