Window shutter franchise network goes regional

The Shuttercraft franchise offers a credible opportunity with an established brand and product in an expanding market

Offering excellent opportunities within an exciting and rapidly growing market, the UK’s largest distributor of interior plantation shutters has taken the success of its business to the next level through the launch of the regional Shuttercraft franchise.

Shuttercraft’s market opportunity supplying and fitting window shutters and blinds is vast; its made to measure shutters and blinds can be designed to fit virtually any window, in any property - irrespective of shape, size or location.

Cash positive
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With potentially high margins from the outset, the Shuttercraft franchise is intended to operate as a cash positive business, exclusively retailing (including surveying and fitting) the company’s leading product range of high quality shutters. With professional training, support and such an established , brand franchisees should be able to kick start their business quickly.

Shuttercraft customers expect the highest levels of service and its franchisees have the passion to deliver on this expectation and have the aptitude for measuring and fitting shutters. This franchise is suitable for business-minded people with high levels of DIY proficiency and the ability to manage the business on a day to day basis, maximising the opportunities in their designated sales areas.

Shuttercraft has developed many of the largest independent shutter retailers in the UK and is now looking to recruit franchisees in specific territories. Franchisees can have absolute confidence that they will receive market leading levels of support.

Launch
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One in every five windows in the USA has internal wooden shutters and it’s not surprising therefore that shutters are the fastest growing window coverings product in the UK. Recognising this vast opportunity, Matthew Blewett, responding to an advert, approached Shuttercraft to offer a regional service in his local area of Gloucestershire to install the company’s range of shutters.

As part of the Shuttercraft franchise network, Matt benefits from the support of the largest distributor of shutters in the UK and exclusively retails the established S:CRAFT brand, while still being able to offer a bespoke local service across the breadth and width of his designated territory.

The S:CRAFT brand has grown from strength to strength, becoming possibly the most requested shutter product within the industry. Window shutters (originally popularised in America as plantation shutters) are an on-trend window furnishing, which over the years have grown in popularity.

Not only do plantation shutters look fantastic, they are also a practical solution providing a number of unique selling points. Possibly the most significant is the fact that they are a made to measure product and as such can be designed and crafted to fit practically any size and shape of window.

Privacy and the ability to control light are the greatest practical benefits that shutters offer, as each louvered panel in effect acts as a separate window covering that can be independently controlled, allowing the consumer to choose how the light plays in the room. The addition of a mid-rail/privacy rail allows the consumer to split the louvres into two separate sections so they can close or tilt the louvres at eye (street) level to prevent onlookers while leaving the top section open to fully enjoy the light.

Perceived security also plays a large part in choosing shutters rather than curtains, as internal plantation shutters provide a more secure looking window covering. In addition, they offer an additional layer of insulation and also help to reduce noise pollution.

Reputation
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With more and more consumers turning to regional,family run businesses for services where reputation really matters, Shuttercraft Gloucestershire understands the importance of positive recommendations to grow a business and dealing locally means that any aftersales care, should it be needed, can be provided swiftly.

Matt Blewett would recommend Shuttercraft as a franchise proposition to anyone who has the enthusiasm and foresight to see an exciting proposition within a growing and on-trend market.

He says:“From the outset Shuttercraft made me feel a welcomed member of the franchise team, gave me confidence in both product and operations, and have helped me to launch a professional service within my franchise territory.

“From my first meeting with Shuttercraft through to signing the contract, I was impressed with their openness and professional approach.

As soon as I signed the contract I knew I had a team I could rely on.

“My regional website [www.shuttercraft-gloucestershire.co.uk] was up and running almost straight away and during my induction I arrived as Matt and left as Shuttercraft Gloucestershire, with a fully logoed van, branded clothing, BlackBerry and stationery, as well as all the professional sales tools I could possibly need.

“I have been working with Shuttercraft now for a couple of months, been out on the road with their professional survey and fit team, and work very closely with their sales and marketing team - we have sat down and planned the way forward. With regular marketing meetings and the support of the head office, I can concentrate on servicing and generating leads with the knowledge that I have a team working on my behalf to help me make a success.

“I have already met my first month’s lead objectives, secured some great sales and feel positive about the future. All this within a month of trading - watch this space.”

Viable
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As you can seethe Shuttercraft proposition is a viable and profitable franchise for anyone looking to become the master of their own destiny. Signing up to a franchise is by no means a small decision to make, but signing with Shuttercraft means you will be supported and guided from the outset. Working alongside the UK’s market leader, you will receive comprehensive training and support, and with Shuttercraft’s advice and support, coupled with your ongoing dedication, you will be successful.

Franchisees will initially operate from home and be van based. Shuttercraft will train you in all aspects of the business. As sales volumes increase,you may decide to move into a commercial unit or small office and employ a fitter or fitting team.

On a practical note, you will need to have the aptitude for measuring and installing shutters, and so this role is not for those who do not have at least a high level of DIY proficiency.

You will need the ability to manage the business on a day to day basis and maximize the opportunities in your designated local area. Managerial and sales experience, good interpersonal skills, computer literacy and the aptitude to meet Shuttercraft’s high professional standards are a must.