Targeting national coverage

Ableworld is seeking to maintain its position as the number one mobility retailer in the UK

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.

Essential purchases

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. In addition, since many people in this age group have generous pensions and significant property equity, they have the resources to purchase this much needed equipment.

Ableworld’s mission is to help these customers live more comfortable and active lives as they get older. For the company’s franchisees, this is good news for their sales figures and the long-term security of their businesses, but there’s something else that’s arguably more important: a daily feel-good factor.

Some of the ways Ableworld franchisees describe the non-financial rewards of their businesses include a sense of pride in being not just the market leader, but an ethical leader in the mobility sector; immense satisfaction in knowing the huge improvement matching the right customer with the right product will have to their lives and well-being; and being a valued and important part of the community.

Trustworthy brand

From the beginning, Ableworld’s strategy was to build a trustworthy brand, so that the company could capitalise on the demographic market forces of an ageing UK population.

It has grown both organically and by acquisition and will continue to consider these options going forward. However, the main engine of growth over the next few years will be via the franchise model. Ableworld is targeting a national coverage of 60-70 stores, with at least 60 per cent of the total being franchised-owned outlets.

Franchisees come from a wide variety of backgrounds, such as sales, retail, construction, the armed forces, teaching and health. No previous experience of the mobility industry is needed, as the company has a comprehensive training programme. Successful franchisees combine a desire to help others and the proven Ableworld franchise system to create a business that makes a difference in their community.

Million-pound business

Jeff Newman and his son Steven were the first Ableworld franchisees to take £1 million a year through their store in Southampton. The team have consistently hit and beaten budget and have proved their initial thoughts about the viability of having a modern, one-stop mobility store in Southampton were correct.

“It has met all our expectations, especially the satisfaction we get from providing the right products for our customers,” Jeff says.

With more stores planned, Ableworld is growing. Thanks to its successful and proven franchise model, it will continue to grow as it seeks to maintain its position as the number one mobility retailer in the UK.

At a glance Ableworld

Established:

2001

Number of outlets:

35

Location of outlets:

nationwide

Investment range

: £75,000-£80,000

Minimum capital required:

£30,000

Contact:

franchise@ableworld.co.uk 01270 613599 ableworld.co.uk