After 25 years at Sky TV, Tahir Khan was ready for a complete reset. When redundancy came knocking, he decided it was time to switch things up and run his own business. Meeting the franchise manager at Pacifica Local at a franchise exhibition flicked the switch, and in July 2024 he launched his Pacifica Local franchise in High Wycombe.
Just 12 months later, Tahir was not only powering his business forward but had also brought his son into the fold – and even added a third engineer to the team as he set his sights on dominating his local market.
Sky’s the limit
After 25 years managing engineering teams at Sky TV, redundancy gave Tahir the chance to rethink his future. “I didn’t want another job doing the same thing! I’d built great leadership skills and had a knowledge of the industry but wanted freedom too – something of my own.”
At a franchise show, Tahir met the franchise manager from Pacifica Local. “What struck me straight away was how strong the model was. The systems, the support, the demand – it was all there. I could see myself partnering with them, but I knew I’d still have that control over my future too.”
“I didn’t want to start my own business from scratch – there’d be too much risk. With Pacifica Local, I knew I’d get work from day one, proper training and the backing of a national brand. It was exactly the reset I needed!”
Tahir working on a Oven
Learning the ropes (and wires!)
The training delivered by Pacifica Local to get Tahir up to speed turned out to be a real highlight. “The team were brilliant – they made it fun, practical and inspiring. Even with a diploma in electronics, there was a lot to learn, but they showed me exactly what to do and gave me the confidence to get stuck in.”
Tahir’s management background meant the business modules felt familiar, but he appreciated the thoroughness. “What I really valued was the way Pacifica Local eased me in. For the first three months, all my work came through their centrally managed warranty contracts, which gave me the time to build my skills and confidence before I started getting job requests through Checkatrade.”
Business heating up
With the first few months being a learning curve for Tahir, it didn’t take him long to find his rhythm – especially when his son joined him in the business. “Going it alone was tough to start with, but bringing my son in as a second engineer really did help. And not to forget the backing from the team at HQ – they really gave me the confidence and knowledge to know I was on the right track to building a successful business.
“Now most of my work comes through Checkatrade reviews – people really value a reliable service, and that’s what we deliver. Once they see positive feedback, the enquiries just keep rolling in – to see the confidence our customers have in us is a source of real pride!”
The perfect fit
Since launching in July 2024, Tahir has been really impressed with the wealth of knowledge Pacifica Local have shown through initial training and their ongoing support package.
“When I first spoke to our franchise manager, I could see the infrastructure was first class. Now with that extra experience, the training, and support from the franchise team are on the same level too. It’s all helped me launch and expand seamlessly.”
Tahir, who was looking for entrepreneurial freedom, without the risk associated with starting your own business, is clear about why Pacifica Local stood out. “It was the most secure route into business. I get the independence I craved but with the safety net of a proven model and constant high-class support.”
Futureproofing
For now, Tahir’s focus is on keeping the work flowing and his team busy, but he’s already got an eye on what’s further down the line.
He sees real potential to capture more of his local market – High Wycombe and the surrounding areas – and expanding again to add a fourth or fifth engineer over time. “Ultimately, I want to build a sustainable, family-led business. It’s about creating something that lasts and can support my family while delivering a trusted service for the community for years to come – and Pacifica Local is exactly what I need to achieve my goals.”
Precision with Pacifica Local
“The best thing about being a franchise partner? For me, it’s the freedom to run my own business but with the reassurance of a brand like Pacifica Local behind me. Their reputation gives you real peace of mind, and you know you’re never on your own – there’s independence, financial security, and overwhelming 24/7 support whenever you need it – it’s the full package and makes you feel super confident about the future.”
Tahir’s top tips
He believes the secret is to commit and make the most of the support on offer. “Success doesn’t happen overnight, but if you put the effort in over those initial months, you’ll set yourself up for long-term rewards.
“The training and support are there! So, lean in, learn as much as you can and you’ll soon find yourself heading in the right direction.”
