Meet Harman Singh: The Young Gun Making Big Moves in Swansea’s Retail Scene
On 29th May 2025, we visited Harman Singh at his One Stop store in Swansea as part of our Young Guns campaign in partnership with the British Franchise Association. At just 26 years old, Harman is part of a new wave of ambitious young entrepreneurs redefining what success looks like in franchising. His store is not only a shining example of what can be achieved with drive and vision. It’s also a vibrant hub for the local community. We caught up with Harman to hear more about his journey, what motivates him, and where he’s heading next.
Meet Harman Singh: The Next Gen Retailer from Swansea
1. Could you please introduce yourself?
“Hi, I’m Harman Singh, 26 years young and proud to be a One Stop franchisee!”
2. What inspired you to get into franchising at such a young age?
“I’ve always been drawn to the idea of being my own boss and having financial freedom. Franchising offers a structured way to run a business with the flexibility to step back when needed — especially important in a hands-on sector like convenience retail.”
3. How did you choose the franchise brand you’re with?
“We chose One Stop because it offers highly competitive pricing for our customers, along with a fully systemised operation. From ordering and stock management to planograms, everything is streamlined, giving us more time to focus on growing the business. Plus, being backed by Tesco is a huge advantage — customers trust the brand, and that recognition makes a real difference.”
4. What advantages do you think being a younger franchisee brings?
“Being young, I’m very tuned into social media and online trends. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook help me spot what’s trending, bring those products into store, and market them effectively. It’s about staying relevant and engaging customers where they already are.”
5. What’s been your proudest moment in franchising so far?
“Definitely the opening day of this store. Transforming it from a derelict site into a modern, fully-equipped convenience store was a proud moment. It felt great to give something valuable back to the community.”
6. How do you stay motivated as a business owner?
“I remind myself daily that this store isn’t just a business, it’s a part of the community. Seeing familiar faces, hearing positive feedback, and knowing we’re providing something valuable keeps me driven. I also love setting short-term goals, whether that’s increasing footfall, improving availability, or launching a new product trend in-store.”
“Franchising with One Stop gave me the freedom to run my own business without feeling like I was doing it alone. At 26, I’ve built a store that supports my community, my lifestyle, and my future – and that’s jus the beginning.”
7. What role does community play in your store’s success?
“It plays a huge role. We’re not just here to sell groceries, we’re part of people’s daily lives. Whether it’s supporting local charities, sponsoring events, or simply offering a friendly chat at the till, that local connection builds loyalty. When the community supports you, the business naturally grows.”
8. What advice would you give to other young people thinking about franchising?
“Don’t let age hold you back. If you’re passionate, willing to learn, and ready to put in the work, franchising can be a fantastic way to start your own business with support behind you. Choose a brand with a strong system and team, like One Stop, and use that structure to focus on growing, not just surviving.”
9. Where do you see your business and yourself in the next five years?
“Over the next five years, I aim to expand by identifying more sites in need of regeneration and turning them into successful convenience stores. I also want to continue finding new ways to serve and support the local community.”
