Granite Transformations enjoys steady growth

Granite Transformations has reported an annual sales increase of 15 per cent across its UK showroom network. The company puts its success down to homeowners opting for affordable kitchen makeovers while riding out the recession.

Franchise owner Darrell Smith has grown the monthly revenue of his Granite Transformations business from £15,000 to £102,000 in a single year. With his franchise growing steadily Darrell wouldn't have contemplated setting up a business on his own. Darrell said: "With a franchise operation, half the work is already done for you. In addition to an established business model, the systems have been created, there's a comprehensive training programme, streamlined product development and distribution, plus the obvious benefits of national and regional marketing support.

"It's tough setting up a business from scratch, especially on your own. But in an established group of franchise owners, as there is with Granite Transformations, there are other like-minded people with the same commercial objectives, whose ideas and experience you can tap into. Franchise meetings also provide an opportunity for social networking, intelligence sharing and comparing your sales performance with others. It's a very stimulating environment."

This year, Granite Transformations has reduced the price of entry, by providing centralised worktop manufacturing and eliminating the need to invest in a local production facility. Its franchise fees are from just under £30,000 and additional setting-up costs of around £34,000. In return, Granite Transformations provides in-depth product training, extensive sales and merchandising material, showroom and vehicle signage, bespoke management software and national television advertising and PR support.

Darrell added: "A franchise package like this, which combines a retail showroom and home selling, would suit anyone with direct sales experience. Besides, as has been proved over a difficult 12 month period, Granite Transformations' product virtually sells itself."