Providing an invaluable and highly sought after service to a wide range of catering establishments, FiltaFry has offered a franchise opportunity with great potential for many years. However, the recent launch of FiltaFry Plus now means that earnings opportunities for franchisees are enhanced.

The long established FiltaFry operation provides a professional fryer management service that has little or no direct competition. This service includes the onsite micro-filtration of cooking oils using a specially designed machine manufactured in FiltaFry's factory in Yorkshire, and the highly efficient vacuum-based cleaning of deep fat fryers.

Founded in the UK in 1996 as part of The Filta Group, FiltaFry began franchising the following year. "FiltaFry has already become recognised as one of the leading service franchises in the UK," reflects Chief Executive Roscoe Urosevic. "FiltaFry services many household names among its vast and varied client base, and has proved itself as an integral supplier to the catering industry."

Today the company has 280 outlets across the world in countries such as Australia, Portugal, USA, South Africa, Greece, Holland, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. More than 60 of these are in the UK and these will be the first to benefit from the 'Plus'.

"Our franchisees only need 30 to 40 customers in order to generate a good return on their investment," says Executive Director Charles Hill. "However, we wanted to offer them something extra and this is where FiltaFry Plus comes in. By additionally offering a specially developed range of own-label kitchen hygiene products to their established clients, many of whom treat them as trusted friends and advisors, our franchisees can now achieve added value sales from the same visit to a client's premises."

Oxford franchisee Steve Edwards was initially attracted to the business by the exclusivity of the Oxford territory and the fact that the business is based on weekly repeat visits. Servicing 45 customers, which equates to a weekly income of around £1,400, he is enjoying a more fulfilling and relaxed lifestyle than he did employed as a pharmaceuticals stock taker.

"I love the business and my customers are fantastic," Steve states. "I know that many of them will now want to purchase their kitchen hygiene supplies from me as well as I can deliver our top quality, great value products direct to their doors. They do not have to order any particular minimum quantity and these are the sorts of products they use anyway."

John Green previously served in the armed forces and is now the franchisee for Sheffield. "I enjoy flexible working hours and working from home means I have minimal overheads," he says. "The company training programme covers every aspect of the business from 'hands on' to management.

"FiltaFry's support team initially spent time with me in my territory and are always available to give advice and guidance regarding the business throughout the various key stages of its development as part of the company's ongoing mentoring programme. The fully liveried and fitted out van that you are provided with really acts as a mobile billboard for the business."

Acquiring a FiltaFry Plus franchise requires an initial investment of from £21,950 plus VAT and working capital. "Our strong relationships with the major financial institutions means that many of our franchisees can start with us with as little as £7,500 in liquid capital," says Charles. "Our franchisees require vision, effort, commitment and enthusiasm which we will match every step of the way."

Steve Edwards agrees: You'll only get out of the business what you put in, but I'd advise anyone looking for a franchise to choose FiltaFry Plus."