Bristol Shuttercraft franchise exceeds expectations

For Shuttercraft franchisees, every window is an opportunity

Martin Burge, the latest Shuttercraft franchisee in Bristol, is already experiencing strong success, having exceeded all the monthly targets set by Shuttercraft since launching his franchise in September 2012.

Martin was previously 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 reconsider his future and possible options.

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

Flexible
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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 retraining, as well as marketing and business support, for his new venture.

Martin discovered franchising by attending a British Franchise Association seminar, which helped him greatly when it came to investigating exactly what he needed from his franchisor, and Shuttercraft provided him with all the 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 also get the much needed training in his new career he wanted. He would also receive 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 back up 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 who would provide him with help and support in developing local retail partnerships.

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 one for Google in my area. We have worked very hard on bringing in business and the beauty is that, because consumers pay a 50 per cent deposit upon placing their order, this is a cash positive business from the day the first order is received.”

When Martin thinks back to how bleak his future was looking, he says: “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 my own boss and the potential income is very attractive - everyone should do it.”

Impressed
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Matt Blewett, the Shuttercraft franchisee for Gloucestershire, is also impressed with the company, saying: “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.

“My regional website - shuttercraftgloucestershire. co.uk - was up and running virtually straight away and ranked number one on Google for shutters in Gloucestershire within eight weeks. I arrived at my induction training as Matt and left as Shuttercraft Gloucestershire, with a fully sign written van, branded clothing, Blackberry and stationery, as well as all the professional sales tools I could possibly need.

“Nine months in and I would never have believed I would be beating my yearly targets and the forecast £64,000 net earnings for year two 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.”

Martin and Matt received all the training and support needed to set up and run their Shuttercraft businesses locally, which has included:

* Training in Shuttercraft’s tried and tested consumer sales processes, resulting in a higher percentage of sales 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 them 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 and their procedures.

* Marketing support to help them target prospects, push sales and achieve referrals.

The Shuttercraft franchise is intended to operate as a cash positive business because of low overheads and potentially high margins from the outset. Its window shutter products are second to none in their marketplace, providing you with access to an established brand you can have absolute confidence to sell - enabling you to quickly kick start your business.

With a dedicated head office team providing ongoing support, you will be given the training to develop a profitable window shutter business in an exciting and rewarding marketplace. Working alongside the UK’s market leader, you will receive comprehensive training and support from the outset, and with Shuttercraft’s advice and support, coupled with your ongoing dedication, you will be successful.

Franchisees will initially operate from home and be van based. Shuttercraft will train you in all aspects of the business. As sales volumes increase, you may decide to move into a commercial unit or small office and employ a window shutter fitter or fitting team.

Service
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Shuttercraft offers a high quality product range, which requires the highest levels of service, and is looking for franchisees who have the passion to deliver this level of service. You will need the ability to manage the business on a day to day basis and maximise the opportunities in your designated territory.

The company is looking for people with managerial and/or sales experience, good interpersonal skills, who are computer literate and have the aptitude to meet Shuttercraft’s high professional standards.

To succeed with Shuttercraft you also 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 has the expertise in house to provide franchisees with all the support they need.