Autosmart franchise receives BFA HSBC award

Franchising for over 30 years, Autosmart helps franchisees build their own profitable businesses

Autosmart International, the UK’s largest manufacturer of professional vehicle cleaning products, is celebrating after being named Franchisor of the Year in the prestigious British Franchise Association HSBC awards.

Commenting on the company’s success, managing director Sophie Atkinson said: “This is the Oscar of the franchising world and winning it is a huge compliment to our commitment to every franchisee. I am thrilled we have been chosen as Franchisor of the Year by some of the UK’s leading authorities in franchising. It is especially rewarding, as last year we won the top bfa award for franchisee support.

“We’ve been franchising for over 30 years and are motivated by helping franchisees to build their own successful and profitable businesses. As the market changes, we have adapted our business model to meet the needs of both franchisees and customers, ensuring we always provide the highest quality products and services and the best possible value.”

Cathryn Hayes, HSBC’s head of franchising and a judge on the 2012 bfa HSBC Franchisor of the Year awards panel, said: “The decision this year was even harder than ever, with such a successful and impressive group of companies on the shortlist - the team at Autosmart should be very proud to win the Gold award.”

Going for gold
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Keith Ellwood, the Autosmart franchisee for Edinburgh, has successfully made it through to the semi-final stages of the bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year award 2012. In the last 12 months Keith has seen a 35 per cent increase in profits, which has resulted in him achieving ‘Gold’ coverage status - the best available.

He puts his success down to recent investments in the business. In the last few years Keith has invested in a larger showroom, a new on-board computer system and a new credit card facility. As a result, his efficiency has improved, saving him time with customers and ultimately giving him an extra day per week of selling time. His new larger showroom has enabled him to increase display space, which has significantly increased impulse purchases from existing customers. Since Keith invested in a new chip and pin credit card facility, he has seen his average order values from casual users who buy products for their own use go from £20 to £50.

Keith says: “The increased growth and profits in the last 12 months have come almost entirely from selling more to existing customers. My next focus is to use the day per week I have gained to win more new customers. There’s plenty more potential and I’m going to keep driving my business forward.”

FRANCHISEE INTERVIEW: SHAUN MARTIN
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### Why did you decide to buy a franchise? ###

I previously worked as an operations manager for a large chain of Chinese supermarkets. I had risen through the ranks as far as possible and was ready for a new challenge. I really wanted to have my own business, but was unsure exactly what to do. My wife saw an advert for an Autosmart franchise in Bromley and knew it would be perfect for me. I love cars - I have my own classic car and wanted something that would take me out and about, rather than sitting in an office all day.

### Why did you choose Autosmart? ###

I knew from the first meeting with Autosmart it was the right match for me. I’m passionate about cars and this franchise would indulge me in my passion on a daily basis. I was also impressed with the level of support they offer. Every new franchisee is allocated his own local business coach to work with him in the field, helping him improve his sales and product knowledge. Autosmart have won awards for their support and training, which is just the reassurance you need when looking to invest your money in a franchise.

### Who do you sell to? ###

That’s the great thing about the range of Autosmart products - it’s so diverse. Not only do I sell to automotive customers, but also to skip hire companies, funeral directors, engineers and food manufacturers.

### How are you finding life as a franchisee? ###

I am so enthusiastic about my new business. It’s fantastic being out and about every day, meeting new people and winning new customers. The diversity of the job and the people I meet daily is what makes it so interesting and worthwhile. I’m my own boss now and know I’ll reap the rewards of all my hard work.