Key franchise information:
- Franchisee: Tom Stafford
- Territory: Colchester, Ipswich and Cambridge
- Launch date: Late 2024
- Size as of February 2026: Three vans and technicians; 30+ clients
Tom Stafford’s journey with DA Techs is a strong example of what can happen when ambition meets the right business model.
As the first DA Techs franchisee, he launched his territory covering Colchester, Ipswich and Cambridge in late 2024.
By February 2026, he had already grown the business to three vans and technicians, serving more than 30 clients.
Before becoming a business owner, Tom had built a successful career in the automotive sector.
After university, he worked his way up from an office role to workshop manager at British Car Auctions, before later becoming an Operations Manager for DA Techs co-founders Phil Barnard and Jamie Baxter.
But despite doing well in employment, he wanted more than just a monthly pay cheque.
“I was earning good money in my job and I could’ve easily stayed as an employee anywhere that matched my skill set and took home my pay cheque each month,” he explains.
“But I found myself ending each day thinking I had worked really hard, but didn’t have anything to show for it.”
Why franchising appealed
For Tom, franchising offered something employment could not: a direct link between effort and reward, and the ability to shape his own future.
“What I liked about the potential of franchising is that I knew if I worked really hard, I might get more back out of it. I knew I had my work cut out for me, but I’m not the sort of person to shy away from a challenge. I would be in control of my future and could reap the rewards of my hard graft.”
When he learned DA Techs was launching its franchise network, the opportunity immediately stood out.
Having worked closely with the founders and seen the service first-hand, Tom understood the strength of the model, the quality of the technology and the scale of the opportunity.
“I saw they were going to start franchising, so I had a conversation with them and explained I was interested. I felt like I’d sort of run other people’s businesses for many years and thought I’d quite like to have a go at doing it for myself.
“The technology and quality of it – it really is factory-grade machinery inside the van, delivering the same results I’d overseen at the workshop – meant I knew it wasn’t like other similar franchises.
“Another big factor is that I knew Phil and Jamie well and they are absolutely fantastic guys to work with. The opportunity just really excited me.”
Benefitting from world-class training and ongoing support
After joining the network, Tom received extensive support from the DA Techs team to ensure he launched with confidence.
“They provided all the hands-on training in running the business, managing accounts, explaining the model, and setting the benchmarks for what I needed to be working towards in terms of volume of wheels, pricing, turnover, clients and so forth.
“I’ve had ongoing support ever since, from the hands-on technical side of things and running the vans, to business support and advice about anything.
“I’ve never once felt as if I was on my own. You always feel a hand on your shoulder helping to push you in the right direction and build the best business possible.”
What the early days looked like
Launching in late 2024, Tom’s first priority was building momentum in a completely new territory.
He focused hard on sales, meetings and demonstrations, laying the foundations for recurring business and long-term client relationships. That effort paid off quickly.
“For the first few months, I hammered away at sales, meeting with potential clients and offering demos. Soon afterwards we started getting bookings and money coming in, which felt really nice.
“Now I know some conversations I have can be worth thousands of pounds, with the lifetime value of that client being really lucrative.”
Tom also values the way DA Techs listens to franchisee feedback and continually improves the model.
“As an example, when I collected my first two vans, there were a few things I had to add to make them function better and I told the guys about this.
“Then when it came to collecting my third van, everything I needed was already there and fitted with the van. They had taken the feedback onboard and used it to improve the van not just for me, but for every future franchisee and technician.
“That really illustrated their commitment to constant improvement to benefit everyone.”
How the business has grown
A little over a year after launch, Tom’s business is already flourishing.
With three vans on the road, technicians in place and more than 30 long-term clients, he is now focused on scaling further and strengthening the management structure around him so the business can keep growing.
“Franchisees are set the target to grow to 10 vans in their territory and we are looking to get halfway there within two years. So my focus now is really on developing the management team to support that growth. I can see first-hand that the potential really is unlimited.
“Compared to having a normal job, it’s doubly hard – but doubly rewarding. Yes, there are challenges. Yes, there are long days. But honestly, the efforts are worth it.
“Today for example, I am working from home, I have three vans out on the road, a really capable team in place working with smiles on their faces and I am able to dedicate my time to planning the growth of the business.”
Tom’s words of advice for future franchisees
“Do your research, because there’s a lot of elements to wheel repair. DA Techs have made it as accessible as it can be, but you have got to be up for a challenge.
“You have got to be up for getting involved, getting stuck in. It’s not easy, but if you’re consistent and if you keep going, eventually the time will come that you will get an opportunity over the line and it starts snowballing from there.
“But I would say you’re coming into it at a very exciting time, a very big period of growth. DA Techs are very ambitious in a very positive way, with the aim to be the No1 in the UK.
“So if you’re prepared to put in the work, you will succeed. I’m proving that to myself every day.”
Take the first step towards your future as a DA Techs business owner
Are you ready to stop working for someone else’s gain and start building your own significant asset?
Contact our franchise recruitment team on 01204 859 045 or email franchiseenquiries@datechs.co.uk to request our Franchise Prospectus and start your journey.