Knights in shining armour

Right! After a great deal of research and preparation, you are now ready to launch your new franchised outlet. Well, nearly... The final part of the puzzle is the shopfit. Your interface with your customers.

After 18 years experience, Knights Shopfitting knows that its 'one-stop' package can help to ensure an almost headache-free run up to the launch of a retail business and beyond. Knights offers a complete service, from initial shop design and drawing, through project management to a complete shopfitting service.

Case study - Chips Franchise Ltd

Chips Franchise Ltd approached Knights Shopfitting five years ago when this successful video games, consoles and accessories retailer began expanding its concept across the country. It has since proved to be a very successful partnership, as joint managing director of Chips Franchise, Nik Agar confirmed: 'Knights has carried out every store fit for us in the last five years from Glasgow to the south coast. Their standard of workmanship is superb, competitively priced and, very importantly, the job has always been completed right on schedule.

'The relationship works extremely well for us; Knights know what we want and so far all our shopfits have run very smoothly. The brand is very important to Chips Franchise, and Knights have helped us maintain that standard right across the country.'

The service Upon first contact, Knights will want to sit down and establish your needs, gaining as much information as possible to help build a concept. These initial discussions are crucial and will result in the finished product that a client is aiming for. If a client wishes to take advantage of the design and drawing service, they are taken under the wing of Mick Robinson (pictured). Mick will put the concept into a draft design which, in turn, will be put into a full specification working plan for shopfitters to work from, ensuring there are no unforeseen expenses or complications. Once the client has secured the retail unit and all legalities have been adhered to, Knights will swing into action once more. For many, having a shopfitter is not always enough - it's almost essential to have a project manager on the job. This, again, is something Knights can offer, freeing clients to focus on their business instead of worrying about which plumber, electrician or carpet fitter to use; whether a permit is needed for a skip; will it need disabled access? The list is endless. The final process is the actual fitting and kitting out of the shop. Mick, again, is central to this process, acting as hands-on foreman and coordinating all the trades to ensure, ultimately, that the opening date is achieved to specification and within budget. The retail industry is very competitive and forever changing. Nothing should be left to chance. Getting it right in the beginning with up-to-date regulations and the latest technology will undoubtedly give a franchisee a head start. Mick Robinson is a Knight's director responsible for on-site project management, shopfits and designs, plans and drawings. Knights was established in 1985. For further information see the website at www.knightsshopfitting.com or tel 01248 852 137