Bedecked in sequins, jewels and beads, Unzè's own-label ladies shoes and matching accessories for evening, casual and formal occasions have captured the imagination of women in every town the brand has opened stores. The range, which includes bridal wear and dress shoes, casual and fashion boots, evening wear, fashion pumps, and casual shoes, have a broad appeal attracting women from across the age groups.

Khuram Saleem, Unzè General Manager, sums up the appeal of the brand: "Our range is unique, innovative and stylish. Our extensive experience has taught us what sells, which means we get the stock right from the start and can update it at the right times to meet the latest fashions. The brand is regularly featured in top fashion magazines such as Vogue and Tatler, and our distinctive shops are sited in prime locations."

Unzè (Franchising Ltd) is the retail arm of Shalimar Shoes Ltd, a company established in 1989 by the Saleem family. Since the first franchised store opened in early 2005, the company has experienced rapid growth and currently has 10 franchisees in the UK and has opened its first international store in New York. The franchise model is built on the solid foundations of three company-owned stores in London and an established wholesale business. Its range is sold through some 700 independent UK retailers and in a further 900 locations overseas.

The franchise package has been developed under the guidance of FDS Franchise Consultant Paul Hague and is designed so people with no previous shoe sales or retail experience can open their own Unzè store. Sat Gill, a 23 year old graduate, and her 24 year old sister Karen, training to be a Chartered Accountant, are Unzè's youngest franchisees. Neither has managed a shop before but both have plenty of enthusiasm and family support.

"It was a spur of the moment decision to visit Unzè," Sat recalls. "We both wanted a retail business of our own and we were really impressed by everything Unzè were offering. We have a lot of support from Unzè and also from family members who already own businesses." In addition to the ability to fund the franchise with bank loans and family contributions, Sat and Karen also possessed the other essential ingredients Unzè looks for in its franchisees - namely confidence, management capabilities and a genuine desire to build and run their own business.

In preparation for launching the business Sat and Karen received comprehensive training at Unzè's head office training centre, the training shop and in their own store. "The training package was very good and included training for our staff so when we opened the store they were on the ball," adds Sat. "Unzè also helped us find our premises by putting us in contact with estate agents, visiting our chosen premises to ensure it was suitable, and negotiating with the landlord on our behalf. They then organised and project managed the shop fit for us."

Once their prime location in Birmingham city centre had been fitted out with the distinctive Unzè branding, Sat and Karen opened their store with a '50 per cent off' launch day promotion, which had people queuing up outside the shop before it opened. "The first day was manic but really good," Sat admits, "but we couldn't have done it without the support from Unzè's support team and our family."

Two months on and Sat and Karen have established a routine and feel confident knowing that they can call head office for support at any time. "This business is great fun, the shoes are beautiful, everyday is different, and you really get to know your customers," Sat offers "We're really impressed with Unzè and how the business operates and are considering opening a second store sometime in the future. Unzè is a fast growing brand with exclusive products that has the potential to grow to be one of the big high street brands."

According to Unzè the UK market for ladies shoes is huge, especially for attractive shoes that women look good and feel good in - the very shoes that are the basis of the Unzè range. "If the right products are available, they will always sell," confirms Khuram, "and increasingly Unzè is the name that pops into women's heads. As more shops open, this is a factor that can only increase."