Granite & TREND Transformations predicts “huge growth” for franchising network

Despite an economy described by business leaders as having “significant challenges”, the home improvements franchise saw its UK network revenue rise by 10 per cent during 2013.

It ended the year with December sales up 16 per cent and started 2014 by eclipsing last year’s figures by 18 per cent.

CREST OF A WAVE
“We are riding the crest of a wave right now,” Danny Hanlon, Granite Transformations’ UK chief operating officer, says.

“There have been plenty of great sales results in January and I can’t recall a time where our franchisees have had so many enquiries coming through.

“Our franchise opportunities owners are taking on new staff and we are currently designing seven new showrooms, some in retail parks and others in garden centres. I foresee huge growth for the brand.”

The franchise’s core product offering is its distinctive ‘top that fits on top’ agglomerate material, which can be installed over existing worktops and tiled surfaces.

Granite Transformations has announced closer retail ties with its parent company, the Italian-based Trend Group, which will see a greater presence of Trend designer glass mosaics in franchise UK showrooms, opening up potentially lucrative new revenue streams.

ENHANCED FRANCHISEE SUPPORT
The UK operation has enhanced its franchisee support over the past 12 months by overhauling its consumer website, master catalogue, library of sales leaflets and central call centre operation.

The development of a garden centre-based concession site franchise model has also proved popular with existing franchisees and potential investors interested in a low cost retail alternative to traditional high street premises.