There’s no place like homes for Mo

STARTING a home improvement or maintenance business can be easier with a franchise.

After a 30 years in property and development, Mo Yaqub invested in a Mobalpa kitchen and bathroom franchise in Pinner, London.

Mo says: ‘My home DIY projects piqued my interest, and my retail and property development skills also inspired me to take this route.’

He could have set up a business alone, but chose a franchise.

Mo says: ‘As a franchisee I appreciate the head office support, help with branch development, training and quality products.’

Kyle Whittle, Mobalpa’s national franchise development manager, says: ‘Our franchisees don’t need kitchen industry experience, but will need business and sales skills as well as being technicallyminded and customerfocused, a rare combination, so we offer eight weeks of training.

‘Once the store opens, a dedicated sales coach helps with customer service and sales, and a technical manager with DIY fan: Mo Yaqub issues such as technical drawing and logistics.’

A Mobalpa franchise starts at £250,000 and in some case financing might be available.

Emma Lea is the York and Harrogate franchisee with Molly Maid, managing a company offering domestic cleaning services.

The 38-year-old says: ‘If you enjoy providing a service to a high level and keeping customers and staff happy, this franchise could suit.’

Molly Maid franchise founder Pam Bader says: ‘ Our ideal franchisee is hardworking, caring, energetic and a people person who is able to follow a system and lead a team.’ The investment is £16,975.

MOBALPA; 01925 419 814. Molly Maid; 0800 500 950.