Making a Difference

Ableworld franchisees derive immense job satisfaction from providing products and services to elderly and disabled people

What do you want from running a business? Typical answers include ‘an income’, ‘independence’, ‘being my own boss’ and ‘job satisfaction’.

For those who choose to work in the retail mobility sector, job satisfaction is often expressed as ‘contributing to my local community’ or ‘making a difference’.

Owning an Ableworld retail franchise gives you all the usual benefits you would expect from a franchise - an income, independence, growth possibilities and the security of operating a proven system - but it also gives you immense job satisfaction through providing products and services to the elderly and disabled members of the community.

Fast growing market

Ableworld, the UK’s largest mobility retailer, is at the forefront of one of the fastest growing markets in the UK.

There are currently 15.3 million people aged over 60 in the UK today and the government predicts that in just over 10 years’ time nearly 25 per cent of the population will be over 65.

Valued at around £1.5 billion annually, the mobility sector is set to expand dramatically over the next few years, with products such as mobility scooters, stairlifts, adjustable beds, wheelchairs and home aids becoming essential purchases for many people.

Making a difference to their customers has been a big attraction to all the Ableworld franchisees. They’ve dedicated time and resources into building a trusted brand and take providing an ethical service seriously.

Million pound turnover

Jeff Newman and his son Steven were the first Ableworld franchise to take a million pounds a year through their store in Southampton.

The team have consistently hit and beaten budget and have proved that their initial thoughts about the viability of having a modern one-stop mobility store in Southampton were correct. Jeff says: “It has met all our expectations, especially the satisfaction we get from providing the right products for our customers.”

Ableworld franchise director, Paul Boniface, says: “By following the model and injecting enthusiasm and energy into the franchise, Jeff and Steven have had a first class start to their business and have plans to do much more.

“We look forward to helping them achieve their ambitious goals in the next few years.”

Community aspect

Chris Brown knows the Bournemouth area well after a successful career there in the home and improvement sector. He opened his Ableworld franchise last year and is already looking for a second store.

The community aspect of the Ableworld business model has been an important factor for Chris.

“Becoming a franchisee has given me drive and focus, as well as giving something back to the community,” he says. “You have no idea how good it is giving something back to your community.”

Ableworld is looking to add a selected number of additional franchises across the country this year.