“I made the right decision to join Shuttercraft”

Charlie Scott has gone from franchise marketeer to shutter pioneer

Charlie Scott graduated in 1998 with a degree in business studies and spent the following 19 years in a variety of sales and marketing roles.

In 2005 he began his career in franchising, working in senior roles at HomeServe plc and Rainbow International. He was also part of the turnaround team for Home Energy Services, a management buyout from E.ON in 2013, which was subsequently sold to HomeServe in 2015.

Best choice

So why did he choose franchising over an employed career? Having held board level positions at two large franchise organisations, Charlie knew how a franchise model enabled the franchisee to scale the business rapidly and diversify locally to create a balanced business model.

Charlie explains why Shuttercraft was the best franchise choice in his eyes: “The growth figures in the shutter industry and the quality of the S:CRAFT product initially gained my interest.

“The follow-up meetings with Shuttercraft head office gave me confidence that the market was there to build a successful business and the support network would ensure I could deliver market leading levels of service and value in my area.

“I would also be part of Shuttercraft’s pioneering management franchise model, which is a first in this sector. This appealed greatly as it offered me the ability to scale the business quickly and efficiently.”

Charlie joined Shuttercraft in 2017 and the first year was slow and steady by design.

Shuttercraft advocates learning the business from the ground up and supporting new franchisees in taking their time, learning the best way to help. Surveying and fitting were new to Charlie, so he had some new skills to learn and perfect.

Early experience

Charlie shared with us his early experience: “I ran the business single-handed for the first nine months, before taking on a parttime fitter to help out. Building the business from the ground up paid dividends.

“My strategy has always been to offer the very best service and I’m very proud to be the UK’s highest rated shutter retailer on Trustpilot.

“Shutters are the premium window covering choice and their popularity is driving continuous growth. With the support of Shuttercraft head office, I have a multichannel marketing programme, but word of mouth is certainly the best lead generator.

“When you do a great job for someone, they tell their friends and family, it’s as simple as that.”

Step change

In the last year, Charlie has seen a step change in the business from a lead volume and conversion rate perspective.

He now has three surveyors and four fitters on the books and business performance is beyond his original stretch targets, let alone franchise minimum projections.

“I knew franchising worked and now I know the Shuttercraft model delivers results and that I made the right decision to join them,” Charlie says.

At a glance Shuttercraft

Established:

2012

Number of franchised outlets:

29

Location of units:

nationwide

Investment range:

£25,000-£60,000

Minimum required capital:

£25,000

Contact:

Lisa Stead shuttercraft-franchise.co.uk/contact-us