The retail arm of telecoms giant Orange has launched a franchise development programme under which it aims to open a number of franchised stores in the UK this year. The company is already established in over 370 high street locations, a number which it expects to increase to 400 by the end of the year. Head of Retail Sian Doyle (pictured) sees franchising as fulfilling an 'opportunity for growth' in the market. "We have a strong brand presence on the high street and intend to continue our expansion by franchising," said Sian.
"Over the last two years, we have developed our strategy to trial our franchise model. Our brand is very successful on the high street and we maintain our position by delivering great customer service so our customers return to store.

"We are still growing and there is something for everyone from pay monthly to pay as you go, different price points and broadband offers. We have experienced year-on-year growth and wish to share this with our franchise partners. We have already selected one franchise partner to help us with this project and are looking for others nationwide to take on either a single unit or multiple unit franchise."

Orange introduced a new shop refit 18 months ago, which it has already rolled out across 170 of its stores and will implement in all new franchised shops. All franchised shops will carry the same product ranges as its company-owned locations. Orange franchise owners will benefit from training provided at one of Orange's 14 training centres of excellence, as well as ongoing support from Orange's operational team.

"We are looking for entrepreneurs who are keen to develop the business while maintaining the brand's integrity," continued Sian. "The Orange franchise represents a great opportunity to be part of a retail concept with good returns."

The franchise programme has been developed with the assistance of Franchise Development Services franchise consultants Gordon Patterson and Gary Rigby, who added: "The management of Orange Retail, in our professional opinion, have created a very attractive business format franchise offering. The Franchise Package delivers to the franchise owner the ingredients necessary for a very effective launch of the Orange franchise at a new location.

"The training programme is thorough and very comprehensive. The ongoing back-up and support services, which Orange as franchisor commit to deliver to their franchise owners, is superb. The franchise offering provides a genuine opportunity for franchise owners to build successful businesses under a trusted and highly credible brand."

Published: 23 July 2009

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