Ben’s been a Cricket tots franchisee since January 2020.
By day, he works in e-commerce, managing websites.
But he also runs a successful Cricket tots franchise in Liverpool, which he manages to fit around his work and family commitments. And with 3 young children to keep him on his toes, there’s always plenty to do in the Rispin household!
So just how does Cricket tots slot so neatly into his already busy life, and what advice would he give to anybody thinking about taking on a franchise of their own?
When did your interest in cricket first start?
When I was much younger, I would watch the test matches on TV with my dad; and whenever we met up with family, we’d always end up playing cricket in the park or garden. That led to me joining a local club, where I spent all my summers playing age-group cricket, then later playing for the adult teams.
What made you decide to buy a Cricket tots franchise?
Because I grew up playing cricket, I was keen to get my own kids involved as early as possible. But when I looked around, there weren’t any classes available for children younger than 6. So when I came across the Cricket tots franchise opportunity, I realised that this could be the perfect way to fill that gap, as surely I wasn’t the only cricket-loving parent who wanted the same for his own kids?
I’d also always wanted to own my own business, so for me, a Cricket tots franchise was a bit of a dream come true!
Describe a typical Cricket tots working day
It’s not normally a full day, more split around my other work and family life. Most of the day-to-day elements are things like emailing parents, dealing with new enquiries, posting on social media, or sending out any updates. My classes run over the weekend, so that’s when I get hands-on with the coaching side of things for a couple of hours – sorting out the kit, setting up the venues, and teaching the classes.
How does running a Cricket tots franchise fit around your other commitments?
It fits in really easily. I find time during the day to reply to emails, and then spend a few hours in the evenings throughout the week to plan. Things are a bit busier around the beginning and end of terms, with people booking on for trials and then signing up. But for me, the key thing was getting the balance right by not trying to grow too quickly in the early stages.
What sort of support do you get from Head Office?
I’ve always had lots of support whenever I’ve needed it. I found I had a lot of questions when I first started, but once I got through the first couple of terms, I got into a routine and knew what I was doing. Lucy and the rest of the team have been very receptive to any new ideas I’ve had and helped me grow my business.
What’s the best thing that’s happened to you as a Cricket tots franchisee?
Every time a parent signs up for another term of cricket classes – because that shows they’re happy with our coaching and want their child to continue developing. And generally, if mum or dad are happy, it’s because their child is enjoying themselves.
I also like the fact that we’re already starting to build a little Cricket tots community of like-minded parents who’ve been with us for several terms now.
What’s the one thing you’d tell somebody who’s thinking about buying a franchise?
Go for it! All the set-up is pretty much done for you, you just need to find a venue and start getting the word out there about your classes. And kids’ cricket is going from strength to strength, especially since the introduction of the Hundred tournament, so there’s a growing market for classes.
You can read more about franchise opportunities with Cricket tots here, or get in touch for an informal chat.