Activ-ly involved

Many more small businesses in the UK could soon have their own internet presence thanks to the launch of Activ Web Design - an exciting new franchise opportunity

According to latest statistics only 50 per cent of Britain's sole traders and smaller companies have websites and of those sites only a small percentage have been professionally designed.

Activ Web Design - launched by the team behind successful loyalty discount card franchise UK Websaver - plans to change that by making website development more accessible and cost effective to even the smallest business.

As well as netting benefits for such businesses, the franchise also offers great earnings potential for prospective franchisees seeking a rewarding new challenge.

To celebrate the new franchise's launch, Activ Web Design is offering the first 20 franchisees a special package - details of which can be found by visiting www.opportunity.activwebdesign.com.

With the initial cost of buying an Activ Web Design franchise starting from £6,995 this opportunity is competitively priced.

The one off payment gives franchise holders full business ownership of the product and a section of the Activ Web Design website allowing them to market themselves as fully operational website designers.

A monthly management fee of £125 will also be payable to cover the cost of ongoing sales and marketing support.

Among the new franchise's major selling points in addition to cost is its wide market potential and ease of usage.

No previous website design experience is needed as the product is so simple to use, allowing franchisees with little or no technical knowledge to create websites for business customers in a matter of hours.

Simon Rickett, co-director of Activ Web Design, adds that the chance to escape the daily grind of a nine to five job and make a good income are also big attractions. ‘The cost for businesses to have a website designed costs thousands - however here at Activ, we have designed a pricing structure that ensures small and medium sized business will take full advantage of what we are offering. Our websites are built for £500 plus a further charge of £250 per year for ongoing development. What this means is that franchisees can earn an excellent income straight away and also a long-term residual income.'

‘Many businesses do not require a highly technical, sophisticated site - just web pages which are easy to navigate and which enable them to promote their businesses on-line.

‘So many business people are currently missing out by not adding a website to their marketing mix - which means there is vast untapped potential out there for a venture like ours.'

It is web design made easy and should prove attractive to even the most technophobic, cost conscious business owners and managers.

As for people looking for a change in direction and seeking to become their own boss via the franchising route, Activ Web Design allows them the freedom to work the hours that suit them best.'

Phillip Bentham who is one of the first users of the product, states: ‘I have been using Activ Web Design for over a month now and have built several sites that my clients have been more than happy with, it is easy to use and I can build and complete a website within a few hours - what makes it so great is how simple it is to use.'

Even people with young families or other work commitments should be able to find the time to design around five sites a month, generating an income of about £30,000 per year.

Previous experience is unimportant too. Those franchisees who perhaps only previously used their computers to book holidays and email their friends will find they're soon making websites both they and their customers can be proud of.'

The Activ Web Design product has been developed to ensure franchises can design websites that look professional and incorporate all the latest design features and technology.

A versatile product, it can be used to design the most basic web presence though to on-line shopping sites and professional managed sites with unlimited content.

Retail addresses can be created for all websites with franchisees and their customers provided with domain names of their choice.

Activ Web Design is brought to you by the same team behind UK Websaver. UK Websaver was the fastest growing franchise of 2007, since its launch last year it now has over 350 franchises in operation across the UK. Simon Rickett and Dillon Boivin, the driving force behind UK Websaver, and now Activ Web Design, fully expect their new franchise to gain the same recognition as their first.

Activ Web Design franchise holders will receive a business pack containing information on how to set up their office, how to prepare a successful business plan, advice on marketing and selling techniques plus information on how to manage their accounts.

They will also be given a stationery pack which includes everything they will need to run their business including letterheads, business cards, invoice forms plus other essential stationery items.

As effective promotion of the new product and how it works is key to the success of the franchise, every franchisee will also receive a media pack.

An invaluable support tool when visiting new customers, this will contain all the services that Activ Web Design offers.

Training too is seen as a priority for all franchisees with each person attending an initial three-hour welcome training day with the franchise's advisers. This will not only familiarise franchisees with the product and how it works but will ensure they are aware of what businesses can achieve by investing in it.

On becoming an Activ Web design owner, franchise holders will receive constant online and telephone support from the franchise's advisers. They also offer one to one training with any of their franchisees who require that extra bit of assistance.

Simon adds: ‘Our advisers are there to help the franchisees grow their business and to assist them on how to tackle the challenges of their marketplace. They will also be able to answer questions regarding usage of the product.

In addition franchisees will gain access to a forum where they can share ideas with other Activ Web Design owners on how to make their franchise work. Regular newsletters and training seminars will also help our franchisees keep up to date with latest advances in the IT market.'
As well as the financial rewards, franchisees also stand to gain substantial benefits from being self-employed.

These include the freedom and flexibility to decide what to do and when to do it, improved quality of life and the security which comes from developing a strong sustainable business in what is a growth market.
Simon adds: ‘On top of this, successful franchisees will also enjoy the respect earned from running a thriving business - and with it enhanced confidence and self esteem. These are relevant factors when striving to achieve a happy work life balance but are all too often undervalued or disregarded.

To make the business work franchisees must be determined, motivated and creative but there is no restriction on how far they choose to take their business.

Everyone is different with some people perhaps happy to run Activ Web Design on a part time basis with others opting to make it their main source of revenue.

‘Whatever option they choose though, the combination of an excellent product, great business support and huge market potential make this new franchise a winning opportunity.'
To find out more about this new and exciting franchise opportunity please contact them on 0845 094 0497 or visit www.opportunity.activwebdesign.com. Remember the first 20 franchisees will benefit from a fantastic introductory launch, details of which can be found on the website.

Investment level: Initial cost from £6,995 plus a monthly management fee of £125
Telephone: 0845 094 0497
Web: www.opportunity.activwebdesign.com
Business type: Web design