Summary of Operation
Autosheen is a successful mobile specialist vehicle and marine valeting franchise. Autosheen franchise owners operate from a smartly-liveried, fully-equipped Mercedes and provide the ultimate in valeting and surface rectification (auto/marine) services to a huge, under-serviced marketplace. Bespoke quality services are provided using an exclusive range of world-class products especially developed for Autosheen.
Initial investment required from £13,995 + VAT
After more than two decades in retail management, Andy Spellar has finally realised his long held dream to be self-employed. Initially, Andy planned to build on his experience and open a shop, but he found the costs involved were simply unaffordable. Accordingly, he widened his search and began to look for a business opportunity that would better suit his budget as well as his aspirations for independence and flexibility.
“I shortlisted four or five different franchises,” he confirms. “Most were owner/operator, low overhead formats, but having visited Autosheen, I was so impressed with the professionalism of the management team and the fantastic quality of the service, I decided very quickly that this one was for me.”
Andy is one of Autosheen’s new recruits, having only joined the UK’s leading mobile valeting specialist in October. Just a few months down the line, Andy has been delighted with the strong support he’s received, his growing repeat order customer base and the tremendous job satisfaction he’s experiencing as his own boss.
“I absolutely love it! I wish I’d done this years ago, ” he declares. “I’m working really hard, but it’s by choice – there’s no pressure on me from anyone but myself and, for the first time in my working life, my income is directly related to the hours I put in. You get out of your business what you put in and extra hours mean extra reward.”
In 2011, Autosheen expanded further, with the emphasis on quality and specialist services continuing to attract those affluent customers least affected by the current economic climate. One of the great strengths of the franchise is its proven resilience during fluctuating economic climate.
What also sets Autosheen apart is its independent accreditation by the Institute of Motoring Industries (IMI) Awards, which means franchise owner training is second to none. Furthermore, as part of the highly regarded Farécla Group, specialist manufacturers of surface finishing products, Autosheen is able to offer services to customers well beyond traditional valeting. Farécla’s well established reputation in the marine industry, for example, has enabled Autosheen to develop a dedicated marine valeting service range that opens up a whole new income stream for franchise owners like Andy, who is based in the Norfolk Broads.
Other specialist services include paint defect restoration, machine polishing, minor scratch removal, detailing and application of Tribos protective coatings, which safeguard paintwork, glass, gel coats and upholstery for cars, boats, caravans and motor vehicles – even planes!
Autosheen’s new Tribos contract is expected to generate substantial additional work for franchise owners, and was awarded to the company in recognition of Autosheen’s dominant national brand position, customer service based infrastructure, independently verified quality standards of service and the reputation of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Winner Farécla.
Tribos is the lastest addition to a strong portfolio of national accounts for Autosheen, which includes the Royal Mail, More Th>n, Zipcar and most of the largest leasing companies in the UK. According to Managing Director Paul Fennell, access to this lucrative contract work provides franchise owners with a good stating point and a solid platform for future growth.
“Of course, investing in a franchise is not the same as having a job, and franchise owners are expected, with our help and support, to develop and build their own local customer base. Saying that, our national account work can offer a valuable additional revenue stream,” he continues. “The new Tribos account adds to our service offering, generates extra income opportunities and also burnishes Autosheen’s national reputation as the leading brand in our industry.”
Written by Megan Dunmore