It pays to be spot-on when you start up
THE HIGH Street is tough, so the franchise route is a better bet than starting up all on you own.
Matt Jemmerson, 37, who started a Muffin Break cafe bakery franchise in 2010 with wife Shelley in loughborough, leicestershire, says: ‘We saw failed cafes whose owners just didn’t realise how much it takes to build a customer base, while at the same time setting up credit accounts with suppliers, controlling cashflow, marketing, advertising and administration.
‘Starting with the franchise meant we focused on service and let Muffin Break help with the rest.’
The couple now have two additional stores. Gemma Sandells, marketing manager at Muffin Break, says: ‘We offer marketing help, operational support and training, so franchisees can prosper more than they could by going it alone.’ Investment is £260,000 to £280,000.
franchisors help identify good locations. asha Singadia, 27, and father ash have opened a Dream Doors kitchen makeover showroom in Burnham, Buckinghamshire. ‘ Dream Doors helped us find the right location on a traditional High Street,’ says asha.
Dream Doors boss Troy Tappenden says: ‘ We use demographic data, experience, and the franchisee’s local knowledge to get good locations and help negotiate the best lease. We also advise on showroom layout and design.’ Investment is £75,000.
With retail franchises you can try before you buy. Diane and Richard Garnett found the Ripples bathroom franchise when looking for a bathroom. ‘The service, staff and products were impressive and we now have a successful store in Newbury,’ says Diane, 44. She recommends: ‘If you are considering a retail franchise, try it first as a customer.’
Paul Crow, Ripples MD, says: ‘Our suppliers offer products and training, and we have inhouse specialists in marketing, sales and finance who are involved in training franchisees, and we offer marketing launch campaigns.’ It costs £25,000 to start.