A handy way to build a business (Daily Mail franchise story)

A handy way to build a business

Daily Mail

By: Linda Whitney

EASTER is on the way and with it the home maintenance season. If you have building trades experience or are interested in DIY and want to set up in business, consider a home maintenance franchise.

You must be practical, with a flair for selling. Whatever your background, franchisors will train you.

Former paramedic Mike Singleton now runs a Flat Roof Company franchise in Stockport.

'I had no experience of fitting flat roofs, but I've always done DIY,' he says. 'The franchisor trained me in theory and sales, and sent me out with an installer.'

Kevin Moody, of the Flat Roof Company, where investment is £25,000, says: 'You should be the practical type and enjoy working outdoors. It's rewarding to replace an old flat roof with a new one.'

Successful franchisees need to be keen on customer service.

'People who make a success of a home improvements franchise are positive, enthusiastic and willing to go the extra mile for customers,' says Gary Chambers of Apollo Blinds. Its new Apollo At Home franchise costs £14,900 to start.

Canopies UK franchisees also work from home, selling and fitting canopies in houses and commercial premises. You need no experience, as your £5,000 stake includes training.

If you have experience in building trade management or on a home improvement project, you could put it to use with Trade Man's World, managing operations for home improvers using self-employed labourers. The £10,000 investment includes business leads and worker skill checks.

'There are plenty of business opportunities now people are renovating and improving homes instead of moving,' says Jonathan Banister of Oakleaf, the franchise that involves installing decorative 'oak' beams, mock Tudor exteriors and period room panelling.

It suits people with a sales or marketing background, and you can work hands-on or as a manager.

Investment is £40,000.

In the spirit of make-do and mend, the Ovenu franchise is encouraging people to refurbish rather than replacing their ovens. Franchisees deep-clean domestic and commercial ovens. Investment is £13,000, but if you fund the first £5,000, the franchisor will allow you to pay the rest monthly over five years.

If you have experience of project management and building, the Aspray franchise might suit you.

Franchisees offer an insurance claims management and building restoration service, managing restoration teams and liaising with insurers, loss adjusters and customers. Investment is £28,000.

For something different, consider Dunweedin, part of the SITR recycling company.

This new franchise involves selling and installing rubber chippings and crumbs made from recycled tyres to cover playgrounds, gardens and lawns, where it promotes growth. It's used on Sheffield United's ground and National Trust properties.

Its package includes training to NVQ level in turf maintenance, plus marketing back-up. It's free to start — you just pay for the stock you buy.

Flat Roof Company: 0800 212548.

Apollo At Home: 0845 123 6030.

Canopies UK: 01254 777002.

Trade Man's World: 0800 183 0482.

Oakleaf: 01535 663274.

Ovenu: 01325 251455.

Aspray: 0800 077 6704.

Dunweedin (SITR): 01606 841183.

WHEN looking for a franchise…

WHEN looking for a franchise, it pays to check the quality of its marketing. 'A franchise with good national marketing means your name is already known,' says Nick Wolfe, 43 (pictured), the Tumble Tots franchisee in the Medway towns, Kent, since 2002.

'I'd been opening new shops for Vodafone, so I knew marketing was vital.' Tumble Tots, which runs children's play activities at local venues, has just won the Best Overall Marketing Campaign Award at the Franchise Marketing Awards. 'I liked the fact it does structured marketing, with three national campaigns a year, including newsletters, which boosts member retention,' says Nick.

'It also does TV adverts and produces leaflets for local nurseries and playgroups. I time my local marketing to coincide with national campaigns, so the message is stronger.' Investing in Tumble Tots costs £13,000, plus working capital, and there is an annual contribution to the national marketing fund.

TUMBLE Tots: 0121 585 7003..