FROM FRANCHISE MARKETEER TO SHUTTER PIONEER ...

Meet Charlie Scott, Shuttercraft in Nottingham & Derby. After 19 years spent in a variety of Sales & Marketing roles Charlie joined the franchising world as Shuttercraft Nottingham.

Having held Board level positions at two large franchise organisations he had seen how the franchise model allowed the businesses to scale rapidly and diversify locally to create a balanced business model.

“I had witnessed, first-hand, that a master franchise is only as successful as its Franchise Partners, driven by ongoing support, innovation, USP’s and a great working relationship. I was confident that the franchise model would work for me.

“Franchising offered me a fast-track back into self-employment, accelerating my learning as I entered a new sector and providing an established brand to build on.

“The meetings with Shuttercraft head office gave me confidence that the market was there to build a successful business and that the support network would ensure I could deliver market leading levels of service and value in my area. I was also going to be part of Shuttercraft’s pioneering management franchise model which is a first in this sector. This appealed greatly as it offered me the ability to scale the business quickly and efficiently.

“I had the funds to finance the franchise personally, but I chose to use a business loan for approximately 40% of the initial set-up costs and cash-flow requirements so that my personal finances remained in good shape. This approach has been a good one as it reduces the financial stress levels knowing that there is a safety fund there if needed.

“The training and support has been first class. I already feel like a seasoned expert! There is always a helping hand at the end of the phone

You can be your own boss with the support of an established franchisor like Charlie has discovered: “My biggest ‘highs’ are definitely on the day of fitting when the customer sees the shutters in place for the first time – I have already had several customers shed tears of joy!

“This is progressing well and existing customer referrals are already a major driver of new enquiries. I have fitters working for me, but the plan is to employ additional sales people and surveyors too so that we can grow the business and give the people of Nottingham the beautiful shutters they deserve.”

If you are considering buying a franchise, Charlie suggests you do thorough research:

“Research, motivation, dedication and more research. There are free resources to help you understand more about your options and to match your skill sets to the different opportunities. Take your time to make the right decision as it is an important one.”

EVERY WINDOW IS AN OPPORTUNITY

Shuttercraft franchisee, Martin Burge, has experienced strong success on his journey with Shuttercraft. Starting his business in Bristol, he has now expanded into a second territory in Cardiff (2021).

Martin was working as a photocopy engineer, but after 10 years with no pay rise, and only 18 years until he reached retirement age, he started to seriously reconsider his future and his possible options.

Martin’s wife, Sue, formerly a nursing assistant, had started up a dog grooming business 2 years previously, which has been successful and this, more than anything, gave him the push to try working for himself too.

When he pictured the type of business he could see himself being happy running it was ideally DIY based, local and flexible but Martin also appreciated that having always been an employee he would need some practical re-training, as well as marketing and business support for his new venture. 

Martin discovered franchising by attending a BFA seminar which helped him greatly when it came to investigating exactly what he needed from his franchisor and Shuttercraft provided him with all key answers he needed to make an informed decision.

Franchising appealed to him as not only would he be running his own business under the umbrella of an established brand, he would get the much needed training in his new career he wanted, he would also get the marketing and business support he knew he was going to need.

For Martin the Shuttercraft franchise stood out head and shoulders above the rest because he had the backup of the leading shutter distributor in the UK that had not only developed some of the largest independent shutter retailers in the UK but also had account managers in the field that would provide help and support in developing local retail partnerships for him.  

Martin has been impressed with the training and support he has received, saying:
“I have learnt how to measure and fit shutters in a very short time by being trained by some of the best fitters in the country.

The company started investing in me before I had even started setting up my web site and SEO-ing it, so that by the time I had completed my first month I already ranked number 1 for Google in my area. We have worked very hard on bringing in business and the beauty is that, because consumers pay a 50% deposit upon placing their order, this is a cash positive business from the day the first order is received.” 

Martin has received all the training and support needed to set-up and run his shuttercraft business locally and this has included:

• Training in Shuttercraft's tried and tested consumer sales processes, resulting in a higher percentage of sale conversions
• Access to Shuttercraft's bespoke quoting and invoicing software which includes image rendering software that illustrates the shutter installation for the consumer
• Comprehensive on the job product training with some of the best surveyors and fitters in the country to enable him to survey and fit shutters professionally 
• In the field support via business development managers who have developed many of the UK's leading independent retailers
• Marketing and Sales training
• Access to administration systems & their procedures
• Marketing support to help him target prospects, push sales and achieve referrals

When Martin thinks back on how bleak his future was looking he says that “I wanted a good pension and a business I could build upon and ultimately sell as a great going concern. Buying my shuttercraft franchised business is, without doubt, the best thing I have ever done! I love being his own boss and the potential income is very attractive – everyone should do it!

As a Shuttercraft franchise owner your role is to effectively manage the business on a day to day basis. This includes the sales promotion and business development; quoting for new work; surveying and installing the Shuttercraft product range; building relationships with clients, to encourage repeat business; and growing the franchise, eventually recruiting and training new staff.

To succeed with Shuttercraft you need an eye for detail and a passion for excellent service. You must be a people person with good empathy towards clients as well as having the inherent potential to become a quality craftsman. Additional skills such as training, sales or marketing would also be an asset but shuttercraft have all the expertise in house to provide franchisees with the support they need.

OPENING THE WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY!

Matt Blewett, the Shuttercraft franchisee for Gloucestershire, offers a regional service where he installs high quality window shutters and blinds. As part of the Shuttercraft franchise network Matt benefits from the support of the largest distributor of shutters in the UK, whilst still being able to offer a bespoke local service, across the county.

When Matt had been operating for 9 months he had already beaten the Shuttercraft yearly targets that the financials have been based on. All KPI’s from average order value, number of sales, average sqm per sales and average fit charge have been exceeded. 

Shuttercraft Gloucestershire retails only the highest quality products and work closely with the S:CRAFT brand of made-to-measure shutters and wood slat venetian blinds, to ensure a fully up-to-date range of products and colours is always available.

Shuttercraft have signed Matt up to Checkatrade as part of the overall marketing plan and potential clients can now check the validated feedback from his existing customers.

Matt says: ”From the outset shuttercraft made me a welcomed member of the franchise team, giving me confidence in both product and operations and helping me to launch a professional service within my franchise territory of Gloucestershire.

My regional website was up and running virtually straight away and ranked no 1 on google for shutters in Gloucestershire within 8 weeks. I arrived at my induction training as Matt and left as shuttercraft Gloucestershire, with a fully sign written van, branded clothing and stationery as well as all the professional sales tools I could possibly need.

A year in I would never have believed that I would be achieving my yearly target in 12 months and the forecast £64K net earnings for year 2  should not be a problem. The team is working great! My family and I feel incredibly positive about the future. All that hard work is paying off and it’s a great feeling."

The Shuttercraft Franchise Package

The Shuttercraft franchise package includes all the training and support needed to set-up and run the business locally. The set-up costs are relatively low with the potential to generate £60k trading profit in year two, with further potential for those with even higher ambitions.

The Shuttercraft franchise package provides all the training and support needed to set-up and run the business locally and this includes:

• Training in Shuttercraft's tried and tested consumer sales processes, resulting in a higher percentage of sale conversions
• Access to Shuttercraft's bespoke quoting and invoicing software which includes image rendering software that illustrates the shutter installation for the consumer
• Comprehensive on the job product training to enable you to survey and fit shutters professionally
• Apprenticeship time spent with some of the best shutter surveyors and fitters in the UK
• Support via business development managers who have developed many of the UK's leading independent retailers
• Business management
• Marketing and Sales training
• Product range training
• How to assess and price a job
• Adminstration systems & procedures
• Employment/staff management techniques and requirements
• Marketing support to help you target prospects, push sales and achieve referrals

The start-up cost is £27,495 exc VAT and the working capital you may need. Each franchisee gets a protected geographic area. We know the various factors that are required to ensure that your area provides you with a truly viable business, and we will discuss your territory at an appropriate stage.

As a Shuttercraft franchise owner your role is to effectively manage the business on a day to day basis. This includes the sales promotion and business development; quoting for new work; surveying and installing the Shuttercraft product range; building relationships with clients, to encourage repeat business; and growing the franchise, eventually recruiting and training new staff.

To succeed with Shuttercraft you need an eye for detail and a passion for excellent service. You must be a people person with good empathy towards clients as well as having the inherent potential to become a quality craftsman. Additional skills such as training, sales or marketing would also be an asset. While it is the case that you will initially carry out the installation work yourself, you can grow the business and employ an installer to work with you on an employed or self-employed basis. We have proven systems that you can use to train your team.

If this describes you perfectly contact us today (limited number of areas are available).

FROM ROYAL NAVY DIVER TO BUSINESS DRIVER…

Meet Nigel Luke, of Shuttercraft in Winchester. After 11 years in the Royal Navy followed by 12 years as a project manager - Nigel was ready to own something for himself where he could maximise his own potential and enjoy being his own boss around his young family.

Franchising minimises some of the risk element of starting out on your own as you become part of an established organisation and brand with proven processes and procedures.

“I wanted to do something for myself within a trusted and established national brand yet being delivered by local independent business owners.”

Shuttercraft are proud to retail S:CRAFT branded products, a name known for quality across the UK. With this you would be able to utilises their extensive market knowledge providing the highest levels of support, including an on-going marketing programme.

“I felt very comfortable at the outset. I believe the shutter market has a huge potential and is still very much in it’s infancy within the UK, so plenty of room for growth.”

Regarding the training and support you would receive from Shuttercraft, Nigel had nothing, but positive things to say:

“This has been really good. I have a lot to learn, but Shuttercraft are well organised and the much needed support is there for me to utilise, as and when I need to. Starting any new business is a huge challenge and, in all honesty, all of it has been a challenge. I’m still in the throes of establishing elements of the business, but the right support is always available.

“I raised the finances via my own personal savings and a bank loan, but I’ve also secured an overdraft facility with NatWest to ensure a very healthy, and positive, cash flow.”

Like any business you will experience highs and lows: “Just seeing all of the elements starting to come together, from the initial setup, to where I am now has been incredible. We still have a way to go, but the initial signs are good - plus I have already hit my half year sales forecast within four months!”

“I would like to expand on what’s been initially achieved and drive my part of this business forward.”

If you are considering buying a franchise, Nigel suggests you do thorough research “Do what I did and research, research, research. Most people have transferable skills so you don’t necessarily have to look within your comfort zone/background.”

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