Franchisor name: François KOLZ (MACC Franchise Manager)
Name of Franchise: MACC UK Ltd
Tell us about how/when the business was started and the motivation behind establishing the company
MACC started 55 years ago with a very innovative ladder called “univerchelle”, the idea of one of the company owners. That first product won awards in BRUSSELS and NEW YORK (Gold Cup of the PATENT OFFICE and the POPULAR MECHANICS attributed by the American Patent Office) and showed us the direction to success.
When and why did you decide to go down the franchise route?
We have tried for several years with employees because it seemed the right thing to do in the beginning, but we came to the conclusion that we needed people with more commitment and the entrepreneur spirit if we wanted to be successful in England.
Franchise was the logical route, all the more that our salespeople in the other European countries work on commission only and have far better results. This proves the point.
What have been the company’s biggest achievements/successes to date so far?
We have contributed a lot to the safety and comfort of the people working in the building industry. Our yellow and green innovative products, symbolized by the “MACC man”, are very well recognised and appreciated. Professionals trust and value the brand because MACC offer “solutions” to building site issues and provide them with bespoke products.
What challenges have you had to overcome?
Each country is different. We always have to adapt to the culture and to the working methods on building sites. Thanks to our Marketing and Research Department, our products are always adapted to the market. We strive to satisfy our customers by creating the best possible products that will improve their working conditions.
What marketing/promotional tools do you use to grow your franchise?
We provide an on-site service. Our customers are always happy to see us again year after year. We check if all their products are in good shape and provide them with some spare parts when necessary. Word of mouth is our best marketing tool.
What differentiates MACC UK Ltd from the competition?
The answer is easy: everything! Actually we have no competition because all our products are very innovative and covered by a patent and/or registered design.
We have a “unique” concept in the building trade in Europe: A large range of innovative products designed and manufactured in France, displayed in a van for demonstration purposes to be sold directly on building sites.
In your opinion, what makes a successful MACC franchisee?
People skills, commitment, humility, capacity and willingness to learn
What changes have you seen in your industry over recent year? And how have you adapted to them?
Our customers, tradesmen of the building trade have always higher expectations because they need to adapt to their moving work environment. The MACC concept is very well adapted to that change. We follow the trend and we are very innovative. We are always several products ahead.
What does the future hold for MACC UK Ltd?
So far a proud past so let’s say a bright future!
What expansion plans have you got nationally and internationally?
Having developed a successful sales network in France, MACC pursued their expansion in Italy, Spain and Belgium which met the same success. We want to go step by step and concentrate on each franchisee we take on board. If we manage to cover the 22 areas available in UK within 5 years, we will be more than happy.
What advice would you give to someone considering franchising their business?
Do not expect to find the right candidates straight away. It takes time
If you had to do it all again, what would you do differently:
Actually, we would start the same way. You cannot pretend to be perfect in the first place. It is important to learn from your mistakes and go forward.
If you look at the overall picture, MACC have a very enviable track record in the construction industry. We can be very proud of what we have achieved so far.