US removal franchise branching out in the UK

Britain's removal industry is getting an image boost with the arrival of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, America's favourite mover

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK plans to open 70 branches across the UK, creating hundreds of jobs and putting millions of pounds into the economy.

The company specialises in being part of the community, moving homes and businesses within a small radius. Its franchisees promote themselves as local business owners in the markets they service. They are supported by an experienced business franchise organisation that can assist and counsel them with any aspect of the business.

Grandma rule
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“We operate the grandma rule - to treat all our customers the way they would want their grandmother to be treated,” says UK managing director Mike Harrison. And we like to get involved and give back to the community.”

UK franchise marketing territories average 500,000 population, and as the franchise is new to the UK demand is likely to be strong as prudent investors will seize the opportunity to be first to take advantage of the concept.

The company, founded in the 1980s by housewife Ellen Sheets, plans to initially open to franchised branches in the East and West Midlands, but London could also be an early target. With branches currently operating in Dublin and Belfast,TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has recently awarded its first Scottish franchise.

Despite the economic downturn, depots in Dublin and Belfast have been a success and the company is forecasting steady growth from a continually moving population.

Says Mike Harrison:“Some of our branches in the US, which is in a similar financial situation to the UK, are now employing up to so staff as most of our work continues to come from recommendations - from people who found us looking after their settees and tables that arrived at their new homes without a mark.”

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK says businesses are also moving premises regularly, while it has also found large numbers of university students needing a moving company to bring home accumulated possessions.