The future’s bright for this fast growing homecare business

Foresight and the love of shutters has created a multi-million pound company

Nobody would deny 2020 was a difficult year for everyone, so it’s uplifting to hear about a company that has carried on, yet not regardless, of course.

Just Shutters is that company, as founder Chris Rocker explains: “Although the business could not actively trade throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, we decided we would take the positive route.”

Chris and his team have used the time wisely, looking closely at business strategies, particularly marketing.

“This is a vital area for us,” Chris says. “With strategic and successful marketing, we can fully support our franchisees. We have finely tuned that area and are extremely pleased with the results.”

He goes on to explain how else this time has been utilised: “Home became a haven in which our customers were now spending the majority of their time, therefore home improvement became a focus.

“Our customers were as keen as ever to have shutters fitted, so we introduced a highly successful Home Measuring Kit, which enables us to continue to begin the made-to-measure process safely.”

This positivity and customer care carried through to Just Shutters franchisees, with many supporting their local communities by providing a shop-and-drop service to the elderly or vulnerable. Unsurprisingly, Chris is exceptionally proud of all their efforts.

Chris and the team have worked hard to build the business into the multi-million-pound success story it is today

This ‘can do’ attitude has made Just Shutters one of the fastest-growing, independent retail shutter companies and franchises in the UK, supplying and fitting the largest choice of shutters.

Founded by Chris in 2006, the company has achieved year on year growth.

“Having spent more than 25 years in sales and operations, following a career in the Royal Air Force, I wanted to use the experience gained to create a family-run company,” he says.

“I loved the style of plantation shutters. It was plain to see shutters were becoming the window choice of the future and I’m extremely pleased to say, I was right!”

He certainly was right. Just Shutters has installed more than £27 million-worth of shutters and has thousands of satisfied customers, yet still maintains a small family company ethos today.

“We give our franchisees the best possible support and training”

Over the ensuing years and continued success, Chris looked at ways to expand the business.

Franchising seemed the perfect way to grow the brand and work with like-minded entrepreneurs, who take responsibility for their business, while still giving customers a local service.

In a business where customers consult closely with their designer about their homestyle choices, it had become apparent over time that customers rely on a local service virtually on their doorstep.

Just Shutters has become renowned for its exemplary customer service and it was vital to maintain this. With this in mind, the company created a comprehensive franchise package, with unique ongoing support and an in-depth training programme.

What makes the training unique? It’s not undertaken in a ‘school room’ environment, but at Just Shutters’ franchise training centre and showroom in Bournemouth.

This immediately creates a team connection, where the franchisee feels they’re at the hub of the operation and team relationships are formed with people who will be providing ongoing support throughout the life of the new business.

Training is carried out by people who actually ‘do’ rather than just teach. With over 50 years of experience and £9 million of shutter sales, ordering and installation behind them, their knowledge is second to none. Sales and installation training are conducted in the designated area. Ongoing consultation, business development and support are also done in the prospective local area.

The initial training lasts for 13 days. The franchisee is fully trained and becomes proficient on the cloud-based integrated business management systems and assisted on the accounts and administration.

The new business is promoted through joint and continuous marketing campaigns to further expand reach in regional and national areas.

“We aim to give our franchisees the best possible operational systems, marketing, training and business support to grow their businesses quickly and competitively, while ensuring outstanding customer satisfaction,” Chris says.

Let the sunshine in

2020 saw so many businesses sadly fail, with many job losses. This, in turn, has made many people re-evaluate their lives and careers. Perhaps 2021 is the time to change direction and realise a dream, create stability and a better lifestyle.

Investing in a franchise with a trusted and established brand takes the risk out of starting a business. For any budding entrepreneur with a will to succeed, Just Shutters is a dream business.

No experience is necessary to be a successful Just Shutters franchisee, you just need exceptional people skills and an abundance of enthusiasm to build a business and enjoy the company of loyal customers. This is a hands-on business with much time spent talking with clients.

“It’s really satisfying sitting down with customers to discuss enhancing their homes with our beautiful shutters,” Chris says. “Our franchisees are totally confident in the knowledge they are offering the best design and service package, along with the highest quality products coupled with a lifetime guarantee.”

The family is growing

There’s now a Just Shutters franchisee in over 175 towns and cities in the UK. That may sound a lot, but the UK has a lot of towns and cities!

The family is growing and rapidly gaining a valuable reputation as one of the leading franchise companies in the shutter industry.

Jonathan Read, managing director of Just Shutters’ South Lancashire franchise, says: “Working for myself has always been a personal goal and Just Shutters gives me the opportunity to grow my own business while having a fantastic support team behind me. It’s the family feel that sealed the deal for me.” Andrew Cook started the Just Shutters South West franchise in 2011 covering Devon and Cornwall. He’s established a fantastic reputation and strong customer base.

Andrew says of his experience: “It’s great to know that a large part of my work comes from additional orders and customer recommendations to friends and family.

“It’s really enjoyable running your own business, as well as being part of a larger team in Just Shutters.”

These are just two successful and happy franchisees who have changed their lives and are running a sustainable business. No longer do they need to worry about redundancy or loss of earnings. They hold the future in their hands.

At a glance Just Shutters franchise

Established:

2006

Number of franchised outlets:

19

Location of units:

UK

Investment range:

£30,000-£50,000

Minimum required capital:

£27,000

Contact:

franchise@justshutters.co.uk