As with all the best ideas, the Access4Lofts business concept is a simple one. The company installs loft hatches, loft ladders, boarding, lighting and insulation so that customers can utilise their loft space for storage, without the vast expense of a loft conversion.
Husband-and-wife team Tim and Lindsay Brown say: "In summary, we're in the business of creating space the easy and affordable way."
Tim adds: "Access4Lofts had operated for eight years previously, purely as a local operation in Plymouth with great success. However, we soon realised that there was a need for our service nationally and the best way to do this was franchise our business."
Following this decision, and after refining all their systems so they could be replicated, a pilot operation was launched in Preston, Lancashire, in 2013 by Graham Ormesher, Tim and Lindsay's friend. The operation was a huge success; the business grew quickly and by 2016 had achieved an annual turnover of £288,000, along with a conversion rate of 85 per cent (quotes to orders).
Further franchisee territories were established in Blackburn and Blackpool, and these businesses, in addition to Plymouth, continue to operate profitably.
In early 2017, Graham was invited to join the board of Access4Lofts to share his business skills and to help with the preparation of the franchise's national launch in 2018. The franchise will be relaunched with some significant improvements including a fully integrated, bespoke quoting, marketing and admin system.
Graham says: "This new system is definitely our unique selling point! No stress, no fuss – just a streamlined system that leaves franchisees free to concentrate on securing and satisfying customers.”
Access4Lofts has attracted franchisees from both 'trade' backgrounds and white-collar backgrounds. It is an associate member of the British Franchise Association (bfa) and is accredited by both Franchise Finance and Which? Trusted Traders.
To find out more, visit stand G220 at the bfa-supported National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham, on 16 & 17 February 2018.
