As the DIY and home improvement sector continues to boom as a result of national lockdowns and restrictions, Apollo Blinds is looking to increase the size of its franchise network by introducing three new flexible payment options. These will give budding business owners a choice of how best to finance the purchase of a franchise selling and installing the company’s range of quality made-to-measure window blinds, shutters, awnings and curtains.
The company – which is the UK’s largest window covering franchise network – is introducing the new payment options to reflect the different financial circumstances of people joining the network. It will be based on varying deposit levels, lower upfront investment and longer terms to spread the investment of becoming part of the franchise.
Until now, the fee to join Apollo Blinds was fixed and had to be paid in full before a franchisee could join the network. However, the business has reflected on global events over the last year and has come up with new entry levels to give prospective business owners more flexibility around paying to join the network.
Business Development Director Matt Thomas said the company is responding positively to changes in the UK economy, as demand for franchises is set to increase in 2021 as more people look to set up and run their own businesses.
“We have experienced strong trading conditions despite lockdowns and other restrictions over the last 12 months because there is a huge consumer appetite for home improvement,” said Matt. “This is coupled with the fact that more people are, sadly, coming into the labour market and becoming self-employed, and running your own business is an enticing option for many people.
“We recognised that we could appeal to more potential investors by offering greater flexibility around how they financed the fees to join Apollo Blinds.”
The entry-level cost for joining Apollo Blinds starts from just £14,000 for an initial five-year licence to trade as an Apollo Blinds franchise, which offers a one-stop-shop approach for homeowners who can have the choice of quality made-to-measure window blinds, shutters, awnings and curtains.
Initial training, a full set of collection books and point-of-sale material, technical field support, marketing support (including creating a website and social platforms), business development support and uniforms, as well as the licence fee, are all part of the Apollo Blinds franchise package.
Matt added that the company’s proactive online marketing activity means it is generating enquiries in areas where it currently doesn’t have franchisees. And this is why it is so keen to recruit more franchisees.
He said: “There’s never been a better time to join Apollo Blinds, with high demand for our products across the UK, and now we have more-flexible ways for people to become part of the UK’s largest window covering network.”
