Aspray is an award-winning property damage claims management service provider that helps property owners throughout the UK make successful building insurance claims. The company was founded in 2005 by managing director James Whittle, who has over 30 years’ experience within franchising and business development, with a clear vision to provide a personalised service that puts the policyholder firmly at the core of the business.
The first franchise opened in 2006 and it was clear from the start there was an appetite for the service Aspray provides. Since then, the brand has gone from strength to strength.
The role of an Aspray franchisee
Aspray franchisees’ first-class service includes:
- Visiting the policyholder’s premises within strict service level timescales
- Constantly focusing efforts towards gaining a fair settlement for the policyholder
- Assessing the damage to the property and creating a schedule of works
- Project managing vetted contractors and suppliers to ensure works are completed as swiftly and efficiently as possible
- Supervising the contractors and checking the quality of the reinstatement works
- Keeping the customer informed of progress at every stage
Franchisees follow a comprehensive sales and marketing strategy to help them build their business and are supported with hands-on training from a sales development manager.
When franchisees are not loss assessing and project managing insurance claims, they are often networking and promoting themselves – a key driver of business growth that’s been proven to help build awareness of the Aspray service and create claims leads for franchisees.
All new franchisees attend a 10-day induction training course, which has previously been accredited by the British Damage Management Association (BDMA). Aspray funds those franchisees who want to further enhance their professional competency by gaining a certified qualification from the BDMA after 12 to 18 months of trading.
The franchise purchase fee is £28,000 plus vat. Franchisees who require funding will need to be able to demonstrate to lenders that they have a minimum of £15,000 liquid capital available to contribute to their start-up costs.
An Aspray franchise can normally be run from home, making it ideal for those looking for a business with minimal operating costs. Aspray looks for self-motivated, likeable, professional individuals with people skills and the ability to influence others. A can-do, solution-orientated attitude to all tasks is key, as is the drive and genuine desire to build a profitable business, with a customer-centric focus.
The ideal background of a franchisee can be project management, director, quantity surveyor, financial services professional, building maintenance manager or leader, individual with leadership management experience or a previous business owner and those with leadership and problem-solving skills.