Autoglym

About Autoglym

Autoglym’s quest for restoring used car paintwork has resulted in the creation of a range of products including a paint renovator, polishes, a sealant and cleaners for glass, interiors, engines and wheels.

Over the years these treatments have breathed new life into tired bodywork and wheels, although it was the release of Autoglym’s Radiant Wax Polish in 1978 that cemented the company’s relationship with the British motor industry. Its products are today widely used by vehicle manufacturers, bodyshops, professional valeting companies, transport operators and distributors.

In 1984, Autoglym launched a range of high-class treatments for the high street and it now produces over 60 specialist products for the dedicated enthusiast who wants to give their car that pristine showroom look at home.

The LifeShine system was introduced in 2004, which keeps a car shining as brightly as the day it came off the production line. Refining the formula led to Autoglym High Definition Wax in 2008 and ongoing reformulation saw the introduction of Super Resin Polish in 2012. Wheel Protector was introduced as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations in 2015 to protect alloy wheels from the accumulation of dust on wheels from the use of softer brake pad compounds.

Autoglym received its ISO Accreditation in 1991. It is also a full member of the British Franchise Association (BFA).

Who is behind the Autoglym franchise?

Autoglym was founded in 1965 by Dennis Barley, a Ford dealer from Welwyn Garden City who carried a large stock of used cars. His aim was to devise a product that would make the cars he had for resale look as good as the day they were bought. He enlisted the help of chemical experts in Switzerland to create a range of eight car care treatments he called Autoglym – ‘glym’ being Hertfordshire slang for cleaning – that were to become a favourite of classic car enthusiasts.

Since the company was bought by the Altro Group in 1973, Autoglym has developed various ranges of products that have been adopted by many major car manufacturers, among them MG Rover, Bentley, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Porsche and Mercedes.

Autoglym has grown into a global company, originally through Scandinavia and then using success in Holland and Germany to expand throughout the rest of Europe. Today, it is present in over 45 countries.

Autoglym was rewarded with a Royal Warrant of Appointment when it was appointed to both HRH The Prince of Wales in 1991 and HRH The Queen Mother in 1992. The company was appointed to Her Majesty The Queen in 2004.

The company’s growth meant that it had to move its headquarters to Letchworth, Hertfordshire in 1991. In 1994, the Autoglym launched its Public Service Vehicle division, catering for buses, coaches and trains. Its first franchise was sold in 1996.

How does the Autoglym franchise model work?

The Autoglym franchise is a van-based valeting and detailing operation using Autoglym Professional premium vehicle care range for the professional valeting and detailing market.

Renovating used car paintwork was a vital part of the success of Dennis Barley & Sons, and Autoglym products helped the company build its reputation. Designed by experts so they can be used by car enthusiasts as well as professionals, Autoglym can supply a wide range of interior and exterior car cleaning and polishing products, as well as wheel accessories, scratch removers, microfibre drying towels and engine cleaners. These are available individually, as gifts and in kits.

How much does an Autoglym franchise in the UK cost?

Autoglym’s franchise fee is £16,000, although franchisees should prepare for a minimum investment of £50,000. This minimum investment can vary depending on the number of sales areas, size and current business levels within an area. However, once accepted, franchisees are given a specific geographical territory of a size to ensure they have access to enough work to maximise their potential earnings.

Is financial assistance available for an Autoglym franchise?

Financial assistance is available through third parties. Most banks and other financial institutions are often willing to lend between 50 and 70 per cent of a franchisee’s investment, depending on financial history, if they are investing in a franchise, as established franchises have a better than average chance of success.

Did you know?

Autoglym has outlets available across the UK

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What support and training does Autoglym offer its franchisees?

The Autoglym Academy offers professional training tailored to your vehicle cleaning needs.

Autoglym has developed a team of dedicated professionals who can focus on the training of new franchisees. These local Technical Services Specialists will be tasked to make sure every Autoglym franchisee has all the advice and guidance they need, when they need it.

Training covers every aspect of the Autoglym business, including product inventory, sales, marketing, customer support, service orientation and an introduction to the IT system.

Initial training is carried out at the Autoglym Academy at the headquarters in Letchworth. This will be followed by in-territory product training and customer support as required. Autoglym also offers marketing, sales and targeting support.

What are the potential profits which can be made from an Autoglym franchise?

Autoglym has a history dating back over 50 years and can proudly boast that the development of its products over that time has meant that it has a 99 per cent brand awareness and 73 per cent of professionals in the car care industry have used an Autoglym product in the past two years. Franchisees also benefit from Autoglym’s partnership with national accounts, including contract vehicle cleaning companies.

Potential customers include valeters, detailers, car showrooms, vehicle hire companies, coach operators, fleet and haulage companies, plant hire firms, and even funeral directors. Effectively, it could be anyone with a vehicle.

Where does Autoglym currently have franchise territories available?

Autoglym currently has territories available in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Peterborough, Boston, Sleaford, Skegness, South Yorkshire, Humberside, Selby, Scunthorpe, Grimsby, Dorset, Sussex and in Scotland.

Are any established UK Autoglym franchises for sale?

As with any business based on a franchised territory, some newcomers may prefer to take over an established franchise rather than start from scratch, avoiding setting up costs. Retirement or relocation are among the reasons a franchisee might consider reselling a profitable business, and resales of Autoglym franchises may come onto the market. You can contact Autoglym by clicking the enquiry button on this website to see if there is a franchise currently for sale.

Who is the ideal Autoglym franchisee?

Autoglym is looking to join forces with entrepreneurs who are passionate about the car valeting industry and car care industry. Franchisees should have at least a working knowledge and hands-on experience in car parts, accessories and equipment.

What are the Autoglym franchise’s terms of agreement and renewal?

Autoglym offer a five-year licence, renewable after that term.

How in-demand are Autoglym franchises right now?

Car valeting and cleaning services have changed over the years, with many businesses that used to succeed with one or two employees being overtaken by enterprises that can put three or four people on a single car – speed being a key factor in the valeting business. Every driver will know that this kind of valeting service has reached saturation point, with Autocar estimating that there were 19,000 unregulated car wash sites in the UK in 2018.

There are over 31m licensed cars in the UK and washing them costs car owners over half a billion pounds a year. The hand car wash franchise market accounts for more than 110m washes a year compared to 45m mechanical car washes.

Autoglym mobile certified valeting services can offer detailing and paint restoration work that a roadside operator cannot. Restoring paintwork to a factory finish requires the hand of an experienced professional and owners of high end cars prefer the comfort of a recognised, certified Autoglym engineer to whom they can entrust everything from a Bentley to a Ferrari.

How do I start on investing in my own Autoglym franchise?

To find out more about earning yourself a place at the Autoglym Academy, or to request further information on franchising with Autoglym, click on the ‘Send Enquiry’ button now.