THE Local Group is one of the leading figures in the franchise industry. PlumbLocal has set new nationwide standards for the plumbing industry. With over 70 franchisees, a third of the UK population now has access to a reliable local plumber.

This figure is set to double in 2006 enabling PlumbLocal to be the largest company to offer a full reliable plumbing service throughout the UK. The commitment to providing a reliable service at a sensible price is driving PlumbLocal from strength to strength.

BathroomLocal.co.uk

The service has recently been extended with the launch of www.bathroomlocal.co.uk, an online showroom with over 3,000 product lines. With high quality ranges at very competitive prices that rival any high street retailer or major DIY chain, this market leading initiative enables PlumbLocal to offer both supply and fitting of bespoke bathrooms and bathroom fittings.

April 2005 saw the launch of ElecLocal, which is set to build a nationwide network of qualified, reliable electricians, eventually employing their own electricians and building lucrative businesses. ElecLocal provides full training: qualifications include City & Guilds 2391, 2381 as well as 2377-02, and obviously include the new legally required 'Part P', enabling successful applicants to re-train as highly skilled electricians with their own business. ElecLocal is utilising the already proven PlumbLocal business model and strategies. In its first months ElecLocal has received massive interest. With assessment days completed and training courses underway the first ElecLocal franchisees launch in September 2005.

A SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST Figures published by the Institute of Plumbing state that Britain can expect to see a shortfall of 29,000 plumbers by 2007. This severe skills shortage has meant that it has become increasingly difficult for customers to find a skilled, reliable and qualified plumber. The imbalance between demand and supply has left a massive gap enabling the 'cowboy' plumber to thrive. PlumbLocal's rapid growth is plugging the gap in the industry and protecting consumers from the frequently publicised 'rogue tradesman'. All PlumbLocal franchisees adhere to and believe in the company's philosophy: a reliable local plumber at a sensible price. Steve Baker, Chief Executive of the Local Group, comments: "Our franchisees are looking to build profitable and ethical businesses. Customers are alocated to franchisees and the aim is to build customer loyalty and strengthen the overall brand."

This customer-focused approach combined with the benefits of an extensive support network enables PlumbLocal plumbers to build and develop a successful business, employing qualified plumbers and running multi-vehicle operations in their local areas. Steve believes that outstanding customer service along with transparent and fair pricing will ensure that consumers nationwide will trust PlumbLocal when they need a plumber. "I am passionate about this business and am intent on providing a nationwide network of reliable service men," he says. "Our customer charter sets out a strict code of practice to which all PlumbLocal and ElecLocal franchisees must adhere. We offer a professional job for an honest price.

The IT revolution along with government initiatives to encourage young people to study for a degree after secondary education has meant that essential trades such as plumbing have been neglected leaving a vast skills shortage - there are real opportunities here."

The concept of a nationwide, accountable plumbing network was conceived five years ago and with the help of Michael Way, ex-Managing Director of Dyno Rod, PlumbLocal was launched. PlumbLocal's expansion has been a result of careful franchisee selection, City and Guilds training and a commitment to fully qualify each and every franchisee. Furthermore, every franchisee is encouraged and fully supported in developing and growing their own business. "With ambition and drive, a PlumbLocal franchise will become a profitable and successful multi-van operation," Steve comments. "PlumbLocal is a proven and profitable business opportunity. This is a lucrative business and a fantastic career opportunity for the right individual. "The ideal franchisee is someone with a good DIY background who is looking for a career change. We want practical people with drive and transferable skills. If an existing plumber wants to join the PlumbLocal team, that's fine. However, without the relevant qualifications they must still go through our comprehensive training programme, become fully qualified and adhere to the company's philosophy.

"We have to protect our brand. It is essential that the work of all PlumbLocal and ElecLocal franchisees is of an exceptionally high standard. However, the service delivery is of equal importance. Franchisees must turn up on time, wear their uniforms and keep their vehicles clean and tidy. All franchisees must be committed to providing a professional service at an honest price."

The PlumbLocal franchise package includes a new, fully fitted and sign-written van with a ply lined and racked vehicle interior, a van-mounted jetter to tackle drainage jobs, a complete set of quality tools and equipment neatly packed into the fittings of the van, and branded work wear.

The training programme lasts 11 weeks and includes both practical and theory-based training. Franchisees are expected carry out additional tasks every evening as they earn their City & Guilds qualification.

Topics covered in the training programme include good health and safety working practises, hot and cold water supply, basic electrical, hot water heating systems, drainage systems, working with sheet lead and complete bathroom installation. "These skills and equipment kick start the business and give any PlumbLocal plumber or ElecLocal electrician the perfect training and tools for the job," explains Steve. "Franchisees get everything to get started - as well as City and Guilds 6129 qualification, they are also trained in business and marketing. It is probably one of the most comprehensive franchise packages in the UK today.

"We provide a full set of personalised printed material including letterheads, business cards, invoices, fliers, promotional items and advertising campaigns, all of which will help get those calls coming in."

PlumbLocal also provides each franchisee with their own website and email address with online marketing support.

"Plumbers need to keep up with the times to secure a slice of the online market," adds Steve. "PlumbLocal's electronic booking system means no missed calls - both online and offline. In fact, our business systems are 95 per cent paper free - every plumber has his or her own laptop with an electronic appointment diary. We take their calls through our central call centre and then electronically update their diary. "This prevents double bookings, ensures a prompt service and guarantees that our plumbers arrive on time. We have competitors that are trying to copy our business model, but we remain the only franchise that is developing a fully qualified network."