Shuttercraft: a made-to-measure franchise opportunity

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.

Interior plantation shutters are the must-have window furnishing in the UK and over the past seven years statistics have shown a 30 per cent year on year increase in shutter sales within the domestic market. To put into perspective the market opportunity available in the UK, one in five windows in the USA currently has internal wooden shutters and it is thought that sales growth in the UK could follow a similar trend to that seen in the US, where shutters account for 14-20 per cent of a total market that was worth £1.6 billion in 2006.

Competitor
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Shutters are a serious competitor to conventional blinds and curtains due to their many unique selling points, and now is the time to enter into this exciting growth market with the UK’s most experienced shutter manufacturer, distributor and retailer. The Shuttercraft franchise was launched as a genuine business opportunity, retailing a beautiful and high quality product within a growing market.

These figures have been based on very conservative retail prices and on lower than average marketplace order values, as Shuttercraft takes the approach of under-promising and over-delivering. Shuttercraft Gloucestershire is over-achieving against budgeted figures on all levels - 25 per cent ahead on average order value and 55 per cent ahead of target on square metres sold.

Launched in January 2012, Shuttercraft Gloucestershire is owned by Matt Blewett who, fed up with the day to day grind of working for an employer, decided it was time to take his destiny into his own hands and start making serious money.

Following extensive research and after several meetings with the franchise team at Shuttercraft, it became clear to Matt this was the franchise for him. The most important USP that Shuttercraft offered, apart from the support it provided and the ability to get the franchise up and running rapidly, was the fact that the franchise parent company wasn’t being funded through the fees he was providing and that this opportunity was developed to increase shutter sales.

This meant that a large percentage of his franchise start-up fees would go directly back into the company by way of equipment, a lead generating website and, perhaps most importantly, a strategically targeted marketing launch for the franchise within its area.

It was made clear to Matt that this support would be continuous and that he was not alone. From the moment he started, he received on-site training with some of the UK’s most professional shutter surveyors and installers, professionals who are always at hand to take his questions and provide a positive solution. Monthly sales and marketing meetings are also scheduled in, which help to focus on the business’ objectives and how Matt can achieve them with the support from head office.

Luxury window product
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Shuttercraft’s plantation shutters are recognised as the premium product within the marketplace and the company’s franchise support package offers an accelerated route to market.

Shuttercraft shutters are designed to function around a customer’s needs. Shutters provide complete privacy when shut, split privacy to let the light in or can be opened completely, and can be manufactured to suit even the most awkward and unusual window shapes and styles, including bay windows, gables and arches.

With the most extensive plantation shutter range in today’s market, all Shuttercraft shutters are designed to ensure customers can create the look they’ve always wanted -contemporary and traditional.

Sales USPs include:

* Privacy and total light control.

* Economical - thermal insulation.

* Sound insulation.

* Low maintenance - quick and easy to keep clean.

* Excellent for dust allergies - less dust retention than curtains.

* Good investment.

Shuttercraft shutters are manufactured using state of the art manufacturing techniques coupled with a hand finished touch. The company’s factory is the largest shutter manufacturing facility in the world, has been ISO 2001 accredited since 1998 and is part owned by CVC who, among other companies, also own Formula.’ and Debenhams.

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) a 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, so it is important that 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.