On the move

Two Men And A Truck launched at The National Franchise Exhibition in Birmingham in October. The franchise has grown to over 200 locations worldwide, and now offers opportunities across the UK for those interested in acquiring a management franchise.

The master franchise for the UK and Ireland was awarded to the Dublin based company DMG Group in 2006. The company also holds the Irish master franchise for Shred-it - the international on-site document destruction company that has grown into the largest service provider in the country.

Since being awarded the Two Men And A Truck franchise, the team, under the leadership of managing director Brian Hefferon, have been busy establishing a successful working model before recruiting franchisees. "It is important that we spend our time fully understanding the business before offering it to others to replicate," he says. "This ethical and prudent approach is sure to give confidence to potential UK franchisees."

The pilot in Dublin celebrated its second full year trading in September. It has followed the system closely and adapted only what was absolutely necessary, which has led the pilot to achieve trading figures that exceeded the average new start in the US, where the franchise has been operating successfully for over 20 years.

The franchise offers a local home and business moving service and takes advantage of a market where home and business owners are looking to keep costs down but do not want to compromise on service. With a strong operating model and custom-designed software, not to mention its distinctive and memorable name, the franchise has grown to some 202 locations worldwide.  

"People want value for money, they want to keep their spending down but also receive good service," says Mr Hefferson. "And when it comes to moving home or business we meet that need."

The Two Men And A Truck franchise positions itself in the market between the large international moving companies and the local man-and-a-van operator. In this market, the company says, there is no clear brand recognition and service levels vary considerably. "Through comprehensive training and detailed operating system, Two Men And A Truck offers its customers cost effective services with high service levels and wins market share from both segments of the market," it states.

Customer service is the mantra of the franchise and has been fundamental in its growth, earning high customer loyalty and referrals from those who have used the service. The business was named number one for customer service in the JD Power Home Moving survey, conducted with 3,000 people who had recently moved. "This award is proof that Two Men And A Truck lives by its core values and mission to exceed customers' expectations," the company says.

The company believes the management franchise has great earning potential and will attract a diverse range of franchisees. Franchisees do not typically work on the trucks but manage teams of movers, drivers and office staff, helping them to deliver the high levels of service the system is renowned for.

Now officially launched, Two Men And A Truck is expecting strong growth and plans to award eight marketing areas across the UK in the coming year.

Strong interest was expressed at The National Franchise Exhibition in Birmingham. "The people we spoke to instantly understood the concept and saw the potential for this niche market," says Mr Hefferon.

The first marketing area was awarded before the show to a husband and wife team in Belfast. Marketing areas average 500,000 people or 200,000 homes. Candidate selection is based on someone's ability to follow a proven system, their passion for customer service and a desire to build a successful business.

Further information can be obtained by calling 01904 435 195 or by emailing brianh@twomenandatruck.co.uk.  N

Investment level: Franchise fee: £30,000 Investment ranges between £110,000-£220,000, depending on a number of variables such as type of truck purchased, whether new or second-hand premises rented etc.
Liquid capital: £25,000-£50,000
Website:
www.twomenandatruck.co.uk
Email:
brianh@twomenandatruck.co.uk
Phone:
01904 435 195
Classification:
Removals