Just Shutters offers a rewarding home improvements van franchise
Choosing which route to take to become your own boss is often the longest stage in the process of starting your own business. Many turn to franchising due to the fact the major UK banks are actively lending to applicants proposing to follow a franchise business model. It makes sense, as the business is more likely to succeed if it is a template that has been proven in other parts of the country by a variety of people.
Selecting the right franchise business model for you is vital. You need to visualise the lifestyle you want, calculate how much you need to earn and how much you can afford to invest, both upfront and in covering your costs while developing your new business.
Operational
Established by husband and wife Chris and Helen Rocker, Just Shutters has grown out of a family business and now has five of its 20 UK territories operational. One of the largest plantation shutter specialists in the UK, Just Shutters has the largest geographical coverage and offers the widest range of products, materials and finishes.
Chris and Helen work hard to maintain the values that have made the brand so successful. “We are proud of the customer affection we have created in the Just Shutters brand,” says Helen. “Although we are rapidly growing our area of coverage through franchising, we are being very careful in selecting like-minded people that fit with our values - people who also care about service and insist on high standards of finish. Our small successful family business has now grown into a family franchise.”
Being a home-based van franchise with low start-up costs, Just Shutters has attracted some smart investors, who have all been looking to change their lifestyle and build a rewarding owner-operator business in their local area. Sarah Gale, the company’s latest franchisee, joined from a background in PR and marketing within the interiors and home improvements sector. She recognised the potential of the business opportunity, the high quality of the product and exceptional support that Chris and Helen Rocker provide.
“Our children are now in their teens and I wanted a new challenge, so I decided to look at building a franchise business,” says Sarah. “The quality of the product drew me to Just Shutters, as it really is first class. I was impressed by the detail of the business model that Helen and Chris have created and the warm, friendly vibe that exists within the network. I was convinced that this was the right choice for me, so took the step. I am now part of the Just Shutters family and my business has already landed two jobs from my launch show.”
Mentoring
Just Shutters franchisees are actively supported in achieving their business growth objectives in a variety of ways. Chris, Helen and the team provide ongoing mentoring in all elements of the business.
Arguably the most important area of guidance is each franchisee’s personal marketing and sales plan. This plan provides a personalised step-by-step guide to the activities required over the coming 12 months for the business to meet its target income objectives. This plan was developed as a result of expensive scientific research of Just Shutters’ customers and marketplace. This research led to a detailed analysis of the results of the template territory and the territories of all the franchisees, which was used to create the latest version of the marketing and sales plan. It covers lead generation and provides benchmarks and key performance indicators with which to track performance, allowing each franchisee to know if they are on track to make the money they are expecting from their business at every stage of development.
As this is an active plan developed in partnership, the support a franchisee receives is tailored to their strengths and weaknesses. This ensures each person has the best chance of reaching the income goals for their business. Just Shutters is a relatively small franchise network, so franchisees are treated as people, not numbers or territories. Chris and Helen are hands-on, so each franchisee receives the support they need when they need it.
Ian Beasleigh runs his Just Shutters business in the Reading and Thames Valley area. He invested in his franchise in 2010 after searching for a change of career and a new challenge. Ian explains:
“I chose to invest in Just Shutters because I liked the business model and the figures stacked up. I earned my initial investment back in a matter of months and I am delighted to report sales are continuing to grow and grow.
“The systems and support Chris and Helen have provided have been fantastic. I have won some really impressive jobs in both the residential and commercial sectors in my local area. The best part of working for myself is that I am able to work from my home office and spend more time with my family. If you are looking at investing in a franchise, make sure you talk to Chris or Helen about Just Shutters.”
Motivated
You do not need experience of fitting shutters to start a Just Shutters business - Chris, Helen and the team believe that personality and approach are far more important. If you are passionate, motivated and enjoy working with people, this could be the perfect business opportunity for you.
The major banks have recognised the security of the Just Shutters business model and will offer franchisees up to 65 per cent of the total investment (subject to status). You will need approximately £20,000 (including VAT) in total to start your Just Shutters business. This covers the franchise fee, extensive training, equipment, systems, launch marketing and other costs to get your business started.
Andrew Cook, Just Shutters’ Exeter and South West franchisee, grabbed the business opportunity with both hands back May 2011. “After 10 years as a franchisee and business owner, I was looking for a better work-life balance in my next venture,” he says. “I am delighted with my investment in Just Shutters and look forward to developing a multi-van business in my area. I am pleased with progress so far and I have some great feedback from my customers on Checkatrade. This is a much more rewarding business than my last venture in car SMART repairs. I chose to relocate to take a Just Shutters territory in the south west and the change of lifestyle has been fantastic.”
Importantly for you as a potential investor, the Just Shutters business model has been accredited by the British Franchise Association.
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